Learn about DLT content templates — their types, format requirements, examples, and best practices. Ensure compliance and create effective SMS campaigns with TRAI-approved template formats.
A DLT Template refers to a Content Template registered by an Enterprise with the DLT operator. These templates are used for sender communication and include variables in part of the content that need to be approved by the provider and registered on the DLT platform.
Every SMS sent via a DLT-compliant system must use a pre-approved template. The template defines the structure of the message, and variables ({#var#}) are used for dynamic content like OTPs, amounts, or names.
There are four categories of DLT templates, each with specific content template guidelines:
These templates are used for sending transaction-related messages, such as order confirmations or account alerts. Any message that includes a One-Time Password (OTP) and is necessary to complete a banking transaction initiated by a customer typically falls under this category.
This applicability extends to all types of banks, including national, scheduled, private, government-owned, and multinational corporations (MNCs).
Actual Message
DLT Template Format
Actual Message
DLT Template Format
Service Implicit templates are used for service messages sent without explicit customer consent. Implicit Consent refers to permission that can be reasonably deduced or inferred from the customer's behavior or the established relationship between the message recipient and sender.
Any message that results from the customer's actions or their established relationship with the sender, is non-promotional in nature, and is not in the customer's best interest to block, is classified as a service message with inferred consent.
Actual Message
DLT Template Format
Actual Message
DLT Template Format
These templates are specifically for service messages sent with explicit customer consent, which has been directly verified from the recipient in a robust and verifiable manner. This consent is recorded by a consent registrar.
These templates are used for service messages that do not fit into the service-implicit category. In essence, they are messages where the recipient has provided clear and confirmed consent for the communication — such as recommending or promoting other products or services to existing customers.
Actual Message
DLT Template Format
Actual Message
DLT Template Format
These templates are for promotional content, including marketing messages and advertisements. They are intended to promote or sell a product, goods, or service. Messages that combine service-related content with promotional content are typically considered promotional.
These messages should only be sent to customers after performing a preference and consent scrubbing process. This involves ensuring that recipients have provided explicit consent for receiving promotional content in addition to service-related information.
Before you can use these templates, you need to complete DLT registration for your business.
Follow these recommended practices to ensure your DLT templates are approved quickly and your SMS campaigns remain compliant.