> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kero.chat/help/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Messaging channels

> Explore SMS, RCS for Business and WhatsApp Business in Kero. Choose your channels, follow the setup guides and manage your messaging.

Kero brings **SMS, RCS for Business and WhatsApp Business** together in one messaging platform, helping you reach customers through the channels that suit your business.

You can use a single channel or combine channels to support different communication needs, including notifications, customer engagement and alternative delivery routes.

## Explore your messaging channels

> **[SMS](https://kero.chat/help/product/channels/sms/what-is-sms.md)**
>
> Send text messages directly to mobile numbers without requiring recipients to have an internet connection or messaging app.
>
> Ideal for alerts, reminders, notifications and fallback messaging.

> **[RCS for Business](https://kero.chat/help/product/channels/rcs-for-business/connect-rcs.md)**
>
> Create branded, interactive messaging experiences with rich media, buttons and verified business identities.
>
> Ideal for rich customer experiences and interactive communication on supported devices and networks.

> **[WhatsApp Business](https://kero.chat/help/what-is-whats-app-business)**
>
> Communicate with customers using approved WhatsApp templates, rich media and interactive messages.
>
> Ideal for customer engagement, notifications and ongoing conversations.

## Choose the right channel

Each messaging channel offers different capabilities and requirements.

| Capability | SMS | RCS for Business | WhatsApp Business |
| - | - | - | - |
| **Recipient needs** | A mobile number capable of receiving SMS | A compatible device with RCS support and an eligible network | An active WhatsApp account |
| **Message format** | Text messages | Rich media and interactive content | Text, media and interactive messages |
| **Business identity** | Sender ID or sending number, subject to country requirements | Verified, branded RCS Agent | WhatsApp Business profile |
| **Setup requirements** | SMS Agent and applicable Sender ID requirements | Brand, Agent, verification and network launch | WhatsApp Business Account, Agent connection and applicable Meta approvals |
| **Typical uses** | Alerts, reminders, OTPs and notifications | Branded notifications, promotions and interactive experiences | Notifications, marketing and customer conversations |

> [!TIP]
>
> **You don't have to choose just one channel.**
>
> For example, you can use WhatsApp or RCS for rich messaging and configure SMS as a fallback where supported.
>
> Your choice should reflect your audience, message content, available Agents and messaging requirements.

## Get started with your chosen channel

Each channel has its own setup requirements. Select a guide below to begin.

> **Set up SMS**
>
> SMS lets you reach customers using their mobile numbers, without requiring a separate messaging app.
>
> Follow these guides:
>
> 1. [What is SMS?](https://kero.chat/help/product/channels/sms/what-is-sms.md)
>
> 2. [Set up your SMS Agent](https://kero.chat/help/product/channels/sms/setup-your-sms-agent.md)
>
> 3. [Send an SMS message](https://kero.chat/help/product/channels/sms/send-an-sms-message.md)
>
> 4. [Understand SMS message length and character limits](https://kero.chat/help/product/channels/sms/sms-message-length-character-limits.md)
>
> > [!NOTE]
> >
> > SMS Sender ID requirements vary by destination country. Some Sender IDs require registration or approval before they can be used.
>
> For additional guidance, see [SMS Sender ID requirements by country](https://kero.chat/help/messaging-resources/messaging-directories/sms-sender-id-requirements-by-country.md).

> **Set up RCS for Business**
>
> RCS for Business allows you to send branded, interactive messages to customers on supported devices and networks.
>
> Follow these guides:
>
> 1. [Connect RCS](https://kero.chat/help/product/channels/rcs-for-business/connect-rcs.md)
>
> 2. [Getting started with RCS](https://kero.chat/help/product/channels/rcs-for-business/getting-started-with-rcs.md)
>
> 3. [Add your business for RCS](https://kero.chat/help/product/channels/rcs-for-business/add-your-business-for-rcs.md)
>
> 4. [Create your RCS Agent](https://kero.chat/help/product/channels/rcs-for-business/create-your-rcs-agent.md)
>
> 5. [Understand RCS Agent types](https://kero.chat/help/product/channels/rcs-for-business/rcs-agent-types.md)
>
> 6. [Explore RCS Agent use case examples](https://kero.chat/help/product/channels/rcs-for-business/rcs-agent-use-case-examples.md)
>
> 7. [Add an RCS test device](https://kero.chat/help/product/channels/rcs-for-business/add-an-rcs-test-device.md)
>
> 8. [RCS Agent verification and launch](https://kero.chat/help/rcs-agent-verification-and-launch)
>
> > [!NOTE]
> >
> > Creating an RCS Agent doesn't automatically make it available for live customer messaging.
> >
> > Your Agent must complete the applicable verification and launch requirements before it can send production messages on supported networks.
>
> You can also check [RCS availability by country](https://kero.chat/help/messaging-resources/messaging-directories/rcs-availability-by-country.md).

> **Set up WhatsApp Business**
>
> WhatsApp Business lets you send approved message templates and communicate with customers through WhatsApp.
>
> Follow these guides:
>
> 1. [What is WhatsApp Business?](https://kero.chat/help/what-is-whats-app-business)
>
> 2. [Getting started with WhatsApp](https://kero.chat/help/getting-started-with-whats-app)
>
> 3. [Connect your WhatsApp Business Account](https://kero.chat/help/connect-whatsapp-business-account)
>
> 4. [Manage your WhatsApp Agent](https://kero.chat/help/manage-your-whatsapp-agent)
>
> 5. [Create and submit a WhatsApp message template](https://kero.chat/help/whatsapp/create-message-template)
>
> 6. [Manage WhatsApp template approvals and rejections](https://kero.chat/help/manage-whats-app-template-approvals-and-rejections)
>
> 7. [Create a Kero template with WhatsApp and fallback](https://kero.chat/help/kero-template-with-wa-fallback)
>
> 8. [Test your WhatsApp template and SMS fallback](https://kero.chat/help/test-wa-template-with-sms-fallback)
>
> > [!NOTE]
> >
> > Your WhatsApp Business Account must be connected to Kero, and business-initiated template messages require the appropriate Meta-approved template.
> >
> > **Meta authorisation must be renewed every 60 days** to maintain your WhatsApp connection to Kero.

## Use multiple channels together

Kero allows you to configure more than one messaging channel within your account.

For example, you might use WhatsApp or RCS for rich messaging and configure SMS as an alternative delivery channel.

**1. Choose your primary channel**

Select the channel best suited to your audience, message content and business requirements.

Consider recipient availability, supported features and applicable messaging costs.

**2. Configure your messaging Agents**

Follow the setup and verification requirements for each channel you intend to use.

Make sure your Agents are ready for the type of messaging you want to send.

**3. Configure fallback where supported**

When creating a Kero template, you can add available fallback Agents to provide an alternative delivery route.

For example, you can configure SMS fallback for a WhatsApp message.

**4. Test before sending**

Send a test message and check that the content, personalisation and any configured fallback behave as expected.

Review the message statuses and delivery results before sending a larger campaign.

> [!WARNING]
>
> **Fallback is conditional and doesn't guarantee delivery.**
>
> Not every message failure qualifies for fallback.
>
> Kero attempts an alternative route only when the applicable fallback conditions are met and a suitable Agent is configured.
>
> Successful delivery also depends on recipient eligibility and channel-specific requirements.

## Need help?

If you need assistance choosing a channel, configuring an Agent, completing verification or understanding a delivery result, [contact Kero Support](https://kero.chat/contact-us).


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