What is RCS messaging and how does it work in India?

RCS (Rich Communication Services) is the next-generation upgrade to SMS, developed by Google and supported by all major carriers in India (Jio, Airtel, Vi, BSNL). It delivers branded messages with verified sender names, images, product carousels, CTA buttons and in-message payments directly inside the Android Messages app — with no app download required. Businesses are verified by carriers before sending, ensuring messages cannot be spoofed.

How much does RCS messaging cost in India?

RCS messaging at Scalify Labs is priced at ₹0.18 per message with a minimum recharge of 50,000 messages (₹9,000 + GST). This is credit-based — you purchase a credit bundle and use it as campaigns are sent. There is no setup fee, no verification fee, and no lock-in contract. Optional campaign management costs ₹10,000/month if you want Scalify Labs to run campaigns for you.

What is the minimum order or recharge for RCS messaging?

The minimum recharge is 50,000 messages (₹9,000 + GST). RCS is credit-based — you recharge your account and messages are deducted as campaigns are sent. There is no fixed monthly subscription for the messages themselves. The optional campaign management service (₹10,000/month) is the only recurring charge.

Does RCS work on iPhones in India?

RCS business messages are built for Android's Google Messages app, which covers 500M+ users in India. If a recipient uses an iPhone or a device without RCS support, the message automatically falls back to a standard SMS — so no customer is ever missed. Fallback delivery is tracked separately in the analytics dashboard.

Which carriers support RCS messaging in India?

RCS business messaging is supported by all four major Indian carriers: Jio, Airtel, Vi (Vodafone Idea), and BSNL. Together these carriers cover virtually the entire Indian mobile subscriber base.

Who is the best RCS messaging service provider in India?

Scalify Labs is a leading RCS messaging service provider in India, offering Google-certified carrier-verified business messaging. Key differentiators include a dedicated campaign manager, creative and template design support, pre-launch campaign review, weekly performance reports, and ₹0.18/message pricing with no setup fee. Businesses go live in approximately 5 business days.

How is RCS different from WhatsApp Business API in India?

RCS costs ₹0.18/message vs ₹0.82 per WhatsApp marketing conversation — making it 4.5× cheaper for bulk campaigns. RCS works inside the native Android SMS inbox with no app download required, while WhatsApp requires users to have the app installed. RCS supports unlimited bulk campaigns without rate limits, unlike WhatsApp which imposes messaging tiers. RCS also supports native product carousels, in-message payments, and carrier-verified branding that WhatsApp does not offer.

How long does RCS brand verification take in India?

Google RCS brand verification and carrier approval in India typically takes 3–5 business days once templates are submitted. Full onboarding — including template design, testing across Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL devices, and campaign setup — takes approximately 5 business days. Scalify Labs manages the entire verification process.

What rich media formats does RCS support?

RCS supports: standalone rich cards (image/video + text + up to 4 CTA buttons), rich card carousels (horizontal swipe with multiple product or offer cards), list messages, and media attachments including images (up to 5MB), video (up to 100MB), and PDFs (up to 25MB). CTA button types include URL links, click-to-call, maps/directions, and calendar events.

What analytics are available for RCS campaigns?

Every RCS campaign shows delivery timestamp, read timestamp, read rate, and per-button click tracking in a live dashboard. Unlike SMS which shows only delivery status, RCS tracks whether the customer opened the message, which buttons they tapped, and at what time. Scalify Labs also provides weekly reports covering delivery rate, read rate, CTR, button clicks, and conversions.

Can RCS messages include in-message payments?

Yes — RCS supports native in-message payment buttons, allowing customers to complete UPI or card payments without leaving the message thread. This is a feature unique to RCS that neither SMS nor WhatsApp Business API supports natively.

Is there an RCS API available for integration?

Yes — Scalify Labs provides REST API access for RCS messaging, allowing businesses to trigger sends directly from their own systems, CRM, e-commerce platform, or custom application. Webhooks and Zapier integrations are also supported.

What is the delivery rate for RCS messages in India?

Scalify Labs reports a 98.2% delivery rate for verified RCS campaigns. Undelivered messages (where the recipient device does not support RCS) automatically fall back to standard SMS, ensuring effectively 100% reach. Delivery rates are reported separately for RCS and SMS fallback in the analytics dashboard.

RCS Messaging Service Provider · India

Get 3–5× More Customer Engagement Than SMS with Google RCS

Rich images, carousels, in-message payments and full-funnel analytics — delivered inside the native Android inbox. Credit-based recharge, minimum 50,000 messages + GST. No app install required.

View Pricing

Typically replies within 30 minutes · No setup fee

✓ No setup fee✓ Live in 5 business days✓ Campaign management included✓ GST invoice provided

Trusted by 20+ businesses across India

0M+

Verified Messages Delivered

0.2%

Average Delivery Rate

3.8×

Higher CTR than SMS

0 Days

Average Campaign Launch

Clients include

Dheya Careers

SSVC Ranchi

Brands Outlet

SD Plasto Fab

Ammon Marketing

GC Tiles

Career Bloom

City Health Guide

Real results

Businesses Using RCS Are Seeing Results

Numbers from real campaigns run through Scalify Labs, across industries.

Coaching Institute

Jharkhand · 2,00,000 msgs

14.8%

Click-Through Rate

420

Admissions Generated

Multi-Specialty Hospital

Hyderabad · 50,000 msgs

58%

Fewer Missed Appointments

18.5%

Button Click Rate

Fashion Retail Brand

Pune · 5,00,000 msgs

₹18.5L

Direct Revenue Generated

11.3%

Campaign CTR

Real Estate Developer

Bangalore · 80,000 msgs

520

Qualified Site-Visit Leads

4.2×

vs SMS Response Rate

The problem with texting today

Why businesses are moving beyond SMS

SMS gets ignored. WhatsApp is expensive. Email sits unread. RCS is the only channel built for rich, verified, branded conversations — on a channel customers already have open.

Legacy

SMS

CTR~2%

Rich mediaNone

BrandingNone

AnalyticsNone

Costly

CTR~15%

Cost/msgHigh

Requires opt-inYes

AnalyticsPartial

Ignored

Open rate~20%

Rich mediaLimited

Mobile-firstNo

AnalyticsYes

Recommended

RCS

CTR~35%

Rich mediaFull

Verified senderYes

AnalyticsFull funnel

How RCS works

From brand verification to customer analytics

Brand verification

We register your business identity with Google.

→

Carrier approval

Jio, Airtel and Vi verify sender authenticity.

→

Message sent

Rich card delivered inside Android Messages.

→

Customer taps

Buttons, maps, payments — all inline.

→

Analytics

Delivery, read rate and CTA clicks, tracked.

What you get

Everything SMS can't do, in every message

✅

Verified business name

Logo, blue tick and verified sender — no more "unknown number".

🖼️

Rich images & video

Full-bleed visuals and video, right inside the message thread.

🎠

Carousels

Swipeable product or offer cards in a single message.

💳

In-message payments

Customers pay without leaving the conversation.

📍

Maps & call buttons

One tap to call, get directions, or visit your site.

📊

Full-funnel analytics

Delivery, read rate and per-button click tracking on every campaign.

🗓️

Never miss a send window

Plan and automate campaigns across your calendar, hands-free.

🎯

Right message, right customer

Dynamic content per segment, name, or purchase history.

🎟️

Coupons built-in

Redeemable codes rendered natively in the message.

Why Scalify Labs

Not just RCS access — a team that runs it with you

Dedicated Campaign Manager

Not a ticket system. You work with one specialist who knows your account, your goals, and your audience — from day one.

Creative Design Included

Rich cards, banners, and carousels designed for your brand. No designer needed on your end.

Performance Optimization

Every campaign reviewed before launch. Templates tested across Jio, Airtel and Vi devices to ensure rich rendering.

Weekly Performance Reports

Delivery rate, read rate, CTR, button clicks, and conversions — every week, in plain language.

Analytics Dashboard

Live dashboard with delivery, reads and per-button clicks. Track every campaign in one place, in real time.

Fast Onboarding

Verified and live in five business days once templates are submitted. No delays, no bureaucracy.

Built for your industry

Where RCS moves the needle fastest

Education · Live Preview

14.8% CTR on admission campaigns

This is a sample of what your customers receive inside their Android Messages inbox — verified, rich, and instantly actionable.

Scalify Labs

✓ Verified

Verified sender

RCS vs SMS vs WhatsApp

Why RCS wins

A feature-by-feature comparison to help you choose the right channel.

Feature	SMS	WhatsApp	RCS ✓
Images & Videos			Supported
Product Carousels			Native
Verified Brand Name		Limited	Carrier ✓
CTA Buttons			Native
In-message Payments			Yes
No App Required			Default SMS inbox
Read Receipts			Yes
Analytics	Basic	Good	Advanced
Cost per Message	₹0.12		₹0.18
Bulk Campaigns (Unlimited)			Unlimited

See it in action

Watch a 30-second RCS campaign, start to finish

A verified sender, a rich carousel, and one tap to book, pay, or visit — no app download, no friction.

Pricing

Transparent RCS Pricing. No Hidden Fees. No Long-Term Contracts.

Credit-based recharge — not a monthly subscription. Buy a credit bundle and use it when you need it. Minimum recharge is 50,000 messages + GST.

✓ No setup fee✓ No verification fee✓ No annual contract✓ Dedicated campaign manager included

How much revenue could your RCS campaign generate?

Adjust the sliders to see your expected clicks, leads, and revenue.

Monthly messages50,000

10K5L

Average order / conversion value

Assumes 35% CTR and 8% conversion rate — industry averages for verified RCS campaigns.

Expected Clicks

35% CTR on delivered messages

17,500

Expected Leads

8% of clicks convert

1,400

Estimated Revenue

At ₹5,000 per conversion

₹70,00,000

Campaign Cost

At ₹0.18/message + GST

₹9,000

ROI

Return on campaign spend

+77,678%

Onboarding

Live in five business days

Day 1

Brand verification

We submit your business for Google RCS verification.

Day 2

Template approval

Carriers review your rich card templates.

Day 3

Campaign setup

Segments, schedules and integrations configured.

Day 4

Testing

Test sends across Jio, Airtel and Vi devices.

Day 5

Go live

Your first campaign ships to real customers.

FAQ

Questions we get every week

28 questions grouped by topic. Jump to the section that matters most to you.

💰Pricing

RCS messaging is priced at ₹0.18/message with a minimum recharge of 50,000 messages (₹9,000 + GST). It is credit-based — you purchase a credit bundle and messages are deducted as campaigns send. No setup fee, no verification fee, no lock-in contract.

The minimum recharge is 50,000 messages + GST. RCS is credit-based, not a monthly subscription — buy credits when you need them and use them at your pace. The optional campaign management add-on (₹10,000/month) is the only recurring charge.

Yes, GST is applied as per applicable Indian tax law and shown separately on your invoice.

No long-term contract. You recharge credits when needed and can pause or stop anytime — 30 days notice to close your account.

Pricing is volume-based — the more credits you recharge, the lower the per-message rate. The minimum recharge is 50,000 messages. Contact us for a volume quote.

📱Technical & Coverage

Rich Communication Services (RCS) is the modern successor to SMS, supporting images, video, carousels, CTA buttons, in-message payments and read receipts inside the default Android Messages app — with no app install required. Businesses are carrier-verified before sending.

RCS business messaging is built for Android's Google Messages app, which covers 500M+ users in India. iPhone users automatically receive a plain SMS fallback — no customer is ever missed.

We support all major Indian carriers: Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL — effectively the entire Indian mobile subscriber base.

Messages automatically fall back to standard SMS, so every customer receives the communication. Fallback delivery is tracked separately in your analytics dashboard.

Text in rich cards supports up to 2,000 characters. Image files up to 5MB, video files up to 100MB, PDF files up to 25MB.

Standalone rich cards (image/video + text + up to 4 CTA buttons), rich card carousels (swipeable multi-card messages), and list messages. All can include images, videos, GIFs, and PDF attachments.

🔌API & Integrations

Yes — we support API access along with integrations for common CRMs, Shopify, WordPress, Zapier and webhooks for custom integrations.

Yes, REST API access is available so you can trigger RCS sends directly from your own systems, CRM, or e-commerce platform.

Yes — campaigns can be scheduled days or weeks ahead. You can set a specific send time or use automated triggers based on customer actions (cart abandonment, form submission, etc.).

✅Templates & Approval

Google brand verification and carrier approval typically take 3–5 business days once templates are submitted. Full onboarding including testing across Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL devices takes 5 business days.

Each standalone rich card supports up to 4 CTA buttons. Carousel cards support up to 2 buttons each. Button types include URL link, dial, map view, and calendar event.

📊Analytics & ROI

Delivery status, read rate, and per-button CTA click tracking on every campaign, in a single live dashboard. You see exact delivery timestamp, read timestamp, and which CTA buttons customers tapped — and when.

Your analytics dashboard shows delivery rate, read rate, per-button CTR, and conversion events (if integrated). We also provide weekly reports with revenue attribution so you can calculate exact campaign ROI.

Our average delivery rate is 98.2% for verified campaigns. Undelivered messages automatically fall back to standard SMS, ensuring effectively 100% reach. Both are tracked separately in the dashboard.

🏭Industries & Use Cases

Education (admissions, fee reminders — 14.8% CTR reported), healthcare (appointment alerts — 58% fewer missed appointments), retail & ecommerce (product carousels, sale alerts), real estate (property showcases), banking (loan/card offers), hospitality (booking confirmations), and restaurants (daily specials + reservations).

Yes — B2B businesses use RCS for sending quotations, appointment reminders, product demo invitations, and lead follow-ups. The verified sender branding significantly improves open rates compared to cold email or SMS.

Yes — most businesses run RCS with automatic SMS fallback for recipients who don't have RCS enabled, so no message goes undelivered.

Yes — you can upload segmented contact lists and send different templates to different customer groups. Dynamic personalisation (customer name, purchase history, etc.) is also supported.

RCS costs ₹0.18/message vs ₹0.82+ per WhatsApp marketing conversation — 4.5× cheaper. No app requirement, no bulk rate limits, and native product carousels and in-message payments that WhatsApp doesn't offer.

🤝Working with Scalify Labs

Yes, white-label and reseller arrangements are available. Talk to us about your volume and requirements.

Yes, template and creative design support is included when we manage your campaigns. We design rich cards, banners, and carousel layouts matched to your brand.

Yes — book a free demo and we'll walk through a sample campaign for your industry on a live Google Meet call, including sending a test RCS message to your own Android phone.

Book a free demo — we'll walk through your use case live, send a test RCS message to your phone, and get you a tailored quote. Most businesses are live within 5 business days of signing up.

Ready to move your customers beyond SMS?

Tell us about your business and we'll set up a live Google Meet demo, tailored to your monthly volume and industry.