Problem
Since Meta introduced the 24-hour messaging restriction, we now have to use Utility Message Templates to send broadcasts to Messenger subscribers outside the 24-hour window.
The problem is that Utility Message Template buttons currently support only external URLs.
For ManyChat users this creates a poor experience because we cannot trigger a flow directly from the button.
Instead we have to:
- create a Messenger Entry Link
- insert that URL into the Utility Template
- when the user taps the button, Messenger opens the device browser
- the browser redirects back into Messenger
- only then does the automation start
This extra step causes a significant drop-off.
Many users:
- don't wait for the redirect,
- close the browser,
- have browser restrictions,
- or the redirect simply doesn't work correctly on their device.
As a result, a large percentage of subscribers never enter the automation.
Proposed solution
Allow Utility Message Template buttons to have an additional action besides Open Website:
▶ Start ManyChat Automation
Exactly like buttons inside normal Messenger messages.
Instead of requiring an external Entry Link URL, let us select:
- Flow
- Automation
- Starting Step
directly from ManyChat.
Example:
Button:
Learn More
Action:
Start Automation
→ Our Offer
→ Step 1
instead of
Button:
Learn More
Action:
Open URL
https://m.me/....
Benefits
- Better user experience
- No browser redirect
- Higher click-to-flow conversion
- Fewer users lost during redirection
- Simpler setup for creators
- Cleaner broadcasts
Why this matters
Messenger broadcasts are becoming increasingly dependent on Utility Message Templates.
Right now, the inability to launch a flow directly forces every ManyChat user to rely on a browser redirect, even though the destination is another ManyChat automation.
This feels like an unnecessary workaround.
Giving Utility Message Template buttons the ability to Start Automation directly would make Messenger broadcasts much more reliable and significantly improve conversion rates.