.png)
RCS messaging: rich, interactive messages for your customers
RCS (Rich Communication Services) turns a plain text message into an interactive card with images, carousels and tap-to-act buttons, right inside the phone's default messaging app. SMSNiti helps you register your brand, design the cards and send promotional and transactional RCS messages with delivery reports.
RCS works on supported phones. For customers whose phones do not support it, we can plan an SMS back-up.
- Images, carousels and buttons
- Verified brand name
- Delivery and read reports
Overview
What is RCS messaging?
RCS stands for Rich Communication Services. It is the modern replacement for SMS in the messaging app already installed on a phone. Instead of 160 characters of plain text, an RCS message can show a branded card with a picture, a title, a short description and buttons, and customers can reply in the same conversation.
Short answer: RCS is a richer kind of text message. Businesses can send images, carousels and tap-to-act buttons in the default messaging app on supported phones, with a verified brand name and logo.
How RCS differs from SMS
SMS carries text only and works on every phone without internet. RCS uses a data connection to carry richer content and gives you delivery and read information. Customers do not need to install anything, because the messages appear in the app they already use.
Why it matters for marketing
A card with a product photo and a "Buy now" button is easier to act on than a text with a link. Verified branding also helps customers trust that the message is really from you.
Message types
Promotional and transactional RCS
Use RCS to market your products or to keep customers informed. Both can include images, carousels and tap-to-act buttons on supported phones.
Promotional RCS
Rich offers and launches with buttons such as "Buy now" or "Book a visit".Transactional RCS
Status cards and quick replies for orders, bookings and deliveries.What you get
Features of our RCS messaging service
Rich cards
Show a picture, a title, a short description and buttons in a single message.Carousels
Let customers swipe through several products or options in one message.Action buttons
Add buttons such as Buy now, Book appointment, Call us or Open map.Two-way conversation
Customers can reply or tap a suggested answer, and your team can respond.Verified branding
Your brand name and logo are shown, so customers know the message is genuine.Reports
See which messages were delivered and read, and how customers responded.How it works
How to start sending RCS messages
Discuss your goal
Tell us what you want to send, for example offers, bookings or order updates, and who your audience is.Register your brand
We help you register your business as a verified sender so your name and logo appear on messages.Design your cards
We help you prepare images, text and buttons, and submit the message templates for approval.Test on supported phones
Check how your message looks and works before the full send.Send and measure
Launch the campaign, review delivery and read reports, and refine the next message.Which channel?
RCS, SMS and WhatsApp compared
Each channel has its strengths. Many businesses combine them.
| SMS | RCS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Content | Short text and a link | Images, carousels and buttons | Text, media, documents and buttons |
| Needs internet | No | Yes | Yes |
| App to install | No, built into every phone | No, uses the default messaging app | Yes, the WhatsApp app |
| Brand identity | Sender name | Verified name and logo | Business profile |
| Reach | Every mobile phone | Supported phones only | Customers with WhatsApp |
| Best for | OTPs, urgent alerts, everyone | Offers, catalogues, bookings | Conversations and rich campaigns |
Who uses it
What businesses do with RCS
E-commerce promotions
Share a product carousel and let customers tap straight to the product page.Appointment scheduling
Offer time slots as buttons so customers can book or reschedule in one tap.Customer support
Answer questions in real time with suggested replies for common issues.Events and ticketing
Promote an event with a rich invitation and an RSVP button.Travel and bookings
Send itineraries, boarding details and change options as clear cards.Banking and finance
Share offers and service reminders with branded, verified messages.Before you start
What you need to send RCS messages
-
Registered business: Your business details are used to verify your brand as a sender.
-
Brand name and logo: These appear on your messages once your sender is approved.
-
Approved content: Message templates and cards are checked before they can be sent.
-
Customer permission: Promotional messages go only to people who agreed to receive them, in line with messaging rules.
-
A back-up plan: Not every phone supports RCS, so we can plan an SMS back-up for those customers.
-
Supported devices: Messages appear as rich cards on supported phones. We check device coverage for your audience.
Why SMSNiti
Why choose SMSNiti for RCS
-
Registration support: We guide you through brand verification and template approval.
-
Design guidance: We help you choose images, wording and buttons that get customers to act.
-
One partner for every channel: Combine RCS with SMS, WhatsApp and voice, and use each where it works best.
-
Real people to talk to: Call or WhatsApp our team in Pune for help at any stage.
Questions
RCS messaging: frequently asked questions
RCS is a messaging standard that adds images, carousels, buttons and reply options to text messaging in the phone's default messaging app.
RCS messages are visual and interactive, so customers can act with a tap. Verified branding builds trust, and read and delivery information shows what works.
No. RCS messages appear in the messaging app that comes with the phone. There is nothing extra to install.
RCS is supported on many Android phones through the default messaging app, and support on other phones depends on the phone and the mobile operator. We check coverage for your audience before you send.
The rich message cannot be shown. We can plan an SMS fallback so the customer still receives your message as a text.
They do different jobs. SMS reaches every phone and needs no internet, which suits OTPs and urgent alerts. RCS suits offers and catalogues where pictures and buttons help. Many businesses use both.
Yes. You can add the customer's name, order details or offer amount, and show different cards to different groups.
Yes, plans are quoted by volume. A small shop can run a campaign as easily as a large brand.
Contact us with your goal. We will explain brand registration, help prepare your cards and guide you through your first campaign.
The price depends on your volume and message type. Send us your requirement and we will reply with a quote.
Talk to a messaging expert today
Tell us what you want to send and who to. We will suggest the channel and the plan.
