Messages API

The Messages API is a powerful multi-channel communication solution that enables companies to reach their customers via SMS, RCS (Rich Communication Services), and WhatsApp.

With an open rate of 98% and an average engagement rate of 73%, the solution significantly outperforms traditional email communication. The API enables personalized, interactive, and brand-compliant messages with verified sender information, rich media content, and direct calls to action—for a seamless customer experience on your customers' preferred channel.

Features & Benefits

The Messages API

The Messages API represents the evolution of business communication from static, one-way messages to dynamic, conversational experiences. At a time when 90% of consumers use at least one messaging platform, our solution enables companies to reach their customers where they are already active—on their mobile devices.

From SMS to conversational marketing

The solution supports the entire evolutionary path of mobile communication: from classic SMS to basic chat and rich messaging to full conversational marketing. While the majority of messaging spending today is still on SMS and simple chat solutions, RCS and WhatsApp open up enormous future potential for conversations driven by social messaging.

Multi-channel orchestration

The Messages API provides a unified interface for various communication channels: SMS, RCS, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Viber SMS is ideal for scenarios where:

Maximum reach is the most important consideration
Only simple text messages need to be sent
Immediate, direct one-way communication is the goal
Messages remain under 160 characters
Spam concerns are secondary

RCS/WhatsApp are the preferred choice when:

Visual appeal is a key element of the campaign
The potential for interactivity should be exploited
Focus on brand communication is important
Messages exceed 160 characters or contain attachments
Verification as a trusted sender is crucial

The integrated failover system ensures that, in the event of device or geographical restrictions for RCS, the message is automatically delivered as an SMS – for guaranteed accessibility.

Rich Messaging Transformation

RCS/WhatsApp Marketing offers the latest messaging features and goes far beyond simple text. The platform enables:

Brand recognition & trust: Companies can integrate their logo, brand colors, and complete business information into every message. The verification badge signals to recipients that the message comes from a trusted source.
Enhanced interactions: Rich cards, buttons, quick replies, and carousels create an interactive experience. Customers can book appointments, place orders, or browse product catalogs directly in the message.
Improved analytics: Integrated read receipts provide unparalleled insight into when messages have been read—a clear advantage over traditional channels.
Personalization: Messages can be customized with customer names, tailored suggestions, quick responses, and more.

Proven performance advantages

The data speaks for itself: RCS significantly outperforms traditional channels. According to Mobilesquared Research, RCS campaigns show:

65% average interaction rate with perceived usefulness and personalization
49% of users value the verification badge on brand messages as a sign of trust
73% open or read the message on average, 41% actively engage
54% of RCS users choose to engage in conversations with brands

Compared to email, SMS shows even more impressive figures (SAP Emarsys 2025):

98% open rate for SMS vs. 20% for email
75% of consumers prefer SMS for advertising content
45% response rate vs. 6% for email
18% click-through rate vs. 2.5% for email
81% check text messages within 5 minutes of receiving them

Learn more about our APIs

Interested in how our APIs can help your business? Connect with a Deutsche Telekom API expert: fill out the form and we'll get back to you shortly..