What is RCS messaging? Everything you need to know about the SMS successor

RCS messaging, also known as Rich Communication Services messaging, offers a significant upgrade to standard SMS texting. With advanced features like high-resolution media sharing, group chats, read receipts, and typing indicators, RCS messaging enhances communication experiences for individuals and businesses (1). This transformed texting experience is especially beneficial in group planning activities and marketing campaigns. For instance, members can share multimedia content and create polls for real-time decision making in groups, while businesses report increased open and click-through rates with RCS messages compared to SMS (2).

RCS messaging goes beyond simple text upgrades by providing rich media, interactive elements like quick replies, carousel cards, and paid content. Businesses can create more engaging and informative experiences for their customers (3). In summary, RCS messaging revolutionizes text conversations with advanced features, offering an entirely new communication experience. To enable this enhanced messaging service, contact your carrier for availability and instructions (4).

Table of Contents

FAQs:

  1. What distinguishes RCS messaging from SMS?
    Answer: Advanced features like high-resolution media sharing, group chats, read receipts, etc., set RCS messaging apart from SMS.
  2. Who can utilize RCS messaging?
    Answer: Both individuals and businesses can benefit from the capabilities of RCS messaging.
  3. How to enable RCS messaging on your device?
    Answer: Contact your carrier for availability and instructions on enabling RCS messaging.

References:

  1. Statista, "Number of SMS and RCS messages sent and received worldwide," https://www.statista.com/statistics/719668/number-of-sms-and-rcs-messages-sent-and-received-worldwide/
  2. Google, "RCS Messaging: Bringing rich communication to SMS," https://developers.google.com/rcs-messaging/docs/overview
  3. Mobile Marketer, "Airline sends first RCS messaging campaigns via Twilio’s Programmable SMS," https://www.mobilemarketer.com/news/airline-sends-first-rcs-messaging-campaigns-via-twilios-programmable-sms/583642
  4. Forrester Research, "Now Tech: RCS Business Messaging Platforms," https://www.forrester.com/reports/Now%20Tech%20RCS%20Business%20Messaging%20Platforms/Q1%202021-ANEB-TTB
  5. TechCrunch, "Google rebrands RCS as ‘Chat’ and opens it up to all Android devices," https://techcrunch.