RCS messages: he evolution of SMS your business has been waiting for

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The way brands communicate with customers is rapidly evolving. More than ever, delivering a rich, seamless conversational experience can make all the difference. In this context, RCS messaging (Rich Communication Services) emerges as the natural evolution of SMS. The best part? You can start using it today through Inconnect; no headaches, no fuss.

What is RCS?

Imagine a supercharged version of SMS, one that supports interactive conversations with images, buttons, videos, maps, and suggested replies. That is RCS: a messaging protocol that turns the native text messaging app on a phone into a much more powerful communication tool.

From a business perspective, RCS messaging offers a huge opportunity. It combines the broad reach of SMS with the advanced features of instant messaging apps, without requiring downloads or user sign-ups.

It is like a ‘universal iMessage’, but it works whether your customer uses a Samsung, Xiaomi, or even an iPhone. As long as their carrier and device support it (and in Spain and Latam most already do), they can receive rich messages right inside their default SMS app.

One of RCS’s greatest strengths lies in its standardization. Because it is a universal protocol, not just another app, every platform that implements it is interoperable. That means your RCS message can be sent via a solution like Inconnect, routed through certified servers like Jibe Cloud (endorsed by the GSMA), and delivered to your customer’s phone, no matter where they are or which carrier they use.

And here is another key advantage: if a user does not have RCS enabled yet, the message is simply delivered as a regular SMS. So, communication is never lost. That makes RCS a reliable and robust channel for your campaigns.

A quick note, though: unlike some messaging apps, RCS messages are not end-to-end encrypted. So, if your use case involves highly sensitive data, this is worth keeping in mind.

SMS vs. RCS messaging: what is the difference?
SMS is still a reliable channel, but it is clearly limited in today’s visual, interactive landscape. Here is a quick comparison of both formats:

Feature SMS RCS messaging
Content Text only Text, images, videos, buttons
Interaction Very limited High (suggested replies, links, etc.)
Read receipts No Yes
User Experience Basic Rich and conversational
Requires additional app No No (uses default messaging app)
Personalization Low High


In short, RCS combines the best of both worlds:

  • It brings the interactivity of a messaging app: images, buttons, videos, read receipts, and rich conversational flows.
  • It keeps the simplicity, reach, and universal access of SMS, a channel that still exists on nearly every mobile phone, with no app installs required.

The key is this: RCS does not force users to change habits or download anything new. Everything happens in their default messaging app. And for businesses, that means broader reach, less friction, and more impact.

What can businesses do with RCS messaging?

Much more than what traditional SMS allows. This channel opens up a whole new range of possibilities for brands looking to communicate in a more visual, direct, and effective way:

  • Promotional campaigns with product images, compelling descriptions, and clear call-to-action buttons.
  • Interactive appointment or event reminders, with immediate confirmation options.
  • Customer satisfaction surveys or automated support flows with engaging, branded interfaces.
  • Transactional updates, such as purchase confirmations or delivery tracking, presented in a clearer, more visual format.

And the best part? Customers do not have to install anything. The message goes straight to their phone, in the same app they already use for SMS, but now with a richer, more engaging experience. The result? Higher open rates, better engagement, and conversations that truly connect.

Why use RCS messaging on Inconnect?

We know adding a new channel to your strategy might sound like extra work… but not with Inconnect. Just like WhatsApp, email, or social media, RCS is already integrated into the platform and ready to go.

Here is why RCS becomes even more powerful when used within Inconnect:

  • No technical complexity: the channel is built-in and ready to activate.
  • Perfect for large-scale campaigns: schedule and manage messages just like with other channels.
  • Centralized management: everything runs through Inconcert, which simplifies billing and usage tracking.

You are adding a next-gen channel, without having to reinvent your entire operation.

A more effective (and attractive) way to connect with customers

RCS is not just a better version of SMS. It is a whole new way to communicate. More visual, more dynamic, more human. It empowers brands to meet their customers where they are, with messages that spark real conversations and leave a lasting impression.

And now that it is available on Inconnect, you can start using it right away. Everything is set up for you to launch stronger campaigns, elevate your customer experience, and take your communication to the next level.

Because in the end, that is what it is all about: connecting better, with less effort.

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