About WhatsApp keywords
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Learn about WhatsApp keywords, including how compliance and subscribe keywords work, and how autoresponders and notifications function within WhatsApp message flows.
What are WhatsApp keywordsWhat are WhatsApp keywords
WhatsApp keywords are automated words or phrases that trigger specific actions in Klaviyo. These keywords help you meet compliance standards, manage customer preferences, and automate common responses.
There are three main types of WhatsApp keywords:
- Compliance keywords — to manage opt-ins and opt-outs
- Subscribe keywords — used for voluntary opt-ins
- Autoresponder keywords — trigger when someone sends an unrecognized keyword or message
Each type plays a unique role in maintaining deliverability and trust with your audience.
Compliance keywordsCompliance keywords
Compliance keyword responses are automatically toggled on to respond when someone replies to one of your WhatsApp messages. These keywords help ensure legal compliance and support double opt-in workflows.
Keep in mind: Keyword and response pairs are available in multiple languages.
Compliance keywords include:
| Keyword(s) | Default response | Details |
| STOP, STOPALL, UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL, END, QUIT | You have successfully unsubscribed from WhatsApp updates. | This message is sent after someone opts out. |
| YES, Y | You have successfully subscribed to WhatsApp updates. | Only applies after someone confirms they want to subscribe using double opt-in. |
Double opt-in is only available for paid Mobile Messaging plans.
Subscribe keywords
A subscribe keyword allows someone to opt in to your WhatsApp messages (for example, JOIN).
These differ from compliance keywords because they are a marketing opt-in method, not a legal requirement.
When a person sends your subscribe keyword, they are added to your specified list and can start receiving campaigns or flows.
You can create custom subscribe keywords that:
- Contain between 3 and 20 characters
- Use only letters and numbers (A–Z, 0–9)
- Exclude spaces and special symbols
- Avoid overly common words (such as “the,” “that,” or “and”)
Autoresponders
Autoresponders automatically send a confirmation or welcome message after a contact subscribes through a keyword.
In Helpdesk, you can edit:
- The autoresponder message itself to match your brand tone
- The email notifications associated incoming unrecognized keywords
Best practices
- Keep compliance responses concise and consistent across languages.
- Regularly test that opt-in and opt-out messages trigger correctly.
- Review autoresponder tone to align with your brand voice.
- Use a clear confirmation path when implementing double opt-in.