While this article is a guide on rich push notifications, if you wish to build a mobile app without coding, get started here.
In an age where users are constantly bombarded with digital content, brands are fighting harder than ever to capture attention. With millions of websites and mobile apps competing for visibility, marketers face an ongoing challenge: how to reach users effectively without overwhelming them.
Push notifications remain one of the most powerful tools for instant communication and engagement. When used smartly, they can boost retention, drive traffic, and re-engage users with timely updates. But in 2025, basic text-based notifications no longer cut it โ this is where rich push notifications come in.
Rich push notifications combine visuals, interactivity, and personalization to deliver compelling messages that users actually want to engage with. Letโs explore what makes them different, how they work, and how you can start using them โ even without any coding.
Read: What are push notifications – A complete guide
What are rich push notifications?
A rich push notification is an enhanced form of a standard push notification that includes multimedia elements such as images, videos, GIFs, carousels, and clickable buttons. Instead of relying on plain text, these notifications engage multiple senses and make messages more visually appealing and actionable.
For example, a fitness app might send a rich push notification with a motivational video clip and a โStart Workoutโ button. A fashion brand could share a carousel of new arrivals, while a news app might include a thumbnail and direct link to a trending story.
Modern Android and iOS platforms support these rich formats natively, allowing brands to move beyond text and deliver immersive micro-experiences directly on usersโ lock screens.
Standard vs. rich push notifications
To understand their value, letโs break down the key differences:
| Feature | Standard Push Notification | Rich Push Notification |
|---|---|---|
| Content | Text only | Text + images, videos, GIFs, CTA buttons |
| Interactivity | Minimal | High โ can include deep links and actions |
| Engagement rate | Lower | Significantly higher |
| Branding potential | Limited | Strong visual branding possible |
| User retention | Moderate | Higher due to visual recall and interaction |
Rich notifications make your messages stand out and help you convey more information in less space, which is essential when youโre competing for seconds of user attention.
Key elements of rich push notifications
Research shows that visuals are processed 60,000 times faster than text, and content with images receives up to 94% more views. Thatโs why rich push notifications outperform traditional ones across engagement metrics.
Here are the core elements you can include:
- Images: Add product shots, banners, or campaign visuals to reinforce your message.
- Videos: Use short clips or previews to explain or promote your content.
- GIFs: Bring motion to your message and make it fun or dynamic.
- Carousels: Let users scroll through multiple images โ ideal for storytelling or showcasing multiple offers.
- CTA buttons: Include direct calls to action like โShop Now,โ โRead More,โ or โBook Appointment.โ
- Deep links: Drive users to specific app screens or sections for seamless navigation.
- Audio or maps: Include location or sound-based elements for interactive experiences.
Each element plays a role in capturing attention, enhancing clarity, and improving conversion rates.
How do rich push notifications work?
At a basic level, rich push notifications are created and sent via a push notification service โ such as Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) for Android or Apple Push Notification Service (APNS) for iOS.
Hereโs how they work in simple terms:
- User opt-in: Users must grant permission to receive notifications.
- Notification creation: Marketers or app admins design and schedule notifications via a dashboard or API.
- Service delivery: The message is sent through the notification service (FCM or APNS).
- User delivery: The device receives and displays the message based on system and user settings.
App builders like AppMySite simplify this process completely. Instead of setting up APIs or SDKs manually, you can send rich push notifications directly from your dashboard โ no coding, no configuration required.
Rich push notifications on Android and iOS
On Android
Android supports all major media formats โ images, GIFs, videos, and interactive buttons โ with fewer restrictions. Brands typically use Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) to deliver these messages, and users can interact directly from the notification panel.
On iOS
Appleโs APNS also supports rich notifications, but with stricter design and privacy guidelines. Notifications on iOS must adhere to Appleโs design framework and can only be delivered after explicit user consent.
Both platforms, however, are equally powerful when managed through tools like AppMySite, which handles all compliance and formatting requirements for you.
How to create rich push notifications effectively
A visually stunning notification means little if it doesnโt resonate with your audience. Follow these proven strategies to make your rich notifications more impactful:
1. Start with audience research
Understand your usersโ habits and preferences. Segment them based on behavior, purchase history, or engagement patterns to deliver relevant notifications.
2. Choose the right media
Not every message needs to include a video or carousel. Match the media to your goal โ a single image may be enough for a sale alert, while a GIF can work for festive greetings or product launches.
3. Keep content clear and focused
Avoid clutter. Combine visuals with short, action-oriented copy. Always include a strong CTA that tells users exactly what to do next.
4. Follow platform guidelines
Respect Android and iOS design and privacy standards. Ensure opt-in prompts are transparent and give users control over notification settings.
5. Test and optimize
Run A/B tests with different visuals and CTAs. Analyze open rates, click-through rates, and conversions to refine your approach over time.
6. Time it right
Send notifications when users are most active. For example, lifestyle and content apps often perform better during mornings or evenings, while eCommerce brands might see higher conversions during weekends.
How to create rich push notifications with AppMySite
AppMySite allows you to send rich push notifications easily, directly from your app dashboard โ no coding or third-party integrations needed.
Hereโs what you can do with AppMySiteโs built-in feature:
- Create and send rich notifications to Android and iOS users.
- Add images, GIFs, and CTA buttons directly within the message.
- Include links that drive users to specific in-app screens or content.
- Segment your audience for targeted delivery.
- Schedule campaigns and analyze performance with real-time analytics.
The best part? AppMySite takes care of all the technical aspects โ from device compatibility to API management โ so you can focus purely on crafting engaging content and campaigns.
Whether youโre promoting new blog posts, product launches, or seasonal sales, rich notifications from AppMySite can help you communicate instantly and creatively with your audience.
Frequently asked questions
What is rich media in push notifications?
Rich media refers to multimedia elements like images, videos, GIFs, and interactive buttons added to notifications to make them visually engaging and actionable.
Whatโs the difference between standard and rich notifications?
Standard notifications are text-only, while rich notifications include visuals, interactive links, and buttons for better engagement and user response.
Why should I use rich push notifications?
Rich notifications significantly improve engagement and conversion rates. Visual content helps capture attention faster and makes your message more memorable.
Can I send rich notifications without coding?
Yes. Platforms like AppMySite allow you to create and send rich notifications in a no-code environment, directly from your app dashboard.
Final thoughts
Rich push notifications have redefined how brands communicate with their users. They combine creativity and technology to deliver messages that are not only informative but visually memorable.
In 2025, every successful mobile marketing strategy must include rich notifications as a key engagement channel. Theyโre quick to implement, cost-effective, and proven to boost retention and conversions.
If youโre ready to elevate your app engagement, try AppMySite โ the no-code platform that helps you build, manage, and grow your mobile app with powerful features like rich push notifications, analytics, and seamless design tools.
Start today and transform your user engagement strategy.