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What is RCS Messaging?

Rich Communication Services (RCS) is the modern upgrade to SMS that allows brands to connect with customers through interactive, media-rich messages. Unlike plain text, RCS supports images, videos, carousels, branded sender IDs, and two-way conversations—all delivered directly to the phone’s default messaging app.

For businesses in India, RCS messaging is emerging as a powerful tool to boost customer engagement, improve conversions, and build brand trust.

Why RCS Messaging is Growing in India

  • 850% growth in interactions (2024): RCS usage by businesses in India skyrocketed, proving its acceptance as a mainstream communication channel.
  • Higher conversions: Companies using RCS report 2x–10x better conversion rates compared to traditional SMS campaigns.
  • Shifting volumes: Experts estimate that nearly 25–30% of SMS traffic could move to RCS within the next two years.

This growth is powered by India’s strong mobile-first market and enterprises’ need for more engaging, cost-effective channels.

RCS Business Messaging: Success Stories in India

Gupshup

  • Handles over 50 million RCS business messages per month in India.
  • Maintains 98% delivery success rates and 35%+ read rates.
  • Saw traffic triple during festive seasons, proving its effectiveness in driving retail and e-commerce campaigns.

BankBazaar

  • Adopted conversational RCS campaigns to engage customers in real time.
  • Improved personalization and lead quality through interactive messaging flows.

Other industries including BFSI, e-commerce, retail, healthcare, and gaming are rapidly adopting RCS for business communication.

Benefits of RCS Messaging for Businesses

1. Verified Branding Builds Trust

RCS displays brand name, logo, and colors with every message—reducing spam concerns and improving customer confidence.

2. Rich Media Increases Engagement

Unlike SMS, RCS allows images, videos, carousels, and quick-action buttons, leading to higher click-through rates and conversions.

3. Two-Way Interactive Messaging

Customers can book appointments, track orders, or complete purchases directly in the chat, making it more engaging.

4. Detailed Analytics

Marketers can measure delivery, read rates, and link clicks—helping optimize campaigns for better ROI.

5. Cost Advantage Over WhatsApp

RCS campaigns are often 30–40% more affordable than WhatsApp Business messaging, making them scalable for enterprises.

Challenges of RCS Messaging in India

  • Spam Risks: Some businesses misused RCS for unsolicited ads, leading to Google temporarily pausing RCS business messaging in India.
  • Limited iOS Support: RCS is not yet fully supported on iPhones in India, though Apple is expected to roll it out soon.
  • Trust Factor: Overuse of promotional content could make RCS less effective, just like SMS. Responsible use is critical.

The Future of RCS Messaging in India

  • Enterprises are embedding RCS into omnichannel strategies alongside email, WhatsApp, and apps.
  • Stronger anti-spam policies are being implemented to protect users.
  • Apple’s expected adoption of RCS will make it cross-platform, expanding reach even further.

Businesses that adopt RCS messaging in India early will gain a competitive edge by combining SMS’s reach with rich, interactive experiences.

Conclusion

RCS business messaging is revolutionizing how Indian companies engage with customers. By offering verified, interactive, and cost-effective communication, it bridges the gap between SMS and app-based platforms.

For enterprises, RCS is more than just messaging—it’s a strategy to improve customer experience, build trust, and boost conversions. As adoption continues to rise, brands that use RCS responsibly and creatively will lead the next phase of mobile communication in India. Want to take your business communication to next level ? Contact the best RCS messaging provider in India.