RCS - FAQ December 19, 2024 17:06 Updated Index: What is RCS? Is RCS available for iOS? How is the channel contracted? Do I need a phone number to activate RCS? What are the recommendations for activating the channel? What is required to complete the activation? Can I use the flow I already use for another channel in RCS? Can I have multiple agents for the same brand? Can I test the agent before launch? What are the steps for activating the channel? How long does it take for the channel to be functional? When can I send active messages? After launching my agent, how can I edit the profile information? How are active notifications sent? Do I need to approve the template in advance? What is RCS? RCS - Rich Communication Services enhances the messaging experience. With RCS, brands interact directly with their customers in a rich and personalized way. Instead of sending simple text messages, companies can create interactive experiences within the Google Messages app by sending videos, product catalogs, offering action buttons (such as "buy now", "talk to an agent", etc.), all within a single channel. Examples of use cases: Is RCS available for iOS? Rich Communication Services (RCS) are available on Android devices and others, depending on the carrier and device settings, as well as the region. How is the channel contracted? The channel can be contracted through your account manager. Do I need a phone number to activate RCS? No, RCS agents function as a profile within the Google Messages app. What are the recommendations for activating the channel? Follow the policies and best practices of the channel for all types of campaigns.It is necessary for the brand's RCS agent to have an opt-out flow in case the user signals at any point that they wish to end the conversation. There is no requirement for this bot to respond to user interactions; however, it is a recommended practice for all cases, except for 'OPT-OUT' requests. What is required to complete the activation? This channel has some mandatory requirements, which are: Have a published chatbot flow Have terms of use on the brand's website Have a privacy policy on the brand's website Already have the opt-in from the customer base Can I use the flow I already use for another channel in RCS? Yes, you can. However, it is recommended to evaluate if the types of content that work for that flow are also compatible with RCS. Can I have multiple agents for the same brand? Yes, it is recommended to create different agents for distinct objectives, such as one for customer service and another for offers. Can I test the agent before launch? Yes, there is a testing phase before the launch. What are the steps for activating the channel? Client: Fill out the form Blip: Validate the information provided in the form Blip: Create the agent based on the form information Client: Test and validate the agent Client: Fill out the launch form Blip: Register the information for the launch Client: Email authorization for the agent launch Google: Validate the information provided and the bot Carriers: Publish the agent to users The channel can only be used after Step I. How long does it take for the channel to be functional? After Step G, with authorization for launch, the average time is 15 days for the channel to be published and ready for use. When can I send active messages? Active message sending can only occur after the channel launch is completed After launching my agent, how can I edit the profile information? After the launch, it is only possible to edit profile information with Google's authorization. Therefore, it is recommended to define and validate this information before the launch. If a change is necessary, it can be requested through Blip's support team, who will then contact Google to request the adjustments. How are active notifications sent? Do I need to approve the template in advance? RCS does not use templates. Active notifications can be sent through Growth by installing the Broadcast List plugin. It is also possible to send notifications through the API (click here for instructions). Learn more about how RCS works by accessing here. Documentation and other technical information can be accessed here. For more information, visit the discussion on this topic in our community or the videos on our channel Related articles Braze Extension Creating interactive messages in WhatsApp How to Send Notifications via the Active Campaign API (Growth) Advanced bot settings How to send WhatsApp notifications through Blip API