> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.smartico.ai/welcome/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.smartico.ai/welcome/products/crm-automation/communication-channels/rcs.md).
# RCS
RCS is a modern, interactive offline communication channel designed to boost player retention by delivering rich media and interactive experiences directly to native messaging apps. With Smartico, you can send highly engaging RCS messages through real-time or scheduled campaigns.
{% hint style="warning" %}
IMPORTANT: RCS is currently in Beta. Because capabilities and payload specifications may vary between the different RCS providers, please verify that the chosen message type and structures are fully supported. Always test your templates before launching live the campaigns.
{% endhint %}
#### Creating & Managing RCS Assets
Before sending an RCS message in a campaign, you must first create an asset (resource).
📌 **Where to Create Assets?**
* Navigate to the Marketing tab in the BO (Back Office).
* Go to the Assets section on the left-side menu and select Instant messages.
* Click to create a New RCS template.
#### Key Asset Configurations
The RCS asset configuration is dynamically changing depending on the selected RCS Message Type.
**1. General Section**
* **Name** - used to identify and select this asset within your campaigns.
* **Status** - The lifecycle status of the asset (Active, Draft, or Archived).
{% hint style="info" %}
**Important***:* If an asset is in *Draft* or *Archived* status but is already used in a campaign, the communication **will still be sent**. However, variations within the asset that are in *Draft* or *Archived* status **will not be sent**.
{% endhint %}
* **Fallback message** - The fallback text content of your message in case RCS is not supported on the user side. This field supports user, label and campaign tags for personalization.
**2. Advanced Section & Message Types**
The fields in this section adapt based on your chosen RCS Message Type:
* `TEXT` - A standard text-only message.
* `TEMPLATE` - An already created template.
* `MEDIA` - A message that includes a dedicated media file.
* `CARD` - A single interactive card featuring rich media, text, and action buttons.
* `CAROUSEL` - A scrollable horizontal gallery containing multiple interactive cards.
#### Dynamic Fields by Message Type
Depending on the RCS message type you select, you will need to configure the following specific fields:
**🔹 Type: TEXT**
* **Simple Text** - The localized or exact textual content intended strictly for the text-only RCS payload. This field supports user, label and campaign tags for personalization.
**🔹 Type: TEMPLATE**
Unlike custom rich cards or carousels created directly inside Smartico, the TEMPLATE type relies on structural layouts that you have already registered and pre-approved directly with your RCS provider.
* **Template id** – The exact, unique identifier generated by your RCS provider when your custom template was approved on their platform. Many mobile network operators or local regulations require rich-media messages to be explicitly whitelisted and pre-verified to prevent spam.
* Seamless Variables Integration: When you use a Template ID, the provider knows exactly where your media files, action buttons, and text belong. Smartico will hand over the payload to your provider using the Message field data to automatically populate the dynamic variables (like customer names, unique promo codes, or deposit balances) within that template layout.
**🔹 Type: MEDIA**
* **Media URL** - Choose from gallery, upload or provide a direct web link to the image or video file you want to attach.
**🔹 Type: CARD**
* **Card Title** - The headline displayed at the top of the interaction card.
* **Card Description** - The text details placed within the card.
* **Card Image URL** - The image asset embedded within the card.
* **Card Buttons (max 4 buttons)** - Click Edit to write the custom JSON payload that defines up to 4 action buttons (e.g., URL redirects, deep links, or quick-replies) attached to the bottom of the card.
**🔹 Type: CAROUSEL**
* **Template Id** - The unique ID of an already created external template on provider's side.
* **Carousel Cards JSON (max 10 cards)** - Click Edit to open the JSON editor. The operator must provide a structured JSON array defining the titles, descriptions, image URLs, and action buttons for up to 10 distinct horizontal cards.
{% hint style="info" %}
Need help designing your Carousel?
* To see how a carousel layout actually looks on a mobile screen and plan your image sizes, look at the [Google Rich Card Layout Guide](https://developers.google.com/business-communications/rcs-business-messaging/guides/learn/rich-cards).
* If you need copy-and-paste code examples to help you structure your buttons or card lists correctly, use the [Infobip RCS Outbound Message Documentation](https://www.infobip.com/docs/api/channels/rcs/rcs-outbound-messages/send-rcs-messages) as a blueprint.
{% endhint %}
#### Personalized Content with Content Variations
You can tailor your RCS content based on the end user's profile using Content Variations. This feature allows you to present different text, imagery, or card setups based on user segmentation parameters such as level, language, currency, country, or custom behavioral properties.
💡 How It Works:
1. Configure the targeting rules you want to trigger (e.g., *Language, Level, Currency, Country*).
2. Create different content variations or distinct layout structures optimized for those segments.
3. Once the asset is deployed in a campaign, end users will seamlessly receive the most relevant variation based on their profile and matching conditions.
#### Related Resources
To complete your channel setup, you can learn how to configure the backend connection by checking out our guide on the [RCS Gateway setup](https://help.smartico.ai/welcome/~/revisions/p2Mctke5Ybtsq6IVFnUZ/technical-guides/instant-messages-gateway-guide), and find more details on launching these messages within the customer journey by reviewing the [RCS Activity](https://help.smartico.ai/welcome/~/revisions/p2Mctke5Ybtsq6IVFnUZ/products/crm-automation/activities-of-flows/activity-sms-viber-and-whatsapp) in Campaigns setup.
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