Who This Is For / When to Use Use this trigger if you run Click-to-WhatsApp ads or Facebook Page CTAs and want to automatically respond, route, or follow up the moment a high-intent lead messages you.
What Triggers This Workflow
This workflow trigger activates when all of the following are true:
The user is on Android or iOS.
The user clicks a Click-to-WhatsApp Ad or a Facebook Page CTA.
The user sends a WhatsApp message.
When the trigger fires, the contact is immediately enrolled in the workflow.
Key Features and Benefits
Instant Lead Engagement
The workflow runs the moment the message is received.
This ensures immediate engagement while intent is highest.
Cost-Efficient Messaging Window
Replying within 24 hours opens a 72-hour free entry-point window.
During this window, all WhatsApp messages (template or free-form) are free.
Granular Automation Control
You can filter by Ad ID, Post ID, or URL.
This allows different automations per campaign or creative.
Automated Follow-Up
Actions such as tagging, pipeline updates, assignments, or webhooks can run automatically.
No manual intervention is required after setup.
How to Set Up the Click to WhatsApp Ads Trigger
Step 1: Create a New Workflow
Go to Automations in the left menu.
Select Workflows.
Click + Create Workflow.
Choose Start from Scratch.
Step 2: Add the Click to WhatsApp Ads Trigger
Click Add New Trigger.
Select Click to WhatsApp Ads from the trigger list.
Confirm the trigger name if needed.
Step 3: (Optional) Add Trigger Filters
Use filters if you want the workflow to fire only for specific ads or posts.
Available filters include:
Ad ID
Post ID
URL
Click Add filters.
Select the filter type.
Enter the matching value.
Step 4: Add Workflow Actions
After saving the trigger, add actions such as:
Send WhatsApp message
Assign contact to a user
Update pipeline stage
Apply tags
Fire a webhook
You can branch logic using conditions if needed.
Step 5: Review and Activate
Review the trigger and actions.
Publish and activate the workflow.
Once active, new WhatsApp messages from ads or CTAs will automatically start the workflow.
Free Entry-Point Conversation Rules
The 72-hour free messaging window opens when the user messages you after clicking the ad or CTA.
You must respond within 24 hours to activate the free window.
During the 72-hour window:
Unlimited messages are allowed.
No template fees apply.
After 72 hours:
Normal WhatsApp conversation charges apply.
Paid templates are required to re-engage.
Common Issues and Fixes
Workflow Did Not Trigger
Confirm the message came from a Click-to-WhatsApp Ad or Facebook CTA.
Confirm the user messaged from Android or iOS.
Check that filters (Ad ID, Post ID, URL) match correctly.
Free Messaging Window Did Not Open
Verify a reply was sent within 24 hours.
Automated replies count as valid responses if sent within the window.
FAQ
What counts as a trigger event?
A trigger event occurs when a user taps a Click-to-WhatsApp ad or Facebook Page CTA and sends a WhatsApp message on a mobile device.
What happens if I reply after 24 hours?
If you reply after 24 hours, the free messaging window does not open and a paid template is required to re-engage.
Can I mix template and non-template messages?
Yes. Free-form messages are allowed within the 24-hour service window. After that, only template messages are permitted.
How are charges handled?
Messages sent within the 72-hour free entry-point window incur no additional fees. After the window expires, standard WhatsApp charges apply.
Can I filter messages by Ad ID or Post ID?
Yes. You can filter the trigger using Ad ID, Post ID, or URL for precise campaign-level automation.
What happens if the user does not message after clicking the ad?
If the user does not send a WhatsApp message, the workflow will not trigger and the free messaging window will not open.
Do automated bot replies qualify as a response?
Yes. Automated replies sent through the workflow within 24 hours count as valid responses and activate the 72-hour free window.