Documentation
RCSSMS
RCSSMS
  1. RCS
  • RCS INTRODUCTION
  • RCS Message Support
  • Messages
    • Text
      POST
    • Text Suggestions
      POST
    • Stand Alone Card
      POST
    • Carousel Card
      POST
    • Media
      POST
  • FAQ
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Webhook
    • Webhook
  1. RCS

RCS INTRODUCTION

What is RCS (Rich Communication Services)?#

RCS is a modern messaging protocol that enhances the standard SMS (Short Message Service) and MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) systems used on mobile networks. It was developed by the GSMA (GSM Association) to provide a richer, more interactive messaging experience, similar to what users get from messaging apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, or Facebook Messenger.

How It Works#

RCS uses IP-based messaging rather than the legacy SMS network. This means messages are transmitted via your internet connection, whether it’s Wi-Fi or mobile data. It requires:
An RCS-compatible messaging app (e.g., Google Messages)
RCS-enabled carrier network (many global carriers now support it)
RCS-compatible device (most modern Android phones support RCS)
The flow of conversation between your agent and a user is similar to a conversation between two people, with each party taking turns speaking, listening, and responding to the other.
Your RBM agent initiates conversations with users. Users can't start conversations with your agent, but once the agent starts a conversation, the user can reply at any time.
Your agents sends the first message when it receives an external trigger that you configure. A trigger can be anything and depends on your agent's use case:
A package ships
It's time to send daily lunchtime sandwich deals
A user contacts customer support in chat
rcs-architecture-diagram.png
When your agent receives the trigger, the agent sends a message to the user's device with the RCS Business Messaging API. Your agent sends all messages, events, and other requests to the user through the RBM API as HTTP requests with JSON payloads. The user receives the message in the Messages app on their device.
If the device doesn't support RCS, the agent should fall back to another technology, such as SMS.

RCS vs SMS vs MMS#

FeatureSMSMMSRCS
Text Only✅✅✅
Image/Video Sharing❌✅✅ (high-res)
Group Messaging❌✅ (basic)✅ (modern)
Read Receipts❌❌✅
Typing Indicators❌❌✅
Wi-Fi/Data Usage❌❌✅
End-to-End Encryption❌❌✅ (only in some RCS apps like Google Messages for 1:1 chats)

💼 Business Messaging with RCS#

RCS is a powerful tool for businesses and customer engagement:#

Branded messages with logos, names, and verified checkmarks
Transactional messages: receipts, flight updates, delivery tracking
Marketing: carousel ads, coupons, interactive promos
Conversational commerce: customers can chat, shop, or book directly in the app
This turns a basic SMS into an app-like experience without requiring a separate app download.

Let’s take a closer look at the different types of RCS message formats available for business communication.#

1. Basic messages#

Basic messages are a foundational type of RCS messaging type designed to provide brands with a straightforward way to reach their customers. Each Application-to-Person (A2P) message is limited to 160 characters and includes only text and URL previews, similar to SMS. Messages that are longer than this will be converted to a Single message, which can handle longer content

Ideal scenarios for using Basic RCS messaging#

Basic RCS messages are ideal for quick, one-time updates—like sending a one-time password or alerting users to a time-sensitive offer or upcoming event. You can also add URL previews to drive traffic to your website or landing pages.
They’re a great way to start using RCS without switching to a new messaging API. In many cases, businesses can use their existing SMS setup, with messages automatically upgraded to RCS on supported devices.
Since all RCS messages come from verified sender profiles and include branded elements, businesses can maintain a trusted and professional presence—with little extra effort.

2. Single Rich messages#

These messages go beyond basic text and include multimedia elements to create a more engaging and interactive experience. They are often used for marketing campaigns, product showcases, and other scenarios where visual content is important.

Ideal scenarios for using Basic RCS messaging#

Single Rich messages take RCS to the next level, enabling brands to deliver highly engaging, media-rich content directly to a user’s native messaging app. Unlike Basic messages, which are limited to 160 characters of plain text, Single Rich messages support rich media and interactive elements—including images, videos, long-form text, quick reply buttons, cards, and carousels.

These messages are perfect for:#

Product showcases with image carousels
Promotional campaigns featuring call-to-action buttons
Interactive surveys or appointment confirmations
Personalized content, like dynamic offers or location-based updates
Like Basic messages, Single Rich messages always come from branded, verified sender profiles, ensuring trust and authenticity. They also support read receipts, delivery tracking, and rich analytics, giving businesses deeper insight into campaign performance.
Because they offer a near app-like experience without requiring users to install anything, Single Rich messages are a powerful tool for driving engagement, conversions, and customer satisfaction—all within a familiar chat interface.
Modified at 2025-05-30 11:01:20
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