Message Types

Learn about the difference between using standard and verified SMS messages, and the power of a better customer experience VSMS provides.

Standard SMS

Standard messages are made up of simple text and are attributed to your sender name. This means no branding and very minimal personalization is applied, but you do not need to go through any additional verification or enablement processes to use standard SMS.

Verified SMS

Verified SMS (VSMS) is the next stage in A2P SMS communication which brings the user experience in line with chat apps. This service is made available by Google in partnership with Infobip.

Once activated, users will automatically and easily get the new and enhanced SMS experience, offering a more personalized and branded experience.

Using VSMS lets you get closer to customers by exposing your brand name, logo, and company description. What's more, you also are attributed the "Verified by Google" message, giving your customer more confidence in the communications they are receiving. Link previewing is also a feature of VSMS.

VSMS works on Android devices with the Google Messages application to manage their SMS messages in the following countries:

• Canada
• Brazil
• France
• India
• Italy
• Mexico
• Philippines
• Spain
• UK
• USA

Other countries will continue to receive standard SMS messages.

If you are already using SMS with any Infobip solution (API, web interface, integrations, etc.), there is no need for any additional technical integrations. All you'll need to do is request VSMS be switched on, and you can continue sending SMS messages as usual.

The only prerequisite for sending SMS is a dedicated sender ID (short code, VLN or alphanumeric). In VSMS, your brand information is tied to your sender ID, so only you can use the sender ID and you should use it only with the Infobip platform. If you don’t have a dedicated sender ID, we can help you get one.

To get started with VSMS you'll need to get in touch with an Infobip representative. You will be asked to provide your brand information.

During the process, there will be no changes regarding your SMS traffic, SMS creation or reporting. Once verified, your recipients will start seeing VSMS on their devices.

Flash SMS

Flash SMS is a short message that appears directly on the mobile screen without being saved into the mobile's inbox. It is most commonly used to immediately catch the recipients’ attention with different alerts, such as emergency, weather, traffic, etc.