Generic template

Updated: Apr 22, 2026

The generic template is a simple structured message that includes a title, subtitle, image, and up to three buttons. You may also specify a default_action object that sets a URL that is opened in the Messenger webview when the template is tapped.

Carousel

The Messenger Platform supports sending a horizontally scrollable carousel of generic templates. To create a scrollable carousel, include up to 10 generic templates in the elements array of the payload.

Request URI

https://graph.facebook.com/v25.0/me/messages?access_token={PAGE_ACCESS_TOKEN}

Payload properties

Property	Type	Description
`template_type`	String	Must be `generic`.
`elements`	Array	An array of `element` objects that describe each item. Maximum of 10 elements.
`sharable`	Boolean	Optional. Set to `true` to enable the native share button in Messenger for the template message. Defaults to `false`.

`element` properties

At least one property must be set in addition to title.

Property	Type	Description
`title`	String	The title to display in the template. 80 character limit.
`subtitle`	String	Optional. The subtitle to display in the template. 80 character limit.
`image_url`	String	Optional. The URL of the image to display in the template.
`default_action`	Object	Optional. The default action executed when the template is tapped. Accepts the same properties as URL button, except `title`.
`buttons`	Array	Optional. An array of buttons to append to the template. Maximum of 3 buttons per element.

Sample request

curl -X POST -H "Content-Type: application/json" -d '{
  "recipient":{
    "id":"<PSID>"
  },
  "message":{
    "attachment":{
      "type":"template",
      "payload":{
        "template_type":"generic",
        "elements":[
           {
            "title":"Welcome!",
            "image_url":"https://raw.githubusercontent.com/fbsamples/original-coast-clothing/main/public/styles/male-work.jpg",
            "subtitle":"We have the right hat for everyone.",
            "default_action": {
              "type": "web_url",
              "url": "https://www.originalcoastclothing.com/",
              "webview_height_ratio": "tall"
            },
            "buttons":[
              {
                "type":"web_url",
                "url":"https://www.originalcoastclothing.com/",
                "title":"View Website"
              },{
                "type":"postback",
                "title":"Start Chatting",
                "payload":"DEVELOPER_DEFINED_PAYLOAD"
              }
            ]
          }
        ]
      }
    }
  }
}' "https://graph.facebook.com/v25.0/me/messages?access_token=<PAGE_ACCESS_TOKEN>"

Sample response

{
  "recipient_id": "1254477777772919",
  "message_id": "AG5Hz2Uq7tuwNEhXfYYKj8mJEM_QPpz5jdCK48PnKAjSdjfipqxqMvK8ma6AC8fplwlqLP_5cgXIbu7I3rBN0P"
}

Best practices

Use for messages with a consistent information hierarchy (for example, product or article previews, weather forecasts).

Use the correct aspect ratio for your image. Photos in the generic template that are not 1.91:1 are scaled or cropped.

Do not use if your message does not have structured information or require hierarchy.

Do not use if you need people to be able to zoom your image to full screen.

Do not use GIFs in the template if you intend for them to be animated. GIFs are supported but are not animated.

Carousel best practices

Use a carousel when there is a priority order to your content — the first item is probably the most interesting.

Strive for consistency. If one bubble has a photo, include a photo in all of them.

Minimize the number of generic templates in your carousel. Too many makes it hard for people to remember all the options.

Do not mix types of content. If you include an article next to a list of products, your experience could cause confusion.

Do not use a carousel when it is important that people see everything in the list. They may not scroll to the end.