> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.quickreply.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.quickreply.ai/product-modules/templates/rcs-templates/overview.md).

# Overview

### What are RCS Templates?

RCS templates are pre-approved message formats that businesses use to send messages through the RCS (Rich Communication Services) channel. Every RCS message sent via broadcast starts from a template, ensuring that communication stays consistent, compliant, and on-brand across all customer touchpoints.

Unlike plain SMS, RCS templates can carry rich, interactive content — images, cards, carousels, and tappable buttons — delivered natively inside the customer's default messaging app.

### Why Use RCS Templates?

Templates let you standardize your messaging once and reuse it at scale. Instead of composing content for every campaign, you build a template — text, media, and actions — and use it across broadcasts. Templates also keep your messaging aligned with your RBM Agent's approved use case, since the message types available to you depend on the type of agent you registered.

### Use Cases for RCS Templates

* Promotional Messages: Product launches, offers, discounts, and re-engagement campaigns with rich visuals.
* Transactional Messages: Order confirmations, shipping updates, payment receipts, and booking reminders.
* OTP Messages: One-time passwords and verification codes for secure login flows.

### Benefits of RCS Templates

* Rich by Default: Send images, rich cards, and carousels — not just plain text.
* Interactive: Add quick replies, call buttons, website links, and suggestion chips so customers can act directly from the message.
* Consistency: Reuse the same template across broadcasts to keep messaging uniform.
* Trackable: Built-in link tracking (with optional UTM parameters) lets you measure clicks on every button and link.

### RCS Template Structure

Every RCS template is defined by two things:

1. Category — the purpose of the message: Promotional, Transactional, or OTP. The category is determined by your[ ](https://claude.ai/product-modules/templates/rcs-templates/concepts/rcs-templates-by-category.md)RBM Agent type.
2. Message Type — the layout of the message: Basic Text Message, Single Rich Card, or Carousel Rich Card. 

Not every message type is available for every category. For example, an OTP agent can only send Basic Text Messages. Check the[ ](https://claude.ai/product-modules/templates/rcs-templates/concepts/rcs-templates-by-category.md#which-message-types-can-each-agent-send)category–type matrix before designing your template.

### Important Things to Know Before Creating Templates

* You need an approved RBM Agent before you can create or send RCS templates. 
* The message types you can use depend on your RBM Agent type (Promotional, Transactional, or OTP).
* RCS is currently available for businesses based in or operating in India.
* Messages are only delivered to recipients whose devices and carriers support RCS.