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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  • Pay as you go
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