📡Channel-specific Limitations

Each messaging channel has different technical rules — here’s what you should know when connecting Operator AI to external platforms.

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📡 Why Channel Limitations Matter

• Not all messaging channels behave the same.

• Some channels (like WhatsApp and Instagram) have stricter message formatting or reply timing rules.

• Operator AI adapts to each platform automatically, but it's helpful to know the key differences.

✅ Knowing the rules = better user experience and fewer surprises.

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🛠️ Common Channel Limitations

Channel	Limitation
WhatsApp	- Template messages required for outbound initiations. - 24-hour reply window for free-form messages. - Business verification required.
Instagram DM	- Limited API access for personal (non-Business) accounts. - Some message types (like voice notes) not supported yet.
Facebook Messenger	- 24-hour messaging window after user last interaction. - "Message Tags" required for sending updates outside that window.
SMS (Twilio)	- Message length limits (~160 characters for traditional SMS). - No rich media (unless using MMS setup).
Email	- No real-time delivery guarantee. - IMAP/POP sync depends on server stability.
Slack	- Slack limits bots from starting DMs with users. - Bots must respond inside channels unless specifically allowed.
Telegram	- File upload size limits. - Inline bot keyboards have layout restrictions.
Web Chat	- Depends on user's browser (JavaScript must be enabled). - May load slower on old devices/networks.

✅ Operator AI automatically handles most formatting and fallbacks per channel.

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📋 Best Practices for Channel Management

Tip	Why It Matters
Design Flows for each channel's reality	Shorter messages for SMS, richer experiences for Web Chat.
Mind reply windows	Especially for WhatsApp and Facebook to avoid delivery failures.
Keep fallbacks flexible	Some channels handle "unknown inputs" better than others.
Monitor channel-specific metrics	Response rates may vary across platforms.
Update templates and permissions regularly	Especially important for WhatsApp and Facebook compliance.

✅ Building channel-smart Flows increases delivery success and user satisfaction.

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🛟 Need Help?

• Check each channel’s individual setup and compliance guides inside this documentation.

• Contact [e-mail] if you're unsure about a channel’s limitations.

• Your Success Manager can help audit and optimize your multi-channel strategy.

✅ We’re here to help you succeed across every channel.

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🎯 Next Step

👉 Continue to Billing and Pricing →