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

# Channel-specific Limitations

***

### 📡 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.

***

### 🛠️ Common Channel Limitations

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

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

***

### 📋 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.

***

### 🛟 Need Help?

* Check each channel’s individual setup and compliance guides inside this documentation.
* Contact [support@heyoperator.ai](mailto:support@heyoperator.ai) 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.

***

## 🎯 Next Step

👉 [Continue to Billing and Pricing →](billing)
