SMS Marketing Trends for Apps to Use in 2025

These days, marketing your app isn’t easy. You need a strategy that makes your app stand out in the digital world that is overflowing with notifications, emails, and app alerts.

Short message service (SMS) marketing is what you need. This type of marketing stands out by doing something refreshingly simple: it gets straight to the point.

In 2025, SMS marketing will be fast and almost impossible to ignore. And that’s exactly why apps are doubling down on SMS marketing. Users can feel overwhelmed when there is too much content, and in marketing, short, concise, and engaging content is enough to promote your app.

Emails get buried. App notifications are often muted. But a text message? It is usually read within 3 minutes. That kind of attention is gold today, as users are easily distracted.

As SMS can reach customers quickly, it easily cuts through the noise. This means it is growing more powerful and more aligned with what users want—quick, clear, and relevant communication.

For apps, especially those with niches that are highly competitive, these new trends are essential if you want to stay ahead.

In this article, we will learn the top SMS marketing trends for apps that you should definitely use this year.

What is an SMS Marketing Campaign?

An SMS marketing campaign is an effective and great strategy that businesses often use to ensure their customers and users stay engaged and connected with their brand.

This marketing approach is used to deliver text messages to users related to their products and services, and also if there is any update or event that is going to take place. These marketing campaigns use concise and direct messages that immediately grab the attention of the users.

For apps, an SMS marketing campaign can include messages like:

🔘“Hey! We’ve added a new feature just for you—check it out here.”

🔘“Your free trial ends soon. Upgrade now and get 20% off!”

The messages mentioned above are some examples of how businesses send SMS for marketing apps. Also, these messages are delivered to the user only after their consent, which means they are okay and want to receive them. Some of the main objectives of SMS marketing are the following.

🔘Boost engagement

🔘Increase downloads or usage

🔘Drive sales or in-app purchases

🔘Retain existing users

SMS marketing stands as an effective way for reaching your app users directly and guiding them toward taking specific actions.

Role of SMS in App Marketing

SMS in app marketing is used to deliver messages quickly and directly to users, which also keeps them engaged. This helps businesses increase app downloads, improve user onboarding, re-engage users who are not active, and promote special offers or updates.

It is used by many profitable businesses in 2025 to ensure they don’t lack in any way from their competitors.

SMS in app marketing are perfect for spending alerts, transactional messages, and personalised promotions. It helps increase app engagement and retention by keeping users engaged and connected with your brand.

Attention-Grabbing SMS Marketing Trends for Apps

According to Statista, the SMS advertising market will reach US$809.05m this year and will have an annual growth rate of 1.93%, resulting in the market volume increasing by US$873.35m by 2029.

These statistics indicate that SMS marketing will be growing this year too, which means you need to stay updated with the SMS marketing trends for apps. Here are the marketing trends for apps that you can use in 2025.

1. Integration with App Push Notifications

The first that is in trend nowadays is the integration of SMS with app push notifications. When these two effective communication tools are integrated, they complement each other beautifully.

It happens that push notifications are not noticed by many because they may have disabled permission or due to notification fatigue. This is where SMS serves as a reliable second option or a backup.

For example, a food delivery app sends a push about an offer that is only available for a limited time, and the user doesn’t respond. In this case, an SMS as a reminder can be sent an hour later with a discount code. It can lead to users taking action, like visiting the app or ordering food using that code.

This integration ensures communication stays consistent, and the chances of engaging users with your app also increase without making it look spammy.

2. SMS and RCS – The Future of Rich Messaging

RCS (Rich Communication Services) is the latest way to enable more interactive and visually rich experiences. It is replacing your standard SMS by letting you send branded messages with high-quality images, buttons, videos, carousels, and payment options within your default messaging app.

However, SMS has still not lost its touch and will remain the best marketing strategy that you can use to promote your apps. RCS improves engagement with visually appealing content. It is ideal for product showcases, travel bookings, or payment flows.

If you have an e-commerce or a shopping app with an amazing product gallery, you should use this trend. It removes friction and improves the customer journey.

3. Sending Hyper-personalised Messages

Generic messages are gone. Today, users expect personalised content, and SMS is no different. So, another popular SMS marketing trend for apps is sending hyper-personalised messages.

Apps can send tailored messages based on user location, past app behaviour, time zone, and preferences using relevant data and tracking tools. For instance, a meditation app might send a message like, “Good evening, Emma! Ready for your 5-minute calming session?”

This personalisation trend not only increases open rates but also enhances user experience, making the app feel connected to their lifestyle.

However, you need to thoroughly understand what your customers want with the help of data, like what they purchase in-app, deals that get them excited or messages they respond to. This will help you create offers that new and existing users will find appealing.

4. Two-Way SMS Conversations

SMS is no longer about broadcasting information. It is becoming conversational. The trend of two-way messaging allows users to reply directly to the messages sent by them, ask questions, reschedule appointments, or get support without opening the app.

This interactive approach allows you to build trust and encourages higher retention. If you have a healthcare app, you will need to send messages regarding their scheduled appointments and their timings.

It allows users to interact with your app more conveniently and boosts engagement by reducing steps in the process.

5. Roll Out Interactive Content

As we learned above, SMS marketing allows you to have a conversation with your users. However, your content also needs to be interactive.

That is because interactive SMS content is taking user engagement to new heights. Instead of using the same boring and static messages, apps are sending polls, quizzes, feedback requests, replies with emojis, and mini-games through SMS.

For example, a learning app can text a quick quiz: “Ready for your daily challenge? What’s 9x7? Reply A: 63, B: 72, C: 81.” You can also create mini challenges where they can win discounts or let them book an appointment with a quick reply.

This type of content makes the experience fun, increases session time, and encourages users to interact repeatedly with your app while also collecting valuable user data. This will help you make your texts engaging and create better future campaigns.

6. SMS and App Marketing Automation Tools

Next, one of the top SMS marketing trends for apps to use in 2025 is SMS and app marketing automation tools. When SMS is connected to automation platforms, it can be generated automatically based on in-app behaviour.

Imagine a user adds items to their cart but doesn’t complete the purchase. This may lead to you worrying about not making a sale, which can result in fewer profits.

Then, you can send an automated SMS after 30 minutes, and they have left their cart, saying, “We noticed that you still haven’t made your purchase. You can use your code OFFER10 for a 10% discount at checkout, but act fast, as the offer won’t last long.”

These timely pushes help bring lost users back and increase conversions.

7. A2P Messaging for Automated App Alerts

With the help of A2P (Application-to-Person) messaging, you can send automated transactional messages directly to users. These include:

🔘OTPs

🔘Booking confirmations

🔘Delivery status updates

🔘Reminders

🔘Password resets

As these messages are essential and time-sensitive, SMS marketing helps send them safely, making it a reliable delivery method. It ensures users receive important updates instantly, even if your users are not connected to the internet or have disabled app notifications.

A2P also adds a professional and consistent touch to the overall user communication strategy.

8. Offer Gamified Rewards

SMS marketing can be fun if you turn it into a game that offers exciting rewards to the users. It will help boost app engagement. Apps are now sending SMS-based reward notifications, such as point milestones, badge unlocks, or challenge updates.

For example, “Congrats! You’ve completed 3 workouts this week. You’ve earned a Bronze Badge. Claim it in the app!” These small rewards build excitement and keep users coming back. Gamified SMS campaigns are especially effective for fitness, learning, and productivity apps.

9. Increased Use of SMS for Retargeting Campaigns

There can be a time when users install your app but stop using it. That is why SMS marketing or retargeting campaigns will help you bring them back. These messages are very effective because they are short, direct, and often time-sensitive.

Here is the perfect example for better understanding. If you have a grocery app and users have already added the items but didn’t buy them, then you can send them an SMS like “Your saved items are still waiting. Order today and get free delivery!”

SMS stands out because it is different from other types of marketing. It becomes especially helpful when emails or social ads go unnoticed. It reactivates dormant users and nudges them toward completing actions within the app.

10. Embrace Omnichannel Marketing

In 2025, the best marketing strategies are omnichannel, meaning SMS is just one part of a coordinated effort across email, push notifications, social media, and in-app messaging.

For example, a user may receive an email announcing a sale, a push notification with a countdown timer, and a final SMS on the last day.

This mobile app marketing trend or strategy ensures your messages stay consistent across these platforms and cater to users using their preferred platforms. This improves reach and makes the marketing effort successful, which you must have put into making your app popular.

Another example is a restaurant that can text about happy hour specials, post appealing and delicious pics of their popular dishes on a social media platforms like Instagram, and also keep everyone updated by sending a newsletter every month. Each channel works together to create a complete experience.

11. Integration of SMS with Loyalty Programs

Loyalty programs are the ones that help keep your users engaged and give them a reason to use your app. You can update them about the following:

🔘Point balances

🔘New rewards

🔘Limited-time bonus offers

🔘Upcoming tier upgrades

For instance, “You're only 200 points away from unlocking Gold status! Complete one more task today.” These updates keep users motivated and aware of their progress, encouraging ongoing engagement and spending.

12. Leverage Geotargeting

With user consent, location-based SMS campaigns become highly effective. Apps can send relevant offers based on where the user is physically located.

For example, a retail app can text, “You’re near our Andheri store. Show this message to get 20% off today only!” or a travel app might say, “Welcome to Delhi! Here’s your city guide.”

Geotargeting makes messages feel more personal and timely, which naturally boosts conversions. Also, ensure that your messages give your users a real reason to use your app and don’t just send random texts only because they are in your location.

13. Voice & SMS Synergy in App Campaigns

The best SMS marketing trend for apps you can use is combining SMS with voice calls, as it adds another dimension to app campaigns. While SMS is perfect for quick updates or confirmations, voice calls can handle more complex messages or urgent notifications.

For example, a healthcare app might confirm an appointment via voice and follow up with SMS reminders. This dual approach gives users more flexibility and increases the chances they will notice and act on your message.

14. Set Up Conversational AI Chatbots

One of the amazing SMS marketing trends for apps is that you can even offer your users or customers instant responses, even when you are not available, using AI chatbots.

AI-driven chatbots over SMS are becoming smarter and more interactive. These bots can simulate human conversation, handle user queries, offer solutions, and even complete tasks—all via text.

For instance, a travel app’s SMS chatbot could handle flight reschedules or cancellations through quick, text-based interactions. It enhances the support experience and saves time for both users and your team.

Or, if you want to know whether the particular product you want is back in stock, you can ask the chatbots. It will check and answer your question in seconds.

Recommended Reads: Top 20+ AI Chatbot Development Services Providers in 2025

15. Make the Most of Mobile Wallets

SMS can be used to notify users of wallet credits, discount coupons, and cashback offers that they can redeem via mobile wallets integrated with your app.

For example, “50% cashback added to your wallet—use it on your next order!” This not only increases app usage but also drives purchases and brand loyalty. Users are more likely to act when they know they are saving money or earning rewards.

Performance Metrics to Track in 2025

Now, let’s imagine that you have used most or all of these SMS marketing trends for apps. However, how will you know whether these strategies are working? Here are the performance metrics that will help track your SMS marketing performance in 2025.

1. SMS Open Rate

You should track the SMS open rate to track the number of users who opened your message after receiving it. SMS still has the highest open rates, up to 98%, which makes it a reliable channel for reaching users.

Low open rates indicate that users do not recognise your sender ID or that your message content lacks appeal. Your sender name should be recognisable to your audience, and the initial words of your message must instantly capture their interest.

2. Click-Through Rate (CTR)

CTR shows how many users clicked the link in your SMS. It will also indicate whether your message was engaging. For example, a promotional app message will fail to receive user clicks if its call-to-action lacks strength or its benefit remains unclear to recipients.

If that’s the case, then improve CTR by using short phrases like “Tap to unlock your reward” or “Click to save 30% today.”

3. Conversion Rate

With the help of this performance metric, you can track how many users completed the desired action after clicking your SMS. This metric directly shows how effective your messaging, targeting, and timing are.

A high conversion rate means your offer resonates and your landing page works well. Always track this metric to understand your campaign's ROI.

Also Read: How to Optimise Ad Campaigns with AI: Strategies for Higher Conversions

4. Unsubscribe Rate

Frequent unsubscribes indicate that your messaging frequency may be excessive or that your content does not match user interests. Your audience will remain engaged if you maintain a minimal unsubscribe rate.

Make sure your message is sent at the right time and isn’t spammy. Also, segment your audience so you don’t send generic messages to everyone.

5. Bounce Rate/Delivery Rate

This metric indicates the SMS messages that didn’t reach your users. A high bounce rate will show you are wasting resources on undeliverable contacts.

However, you can improve it if you regularly clean your contact list and use number verification tools to ensure your databases remain updated.

6. App Engagement After SMS

Track whether users opened your app or performed any action in the app after receiving an SMS. This helps you understand the direct impact of your message on app activity.

Use deep links in your SMS to guide users to specific app screens and monitor whether your campaigns are driving in-app usage or purchases.

How Can Arramton Help You Market Your App the Right Way?

Searching and choosing the right and one of the best marketing agencies is getting difficult. However, we will make your search easy. You can choose Arramton as your marketing partner.

We help market your app with the best strategy that allows you to reach the right users at the perfect time using a suitable channel. We start by understanding your app’s goals, audience, and features, then design personalised marketing campaigns.

We specialise in creating compelling, high-converting messages that not only grab attention but also drive real engagement and installs.

With smart automation, along with performance tracking and regular campaign optimisation, Arramton can ensure increased app downloads and build loyal user bases.

They help app owners who have launched a new app or want to scale an existing one to reach their desired success targets.

Final Takeaways

In 2025, SMS marketing will continue to change into an effective tool for app marketers who want to cut through the noise and connect directly with their users.

With SMS marketing trends for apps like RCS messaging, hyper-personalised messages, two-way conversations, and integration with push notifications and loyalty programs, SMS has become a dynamic mobile strategy.

Your messages require timely delivery while maintaining both relevance and engaging content. The adoption of these trends enables apps to improve retention rates while also generating better conversions and providing superior user experiences right through the inbox.

If you are ready to take your app marketing to the next level, now is the time to make SMS a core part of your strategy. Let Arramton help you craft smarter campaigns that connect, convert, and grow. Get in touch with our team today!

FAQs for SMS Marketing

Q1 What is the future of SMS marketing?

Ans The future of SMS marketing is all about becoming smarter and offering personalised communication. With the rise of AI, RCS, and automation, SMS will be more interactive. It will remain the best channel for engaging users.

Q2 Is SMS really a 98% open rate?

Ans Yes, many studies have shown that SMS messages have a 98% open rate, and most are read within minutes. This makes SMS an effective channel for users to view your messages quickly, especially when compared to email or app notifications.

Q3 What are the challenges of SMS marketing?

Ans The challenges of SMS marketing include:

🔘Getting proper user content

🔘Avoiding spam filters

🔘Message length limitations (160 characters)

🔘Managing costs

Q4 How do I run SMS marketing?

Ans You can run your SMS marketing campaign the best first, but first, select a reliable marketing platform. Then, you need to:

🔘Collect the user's phone number with clear opt-in consent.

🔘Create segmented user lists and plan your campaigns based on user behaviour or app events.

🔘Keep messages short, useful, and personalised.

🔘Track performance and refine based on what works best.

Q5 How do I avoid spam filters in SMS campaigns?

Ans If you want to avoid spam filters in SMS campaigns, you should always get clear user consent before sending messages. You should use recognised shortcodes, avoid language that makes your SMS look spammy (like “FREE!!!” or “CLICK NOW”), and don’t overwhelm users with too many messages. Keep it relevant and timely.

Q6 Is RCS better than SMS for app marketing?

Ans RCS (Rich Communication Services) offers more features like images, buttons, and branding, which make it more interactive than standard SMS. However, RCS isn’t yet supported on all devices. So, while it’s better in terms of experience, SMS still has more reach.

Q7 How effective is SMS in user retention?

Ans SMS helps keep users engaged. If your app has new features or you are launching new deals, you can use them to inform about the latest features and offers. It also helps you reach out to users who have not been using your app for a while. These small nudges lead to better retention rates and increased app usage.