# Build and preview a WhatsApp message

Add reply buttons, a menu, media or a carousel. Preview your message in a phone layout, then copy the JSON payload or cURL request for Bird’s API. No account or installation required.

## Build messages for customer conversations

Choose a message type and edit its content to explore the wording and layout. Add media, share a location or contact card, or give customers buttons and menus to reply with. The preview is a guide; appearance can vary by device and WhatsApp version. Reply buttons and menu rows include identifiers that your automation can use to handle customer selections. The builder generates these identifiers for you, and you can edit them to match your workflow. Send these messages within 24 hours of a customer’s latest message. Outside that window, use an approved template. Read the WhatsApp message types guide

## Send test messages from your dashboard

Create a Bird account and connect a WhatsApp number to build and send test messages from your dashboard. To use the message you built here, copy its API request and add your workspace details and credentials.



## Related resources

- [Connecting WhatsApp to Bird: from buying a number to a live channel](/learn/whatsapp/connecting-whatsapp-to-bird) (video)
- [Sending WhatsApp messages](/docs/guides/whatsapp/sending-whatsapp) (docs)
- [What is the 24-hour customer service window on WhatsApp?](/explained/whatsapp/what-is-the-24-hour-customer-service-window) (answer)
- [Build your first integration](/learn/paths/integration) (course)

[Get an implementation brief](/learn/workspace?topic=whatsapp)