How to create a Click-to-WhatsApp ad with a “Subscribe” keyword

Create a Click-to-WhatsApp ad that automatically adds new WhatsApp subscribers to your Klaviyo list using a Subscribe keyword.

Before you begin

Before creating your ad, make sure you have:

• A connected WhatsApp Business Account in Klaviyo

• A Subscribe keyword created in Klaviyo, linked to a list and flow

• Access to Meta Ads Manager to create and manage campaigns

• A connected Facebook Page and WhatsApp Business number

Create your Click-to-WhatsApp ad in Meta Ads Manager

Follow these steps to create your Click-to-WhatsApp ad:

1. Go to Meta Ads Manager.

2. Click Create, then choose an objective that supports messaging, such as Messages or Engagement.

3. Under Conversion location, select Messaging apps.

4. In the Messaging apps section, choose WhatsApp.

5. Select your connected Facebook Page and WhatsApp Business number.

6. Configure your targeting, budget, and schedule as usual.

Add your pre-filled message

In the Ad creative section, add your visuals and primary text.

1. Scroll to the Message template or Prefilled message field.

2. Enter a short pre-filled message that includes your Subscribe keyword.
   For example:

   Hi! I’d like to Subscribe.
   

   or simply:

   Subscribe
   

3. Do not enable automated replies or templates in Meta, as Klaviyo will handle the message response and follow-up automatically.

Connect your Subscribe keyword in Klaviyo

Your keyword determines what happens when someone messages you with that word.

1. In your Klaviyo account, go to Settings > Channels > WhatsApp > Keywords.

2. Click + Add keyword or open your existing Subscribe keyword.

3. Under List, choose the list where new subscribers should be added (for example, WhatsApp subscribers).

4. Click Save changes.

Trigger a flow when profiles are added to the list

Once your keyword is connected to a list, you can trigger a flow whenever someone is added to that list.

1. Go to Flows in Klaviyo.

2. Click Create Flow.

3. Choose List as the flow trigger.

4. Select the same list you connected to your Subscribe keyword (e.g., WhatsApp subscribers).

5. Add your desired messages, actions, or filters to the flow.

6. Set the Flow to Live when finished.

Test your setup

Before publishing your ad widely:

1. Click Preview ad in Meta Ads Manager.

2. Click the WhatsApp button in the preview to test the user experience.

3. Verify that WhatsApp opens correctly and the pre-filled message includes your “Subscribe” keyword.

4. Send the message.

5. In Klaviyo, confirm that:

   • The contact appears in your linked WhatsApp list.

   • The Subscribe Flow triggers automatically.

Once verified, your ad and flow are ready to collect WhatsApp subscribers.