Rich communication services (RCS) business messaging software allows organizations to send dynamic and interactive messages that go far beyond standard SMS marketing software. RCS messages contain rich media such as carousels, videos, cards, high-resolution images, branded templates, and more, creating engaging messages that are delivered directly to consumers via their mobile devices. The RCS messaging protocol enables enhanced messaging experiences, offering opportunities for more advanced analytics to track message delivery, engagement, customer journeys, and conversions.
Unlike SMS, RCS provides a branded and verified communication channel between businesses and consumers. To enable RCS business messaging (RBM), organizations must complete RCS agent registration and verification, a process managed by mobile carriers and approved verification authorities to confirm the business’s identity, brand information, and message content compliance. Once approved, messages are sent from a verified sender profile that displays brand identifiers such as names, logos, and checkmarks. This process ensures secure message delivery, builds consumer trust, and drives stronger engagement and long-term brand loyalty.
These tools are commonly used by marketing teams to run promotional campaigns or create personalized customer journeys that encourage customers to engage and take action. Customer support teams also leverage RCS as a two-way messaging channel by employing RCS agents to interact with customers in real-time.
RCS business messaging software works alongside other mobile communication tools, such as SMS marketing software, mobile marketing software, push notification software, and WhatsApp marketing software, serving as an additional marketing automation channel.
To qualify for inclusion in the Rich Communication Services (RCS) Business Messaging software category, a product must:
Deliver interactive, branded messaging that contains rich media (e.g., videos, cards, carousels, buttons, structured replies, etc.), providing an app-like experience beyond standard SMS
Provide companies with a customizable, branded, and verified sender business profile with a name, logo, and checkmark
Support transactional alerts (like reminders and notifications), promotional campaigns, and conversational RCS for two-way messaging
Offer real-time analytics and reports that track delivery, open rates, engagement, and conversion actions
