RCS Text and Media Message Types

When using RCS with the Vonage Messages API, you can send impactful, rich messages that elevate the customer experience far beyond standard SMS. This guide focuses on RCS message types that deliver text and media, helping you understand when and how to use each one effectively.

The following RCS text and media messages types are supported by the Messages API:

  • text
  • image
  • video
  • file

Each message type has the same required (to, from, channel, message_type) and optional (webhook_url, client_ref, ttl, failover) parameters.

Text Messages

Text messages are the most basic and flexible RCS message type. They are best used for simple, informative, or time-sensitive messages that don’t require media. Use them to deliver updates or service alerts, send transactional messages without visual promotions, or order confirmations.

There are some limitations for text messages:

  • The text parameter is limited to 3072 characters.
{
   "message_type": "text",
   "text": "Hello from Vonage!",
   "to": "447700900000",
   "from": "Vonage",
   "channel": "rcs"
}

RCS messages with a message_type of text also accept a suggestions array as a top-level parameter. The array can contain up to eleven suggestion objects defining suggested replies and/or actions.

Image Messages

Image messages enable you to send high-resolution visuals such as promotional graphics, QR codes, or screenshots to support a more engaging interaction. Use them to announce a new product, invite to a visual event, or support content with visual guides.

There are some limitations for image messages:

  • Image URL must be publicly accessible.
  • The supplied image must be either a JPG or PNG.
{
   "message_type": "image",
   "image": {
      "url": "https://example.com/image.jpg"
   },
   "to": "447700900000",
   "from": "Vonage",
   "channel": "rcs"
}

Video Messages

Video messages let you send short video clips that convey more complex ideas in an engaging format. Use video messages for product demos and tutorials, event announcements, or personalized messages.

There are some limitations to video messages:

  • The supplied video must be in a .mp4, .webm, or .m4v format
  • Keep videos short and optimized for mobile devices
{
   "message_type": "video",
   "video": {
      "url": "https://example.com/video.webm"
   },
   "to": "447700900000",
   "from": "Vonage",
   "channel": "rcs"
}

File Messages

File messages allow you to send downloadable documents such as PDFs, making it easy to share forms, invoices, or reference materials. Use file messages to send e-tickets, contracts, invoices, onboarding documents, or any legal forms.

There are limitations to file messages:

  • Only PDF is supported.
  • The file must be hosted on a publicly accessible URL.
  • Consider file size for mobile data usage and performance.
{
   "message_type": "file",
   "file": {
      "url": "https://example.com/file.pdf"
   },
   "to": "447700900000",
   "from": "Vonage",
   "channel": "rcs"
}

Code Snippets

Below is a list of code snippets for sending message requests for different types of messages:

Further Reading