Message Types and Components
The RCS channel enables interaction with users through a variety of message types – from simple text to advanced, interactive formats.
The following specification reflects standards used by major global operators.
RCS Basic / Lite
The simplest message type – equivalent to a verified SMS, but with all the key advantages of the RCS channel.
It contains only text and is ideal for short, straightforward communications.
Main advantages:
Sender verification: Messages are sent from a verified Brand Agent profile, increasing trust and authenticity.
Analytics: Access to delivery and read receipts, enabling detailed performance tracking.
Technical specifications:
Message content: Up to 160 UTF-8 characters (emoji characters count as two).
Limitations: No suggestion buttons allowed.
RCS Single Message / Rich RCS
An extended format that adds rich media and interactive buttons to the “Basic” message.
This is a key message type – every two-way conversation (Chat) starts with a Single Message and becomes an active chat once the recipient replies.
Rich RCS messages can include more advanced components such as Rich Cards or Card Carousels, serving as a single, expanded communication or as an entry point for further interaction.
Text Message (Single Text)
An extended text message with optional buttons.
Message content: Up to 1,000 UTF-8 characters (emoji characters count as two).
Suggestions (buttons): Up to 11 general suggestions (e.g., action buttons).
Video (Standalone Message)
Used to send a video file as a standalone message.
Aspect ratio: 16:9 or 9:16
Maximum file size: 20 MB
Supported formats: h263, m4v, mp4, mpeg, mpeg4, webm
Rich Card (Single Card)
A single, expanded card that can include an image, video, title, description, and interactive buttons.
Title: up to 100 characters
Description: up to 1,000 characters
Media:
Images: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG – recommended max size 4 MB
Videos: h263, m4v, mp4, mpeg, mpeg4, webm – max size 5 MB
Suggested resolution (horizontal media): 770 × 335 px (recommended file size 40–100 kB)
Safe area (content padding):
20 px top
20 px bottom
180 px left
180 px right
Card Carousel
A horizontally scrollable set of multiple Rich Cards.
Maximum number of cards: 4
Single card specifications:
Title: up to 100 characters
Description: up to 1,000 characters
Recommended for better readability:
Title: up to 24 characters
Description: up to 77 characters
Media aspect ratio: 4:3
Suggested resolution: 605 × 452 px (recommended file size 40–100 kB)
Safe area (content padding):
121 px top
121 px bottom
75 px left
75 px right
File Message (Audio / PDF)
Used to send an audio file or PDF document.
Audio:
Max file size: 20 MB
Supported formats: MP3, WAV
Document (PDF):
Recommended max file size: 5 MB
Map (Location Link)
Used to send a location pin or map link.
Location: Requires GPS coordinates (latitude and longitude).
Suggestions (Buttons)
Suggestions are not a standalone message type (like Rich Cards or Video) but a feature that can be added to most components (except RCS Basic).
Functions: Buttons can perform one of the following actions:
Open a webpage
Dial a phone number
Open a map (requires GPS coordinates)
Send a text reply
Technical limits:
Maximum number: 11
Button text: Up to 25 characters
Chat RCS / Conversation
A format that enables two-way communication with the user within a 24-hour “chat window.”
During the conversation, all components listed above can be used to create rich dialogue scenarios, surveys, or customer service interactions.
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