---
title: Messaging | API Docs
description: Overview of messages — individual communications within a chat thread.
---

Messages are individual communications within a chat thread.

Messages can include text, media attachments, rich link previews, special effects (like confetti or fireworks), and reactions. All messages are associated with a specific chat and sent from a phone number you own.

Messages support delivery status tracking, read receipts, and editing capabilities.

## Rich Link Previews

Send a URL as a `link` part to deliver it with a rich preview card showing the page’s title, description, and image (when available). A `link` part must be the **only** part in the message — it cannot be combined with text or media parts. To send a URL without a preview card, include it in a `text` part instead.

**Limitations:**

- A `link` part cannot be combined with other parts in the same message.
- Maximum URL length: 2,048 characters.

## Related

- [Sending Messages](/guides/messaging/sending-messages/index.md) — start, reply, idempotency
- [Message Details](/guides/messaging/message-details/index.md) — retrieve, update, delete
- [Attachments](/guides/messaging/attachments/index.md) — media, files, pre-upload
- [Voice Memos](/guides/messaging/voice-memos/index.md)
- [Rich Link Previews](/guides/messaging/rich-link-previews/index.md)
- [Reactions](/guides/messaging/reactions/index.md)
- [Message Effects](/guides/messaging/message-effects/index.md)
- [Protocol Selection](/guides/messaging/protocol-selection/index.md) — iMessage vs SMS vs RCS