RCS Messaging

The different RCS message types

RCS offers far more than just text. From simple messages to interactive carousels with product catalogues - discover the full range of RCS messaging possibilities.

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RCS Message
Type 1 Simple

RCS Basic Text

The simplest form of an RCS message. Like a classic SMS, but with the advantage of a verified sender and read receipts.

  • Up to 160 characters (like a single SMS)
  • No interaction - plain text without buttons
  • Verified sender with brand logo
  • Read receipts in real time

Ideal for: Short notifications, OTP codes, reminders

Type 2 Interactive

RCS Rich Text

The enhanced text message with more characters and the ability to display suggestion chips (reply suggestions) below the message.

  • Up to 3,072 characters - more room for your message
  • Up to 11 suggestion chips for quick replies
  • URL buttons for links and actions
  • Dial buttons for direct calls
  • Add-to-Calendar for events directly in the calendar
  • Show-Location for locations in Google Maps
  • Share-Location for location sharing by recipients
  • Webhook for backend integrations

Ideal for: Customer communication, surveys, support enquiries

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RCS Message
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RCS Message
Type 3 Rich Media

RCS Rich Card

The visual powerhouse message. Combine an image or video with a title (max. 200 characters), description (max. 2,000 characters) and up to 4 action buttons in an elegant card.

  • High-resolution image or video as header
  • Title & description for context
  • Up to 4 buttons per card (max. 25 characters per button)
  • Up to 11 suggestion chips below the card
  • Various layouts (portrait, landscape)

Button types: URL, Dial, Add-to-Calendar, Show-Location, Share-Location, Webhook

Ideal for: Product announcements, offers, event invitations

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RCS Message
Type 5 Media

RCS Files & Media

Send files directly via RCS - from images and videos to PDFs and documents. Everything directly in the messaging app, without external downloads.

  • Images (JPEG, PNG, GIF) up to 100 MB
  • Videos (MP4, MPEG, WebM, H.263) for dynamic content
  • PDFs & documents for invoices, tickets
  • Audio files for voice messages

Ideal for: Invoices, tickets, guides, product videos

RCS message types compared

Find the right message type for your use case

Type Text Media Card Buttons Suggestion Chips Layout Use case
Basic Text Max. 160 characters OTP, short messages
Rich Text Max. 3,072 characters Max. 11 total
Reply & Action mix
Support, surveys
Rich Card Title: 200
Description: 2,000
1 image/video
JPG, PNG, GIF, MP4, WebM
Max. 4 per card Max. 11 total
Reply & Action mix
Vertical / Horizontal
Image: Left / Right
Offers, events
Rich Carousel Title: 200
Description: 2,000
per card
2-10 cards
Image/video per card
Max. 4 per card Max. 11 total
Reply & Action mix
Vertical only Product catalogues
Files & Media Caption: 3,072
URL max. 2,000 characters
Max. 100 MB
JPG, PNG, GIF, MP4, MPEG, WebM, H.263
Documents, videos

Button & chip text

Max. 25 characters per button and suggestion chip

Payload-Limit

Max. 250 KB JSON payload per message

Available actions

URL, URL-in-Webview, Dial, Calendar, Show location, Share location, Webhook/Postback

Ready to use RCS?

Get started today and discover which RCS message type best suits your business.

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