Creating WhatsApp Flows
You can create WhatsApp Flows using Meta's Flow Builder or use the 1MSG API for programmatic management.
Creating a Flow with Flow Builder in WhatsApp Manager
Creating a Flow scenario
To create message flows using Meta's Flow Builder you need access to your WhatsApp Manager.
This is one of the simplest and fastest ways to create a WhatsApp Flow.
Use the Flow Builder in WhatsApp Manager to create and edit Flow scenarios.
Go to your WhatsApp Manager and select Account tools > Flows.
Select "Start building Flows" or, if you already have Flows, click "Create scenario" (as in our screenshot above).
Fill in the Name and Category of the Flow, and choose the template type: static or dynamic Flow. Click "Create".
Note: You can already create static and dynamic Flows. Dynamic Flows require generating an encryption key pair and configuring Setup Data Channel for secure data transfer. Setup Data Channel generation is currently in development. For implementation timelines, please contact support..
After creating the Flow, the JSON file editor opens with a live preview on the right
Define screens and components for your flow.
Select "Run" to preview any changes, such as updated headers or other parameters.
When you are satisfied that everything is set up correctly, click "Save".
Playground — quick way to configure the JSON file
Businesses can build a scenario without programming knowledge or working directly with the JSON file. Use the Playground for this.
In the Playground you can:
quickly create a basic scenario using a visual editor.
test the logic.
assemble the screen structure.
verify correctness via preview.
Playground is convenient for initial scenario assembly without deep development.
No programming required.
When the basic logic is set up, you can copy the JSON file:
Paste directly into Flow Builder — to create the Flow in WhatsApp Manager and test the scenario.
Hand off to developers — if you need a more complex or customized Flow, they can refine the JSON (e.g. add conditions, integrations, dynamic data).
When is developer involvement needed?
A developer is needed when you want to:
add conditional logic
integrate an endpoint
configure dynamic data
optimize the JSON structure
fix validation errors
customize field names, etc.
Publishing a Flow scenario
When you create or edit and save the Flow’s JSON content, it remains in "Draft" state. Draft Flows are only available for testing. To make your flow available to a wider audience, you need to publish it.
To publish a flow:
Resolve all validation errors and publishing checks.
Ensure the scenario follows WhatsApp’s flow design principles.
Ensure the flow complies with the WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy.
When everything is ready, open the Flow and select "Publish".
Creating a Flow scenario with the 1MSG API
The Flows section contains methods for managing WhatsApp Flow scenarios. All methods work via the API and allow you to create, edit, get previews, and publish scenarios.
Documentation link:
Summary of methods:
Create a Flow: creates a new scenario. Returns the ID of the created flow and its main metadata.
Get Flows List: returns a list of all created scenarios on the current channel with their statuses.
Get Flow Details: retrieves detailed information about a specific scenario by its ID.
Update Flow Metadata: updates an existing scenario (e.g. name, description).
Update Flow JSON: updates the JSON structure of screens or settings.
Delete Flow: deletes a scenario. Only possible for flows in draft status.
Get Flow Preview: returns a preview of the scenario for testing before publication.
Publish Flow: publishes the scenario and sets its status to published, making it available for use in templates and messages.
Deprecate Flow: moves a published scenario to inactive status so it is no longer used in new messages.
Useful resources
Playground — quick way to configure the JSON file without programming.
Tips for configuring Flows for business (Best Practices).
Description of the JSON file structure.
Meta use cases:
Guide #1: Collecting purchase intent information.
Guide #2: Capturing leads for pre-approved loan/credit card.
Guide #3: Drawing attention to a personalised offer.
Guide #4: Insurance offer.
Sending a WhatsApp Flow
Sending WhatsApp FlowLast updated