RCS format, file size, and media dimension specifications
The next version of mobile messaging is RCS (Rich Communication Services), where businesses can send rich, interactive messages to consumers. A successful RCS campaign depends on meeting the right file size, format, and dimension requirements for the best user experience. This guide covers approved formats, size limits, and recommended dimensions for RCS text, image, video, document, and carousel messages.
RCS format and size
A quick-reference summary across every RCS content type.
| Content | Format | Size | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text | Text and emoji | Full message payload up to 250 KB Google | Up to 3,072 characters Google |
| Image | JPEG, PNG, GIF Practical | Recommended up to 1 MB per image Practical | Title up to 200 characters, description up to 2,000 characters Google |
| Document | PDF Google (India only, via Google Messages) | Recommended up to 10 MB Practical | Follows standard title/description limits Google |
| Audio | MP4, MPEG Practical | Recommended up to 10 MB Practical | — |
| Video | MP4, WEBM, MPEG-4, H.263 Practical | Recommended up to 10 MB Practical | Title up to 200 characters, description up to 2,000 characters Google |
| Carousel | JPEG, PNG, GIF per card Practical | Recommended up to 1 MB per card image Practical | 2 to 10 cards Google |
Image size and dimensions
Use these aspect ratios and resolution ranges for sharp, properly framed visuals across card orientations. Pixel resolutions below are practical starting points — Google itself doesn't fix one universal resolution, since final rendering depends on the recipient's device and screen.
| Message Type | Card Orientation | Card Height | Image Aspect Ratio | Suggested Resolution (px) | Max Image Size | Accepted Formats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rich Card | Vertical | Short | 3:1 P | ~1280×427 P | 1 MB P | JPEG, PNG, GIF |
| Rich Card | Vertical | Medium | 2:1 P | ~1280×640 P | 1 MB P | JPEG, PNG, GIF |
| Rich Card | Horizontal | — | No fixed ratio G | ~768×1024 P | 1 MB P | JPEG, PNG, GIF |
| Carousel | Short | Small card | 8:5 P | ~1024×640 P | 1 MB P | JPEG, PNG, GIF |
| Carousel | Short | Medium card | 5:2 P | ~1600×640 P | 1 MB P | JPEG, PNG, GIF |
| Carousel | Medium | Small card | 1:1 P | ~720×720 P | 1 MB P | JPEG, PNG, GIF |
| Carousel | Medium | Medium card | 16:9 P | ~1280×720 P | 1 MB P | JPEG, PNG, GIF |
Scroll horizontally on smaller screens to see all columns. G = Google-documented · P = Practical recommendation.
Video dimensions and specifications
For smooth playback and broad device compatibility, keep video files within these practical size and format ranges. As with images, Google does not fix one universal resolution — these are realistic starting points used across the RCS ecosystem.
| Message Type | Card Orientation | Card Height | Aspect Ratio | Suggested Resolution (px) | Max Video Size | Accepted Formats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rich Card | Vertical | Short | 3:1 P | ~1280×427 P | 10 MB P | MP4, WEBM, MPEG-4, H.263 |
| Rich Card | Vertical | Medium | 7:3 P | ~1280×549 P | 10 MB P | MP4, WEBM, MPEG-4, H.263 |
| Rich Card | Horizontal | — | No fixed ratio G | Device-dependent G | 10 MB P | MP4, WEBM, MPEG-4, H.263 |
| Carousel | Short | Small card | 8:5 P | ~1024×640 P | 5 MB P | MP4, WEBM |
| Carousel | Short | Medium card | 5:2 P | ~1600×640 P | 5 MB P | MP4, WEBM |
| Carousel | Medium | Small card | 1:1 P | ~720×720 P | 5 MB P | MP4, WEBM |
| Carousel | Medium | Medium card | 16:9 P | ~1280×720 P | 5 MB P | MP4, WEBM |
Scroll horizontally on smaller screens to see all columns. G = Google-documented · P = Practical recommendation.
| Item | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Video thumbnail file size | Maximum 100 KB, 50 KB or less recommended Google |
| Thumbnail format | JPEG, PNG Practical |
Why these specifications matter
Faster delivery
Right-sized media moves through the network and renders on the recipient's device faster, with less risk of a slow or failed load.
Better visual experience
Correct aspect ratios mean your image displays as designed, instead of being awkwardly cropped to fit the card.
Stronger engagement
Clear, properly framed visuals read as more professional — and professional-looking messages get more taps and replies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum character limit for an RCS text message?
Google's RCS for Business platform sets the text portion of a message at a maximum of 3,072 characters, with the entire message payload capped at 250 KB. Simple Basic Messages without rich content are typically kept under 160 characters, similar to SMS.
What file formats are accepted for RCS images and videos?
RCS commonly supports JPEG, PNG and GIF for images, and MP4, WEBM, MPEG-4 and H.263 for video. Exact accepted formats can vary slightly depending on your aggregator and the recipient's device, so it's good practice to test before a large send.
How many cards can an RCS carousel contain?
An RCS carousel can contain a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 10 rich cards, scrollable horizontally, as set by Google's RCS Business Messaging platform.
Will my image be cropped if it doesn't match the card's exact dimensions?
Yes — if your image doesn't fit the card's selected height, RCS will zoom and centrally crop it to fit. This is why keeping important text or logos centered in your design matters more than hitting an exact pixel count.
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