What is RCS?

Rich Communication Services (RCS) is the evolution of SMS, transforming traditional text messaging into a powerful, branded, app-like experience — all within your customers’ default messaging apps. Backed by both Google and Apple, RCS gives your brand a new way to connect, engage, and convert.

What RCS Enables:

• Rich Media: Send high-quality images, carousels, and videos

• Verified Branding: Include your logo, brand colors, and sender name

• Read Receipts & Typing Indicators: Know when messages are viewed

• Interactive CTAs: Add one-tap buttons for links, calls, or chat flows

• Enhanced Privacy: Supports end-to-end encryption where available

• Cross-Platform Reach: Works on Android and iOS 18+ — no downloads needed

How RCS Messaging Works in Clerk Chat

Clerk Chat manages the end-to-end RCS experience, so you can focus on your message — not the tech behind it.

1. Import Contacts: Upload your opted-in customer list directly into Clerk Chat.

2. Build Your Message: Use our visual, drag-and-drop RCS template builder to design messages with text, images, carousels, videos, and interactive buttons.

3. Consent Management: Clerk Chat ensures regulatory compliance with built-in double opt-in and consent verification.

4. Google Brand Verification: We handle your RCS Business Messaging (RBM) registration, including verifying your brand, logo, and sender profile.

5. Carrier Routing: Once verified, your message is delivered via supported mobile carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.).

6. Seamless Delivery: Messages land directly in your customers’ default messaging apps — now including iPhones running iOS 18.

How to Build an RCS Template in Clerk Chat

Creating RCS messages is fast and flexible with our built-in template builder. Here's how it works:

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open Templates: From your Clerk Chat dashboard, go to Templates → Create → RCS.

2. Choose Your Layout: Select from Hero Cards, Carousels, or Video Cards — all optimized for RCS delivery.

3. Customize Your Message:

   • Upload images or videos

   • Add a headline and short description

   • Add up to 3 interactive buttons (link, call, or trigger a chat flow)

4. Preview in Real Time: Instantly preview how your message will appear across Android, iOS, and SMS fallback views.
   

   

   5. Test Internally: Send a test to yourself or your team to check design, functionality, and fallback content.
      

      

   6. Launch Your Campaign: When you’re ready, deploy it directly from Clerk Chat.

      

**Best Practice: Always include fallback text to ensure a clean experience for users without RCS support.

RCS Media Guidelines

Make your content look stunning across devices with the right specs:

Image Guidelines

Video Guidelines

**Accessibility Tip: Add descriptive alt text or video captions to ensure inclusivity.

RCS vs. SMS

Why Businesses Choose RCS with Clerk Chat

• Higher Engagement: Media-rich, interactive messages boost open rates and conversions

• Brand Trust: Verified sender profiles reinforce legitimacy and user confidence

• Better ROI: Share more info per message, reducing need for multiple sends

• Actionable Insights: Track delivery, opens, clicks, and CTA performance

• Frictionless Experience: No app install, just a message — cross-platform and seamless

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  Best Practices for RCS Messaging

  • Use fallback text for recipients without RCS

  • Limit to 2–3 buttons for the cleanest user experience

  • Test thoroughly on both Android and iOS views

  • Use consistent branding in your logo, colors, and message tone

  • Follow media specs to avoid display issues or carrier rejections

  • Leverage carousels to showcase products, promotions, or appointment types

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  RCS Agent Setup: What We Need from You

  To launch your RCS agent, please provide the following assets and details:

  1. Brand Logo:

     • 244 x 244 px logo (PNG or JPG)

     • 1440 x 448 px banner

     • No text overlays; use your official brand mark

  2. Agent Display Name:

     • Up to 25 characters

     • Should clearly reflect your brand or campaign

  3. Brand Description: (optional but recommended)

     • A short tagline (max 90 characters) to help users recognize your business

  4. URLs:

     • Website: Full URL (e.g., https://yourbrand.com)

     • Privacy Policy: Public link to your data/privacy page

     • Terms and conditions: Public link to your T&Cs page

  5. Contact Information:

     • Email: For account and carrier correspondence

     • Phone Number: Direct business line (e.g., +14165551234)

  6. Test Device Numbers:

     • Up to 5 mobile numbers in E.164 format

     • Used for testing and previewing messages before launch

  Once these items are submitted, Clerk Chat will handle brand verification, carrier approvals, and launch preparation.

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  Ready to Start?

  Whether you’re launching a marketing campaign, re-engaging past customers, or exploring RCS for the first time — Clerk Chat makes it easy.
  
  Our platform handles compliance, verification, delivery, and device optimization — so you can focus on building relationships.

  Start by visiting Templates → Create → RCS or contact our team for help designing your first message.