RCS API — Send Rich Messages to Android Users

Reach every phone with one API. Sendblue sends iMessage to iPhone and RCS to Android — rich media, read receipts, and typing indicators included.

What Is RCS and Why It Matters

RCS (Rich Communication Services) is the successor to SMS. It brings iMessage-level features to Android: high-resolution images, read receipts, typing indicators, and rich cards. Unlike SMS, RCS messages aren't limited to 160 characters or compressed MMS media.

For businesses, RCS means higher engagement on Android. Messages look modern, support branding, and provide delivery confirmation. With Sendblue, you don't need to build separate integrations — one API call handles routing to iMessage or RCS automatically based on the recipient's device.

How It Works

Sendblue's API detects whether a phone number is on iPhone or Android. iPhone recipients receive iMessage (blue bubbles). Android recipients receive RCS where supported, with SMS as the final fallback. You send a single API request — Sendblue handles everything.

Send a Message via the Sendblue API

curl -X POST https://api.sendblue.co/api/send-message \
  -H "sb-api-key-id: YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "sb-api-secret-key: YOUR_SECRET_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "number": "+19998887777",
    "content": "Hey! Check out our new product launch.",
    "send_style": "celebration",
    "media_url": "https://example.com/product-image.jpg",
    "status_callback": "https://yourapp.com/webhook/status"
  }'

The same endpoint works for iMessage, RCS, and SMS. Sendblue routes the message to the best available channel automatically.

Key Capabilities

Auto-Routing

Sendblue detects iMessage, RCS, or SMS availability and routes each message to the best channel — no manual segmentation required.

Rich Media

Send high-resolution images, videos, and files. RCS preserves media quality that MMS would compress and degrade.

Read Receipts

Know when your RCS messages are delivered and read. Sendblue fires webhooks for every status change.

Typing Indicators

Show typing bubbles before your message arrives. Makes automated messages feel personal and human.

Use Cases

Sales Outreach

Reach Android prospects with rich, branded messages instead of plain SMS. Include product images and links that render beautifully.

Appointment Reminders

Send confirmation messages with location cards, images, and interactive elements. Get read receipts to confirm the patient or client saw it.

E-Commerce Notifications

Order confirmations, shipping updates, and promotional messages with product images — all rendered natively on Android.

Customer Support

Provide rich support conversations with media sharing, read indicators, and typing feedback — a native app-like experience over messaging.

RCS vs SMS: Why Upgrade?

SMS was designed in 1992. It's limited to 160 characters, has no delivery confirmation, and compresses images through MMS. RCS modernizes Android messaging with features users already expect from iMessage and WhatsApp.

Higher engagement: RCS messages support rich media, interactive buttons, and branded sender information. Studies show RCS messages see 2-3x higher read rates compared to SMS.

Better analytics: With RCS, you get read receipts and delivery confirmations. No more guessing whether your message was seen. Sendblue delivers these status updates via webhooks in real time.

Full coverage with one API: Pair RCS with Sendblue's number lookup to know exactly which channel each contact will receive. Use our REST API or the Sendblue CLI to send messages from any environment.

Start sending RCS messages today

One API for iMessage, RCS, and SMS. Free sandbox, no credit card required.

Get API Access

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RCS and how is it different from SMS?

RCS (Rich Communication Services) is the next-generation messaging standard for Android. Unlike SMS, RCS supports high-resolution media, read receipts, typing indicators, and rich cards. Think of it as iMessage for Android — but built on an open standard.

Does Sendblue automatically route between iMessage and RCS?

Yes. Sendblue detects the recipient's device. iPhone users get iMessage (blue bubbles), Android users get RCS or SMS. You use a single API endpoint — Sendblue handles the routing automatically.

Do I need a separate API for RCS vs iMessage?

No. Sendblue provides a single unified API. Send to any phone number and Sendblue determines the best channel — iMessage, RCS, or SMS — automatically. No separate integrations needed.

What media types can I send via RCS?

RCS supports images (JPEG, PNG), videos (MP4), PDFs, and audio files. Media is sent at full resolution — no compression like MMS. You can also include action buttons and rich cards in supported RCS implementations.