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Viber for Business: How It Works, Pros and Cons

Viber for Business: How It Works, Pros and Cons blog banner

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TL;DR

Viber for Business lets you send verified, interactive messages through Viber. It improves engagement with rich media, automation, CRM integration, and SMS fallback.

  • Messages land in a dedicated inbox, boosting visibility.
  • Send transactional, promotional, or support messages automatically.
  • Integrate with CRMs and trigger messages based on customer actions.
  • Get SMS fallback for offline users and better message delivery.

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Getting customers to notice your message is challenging, and obtaining a response is even more so. If you’ve tried blasting SMS or posting on social media only to be met with silence, you’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs and business owners face the challenge of reaching their target audience and creating conversations that lead to action.

That’s where Viber for Business can help. The Philippines is one of the platform’s top five markets globally. Last year, Viber business accounts in the country grew by 14%. It generated an average of 862 million monthly ad impressions and a 53% spike in business messages delivered.

With access through the Viber business inbox, you can keep all customer conversations in one place and have a trusted, interactive presence.

But like any platform, it has its limits. In the infographic below, we break down how Viber business messages work, what it does well, and what to watch out for—so you can decide if it fits your communication strategy.

Viber for Business: How It Works, Pros and Cons Infographic

Viber for Business

Viber for Business gives you a professional presence on one of the most widely used messaging apps in the Philippines. With a dedicated business account, your brand can send updates and offers directly to customers in real time.

Once your business account is approved, messages appear in a dedicated Viber business inbox, separate from personal chats. This placement makes your chats easier to spot, boosting visibility and credibility.

Viber also integrates with your existing tools, allowing you to send messages automatically based on customer activity. If a customer is offline, it falls back to SMS to ensure delivery. You can choose from three types of messages, depending on their goals:

1. Transactional

You can automate messages about essential information, such as order updates, appointment reminders, or notifications. Specific customer actions trigger them and are usually time-sensitive.

2. Promotional

These messages promote new products, special offers, or limited-time deals. Designed to re-engage customers and boost sales, promotional messages allow you to attach images, links, and action buttons.

3. Conversational

You can initiate a two-way chat with your customer to address their inquiries or provide real-time support, especially after they’ve replied to a previous message.

The Pros and Cons of Viber for Business

Like any digital platform, a Viber Business account comes with both advantages and limitations. Here’s a clear overview to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your communication needs.

Pros

  • High global user base

Viber has seen explosive growth in the Philippines. Business accounts for MSMEs increased by 194% in 2024, while consumer engagement rose by 74%, making it one of Viber’s fastest-growing markets worldwide.

That means your customers are actively using the platform, so you don’t have to convince them to download anything new.

  • Rich media support

With Viber, you can send eye-catching content—including images, videos, buttons, carousels, files, and even stickers—to capture your customers’ attention.

In a mobile-first market, visual messages help you cut through the noise and make your mobile marketing more engaging and effective.

  • End-to-end encryption

Your customers expect privacy, and Viber delivers on this expectation. Every message sent is fully encrypted, protecting personal information and all other sensitive conversations.

As such, you’ll have fewer security worries and stronger customer trust, especially when handling transactions, updates, and queries.

  • Verified business accounts

A verified Viber Business Account displays your brand name, logo, and business badge to show customers you’re the real deal.

Research shows that 77% of consumers prefer verified messages over standard ones, leading to higher open rates and increased trust. It’s a straightforward way to appear credible without requiring extra effort.

  • Instant delivery + SMS fallback

Your time-sensitive messages, such as order confirmations or one-time passwords (OTPs), reach customers instantly via Viber. If a user is offline, the system automatically switches to SMS. This feature means no more worrying about undelivered alerts.

  • Cost-effective vs SMS

Viber allows you to send rich content, typically at a lower cost than plain SMS. That translates to better engagement per peso spent, helping you see real marketing returns without stretching your budget.

  • Two-way communication via chatbots

Viber chatbots enable you to provide near-instant customer support, such as answering queries and resolving issues 24/7, without requiring additional staff. Customers get help when they need it, boosting satisfaction and helping you save on support costs.

  • Integration with CRM/business systems

Viber works with your existing CRM or sales tools, so you don’t need to start from scratch. You can set up automatic messages based on customer actions—like purchases, sign-ups, unsubscriptions, or follow-ups—without lifting a finger.

Cons

  • Smaller user base in key markets

While Viber is popular in the Philippines and parts of Europe, its reach is limited in major markets such as the United States and India. If your business serves international customers, this smaller user base might limit your campaign’s visibility and ROI.

  • Closed-source security concerns

Although Viber uses end-to-end encryption, its code isn’t open for public review. If you operate in finance, healthcare, or other regulated industries, this lack of transparency may raise concerns about data privacy and compliance.

  • Bugs and file handling limitations

Some users have reported issues with disappearing messages, slow media downloads, delayed message syncing across devices, and errors when opening files.

If your business relies on sending receipts or documents through Viber, these issues can affect how smoothly your customers receive essential information.

  • Limited contact segmentation and scheduling

Viber’s native platform doesn’t allow you to segment your audience or schedule messages in advance. That means you can’t easily target specific groups or plan promotions. If you’re running multiple campaigns or personalizing messages, this can slow down the process.

  • Fewer analytics than other platforms

The platform provides basic data, such as delivery and read rates. However, lacks deeper insights, including click-through rates, customer journeys, and A/B testing.

  • Gallery access/privacy risks

When customers receive media from your business on Viber, the app may save it directly to their device’s gallery. It may expose sensitive information, especially if the device is shared or unsecured. 

From Seen to Sold

Customers ignore noise, but they notice conversations. Viber for Business offers you rich media tools and a direct, verified connection to one of the Philippines’ most active messaging platforms. It’s a more innovative way to build your brand right where your customers are.

The limits? Manageable. The upside? Long-term returns that grow with your customer base.

If you’re already using SMS, Semaphore makes it easy to integrate Viber into your messaging mix. With us, you can engage smarter, not harder. Let Semaphore help—your trusted SMS marketing for businesses.

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FAQs

 

  • What is Viber for Business, and how does it work?

It’s a verified messaging solution that lets you reach customers directly on Viber with branded, interactive messages. You can connect it to tools like your CRM or SMS platform to automate replies and updates based on customer activity.

  • What types of messages can businesses send on Viber?

You can use Viber to send a wide range of messages, from customer updates to marketing campaigns and live chat responses. It supports automated and real-time conversations, depending on your business goal.

  • What are the main advantages of using Viber for Business?

Viber enables you to establish a credible and professional presence through verified profiles and visual messaging. It’s designed for enhanced engagement and continues to function even when customers are offline, thanks to SMS fallback.

  • What are the limitations of Viber for Business?

It doesn’t offer built-in tools for message scheduling or audience targeting, and detailed analytics are limited. Some users also experience occasional issues with media and file handling.

  • How does Viber compare to SMS and other messaging apps?

Viber offers more features and customization than standard SMS. While its reach is substantial in the Philippines, it may not be the best fit if you’re targeting markets that don’t typically use Viber.

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SMS vs. RCS: What’s the Difference, and Why It Matters?

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TL;DR

SMS vs RCS differ in reach, features, and engagement. SMS is universal and reliable, while RCS delivers rich media, interactivity, and branded conversations.

  • SMS works everywhere without internet 
  • RCS supports images, videos, buttons, and branding
  • SMS is best for reach and essential alerts
  • RCS drives engagement with richer experiences

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The way you message customers in the Philippines is changing. For over three decades, SMS has been the backbone of mobile communication, delivering everything from birthday greetings to banking alerts. Its simplicity, reach, and reliability made it indispensable for both personal and business use.

But times have evolved. Consumers expect richer, more interactive communication, and businesses are seeking new ways to differentiate themselves.

Enter Rich Communication Services (RCS), the next generation of SMS. With app-like features—think images, carousels, branded messages, and chatbots—RCS promises to reshape customer engagement.

In the Philippines and global markets, understanding SMS vs. RCS directly impacts how you connect with audiences, build trust, and keep up with mobile-first behavior. Let’s break down what sets them apart, and why both matter for your messaging strategy.

SMS and RCS Explained

Short Message Service (SMS) is the universal text messaging protocol built into every mobile phone. It operates over cellular networks, requires no internet connection, and supports up to 160 characters of plain text.

RCS (Rich Communication Services) is the modern upgrade to SMS. It uses Wi-Fi or mobile data to provide an app-like messaging experience directly in the default messaging app. 

With RCS, you can send longer messages, high-resolution media, and interactive elements, such as carousels and buttons. It also supports features like read receipts, typing indicators, and branded sender IDs.

The best feature of RCS is its built-in fallback to SMS. If a recipient’s device or network doesn’t support RCS, the message automatically defaults to a standard SMS, ensuring your message always gets delivered. It makes SMS the reliable, universal foundation, while RCS provides the rich, engaging experience customers increasingly expect from modern communication.

SMS vs. RCS: 7 Key Differences and Benefits

SMS and RCS both help you send mobile messages, but they differ significantly in function and impact. Here’s how they compare to help you engage mobile-first audiences in the Philippines.

1. Message features and capabilities

SMS supports only plain text and is limited to 160 characters, making it best suited for simple alerts, reminders, one-time passwords (OTP), and basic promotional messages.

RCS offers a rich messaging experience with support for multimedia, including images, videos, GIFs, and documents up to 100MB. It also includes advanced features like reply buttons, carousels, typing indicators, and improved group chat functionality.

Why it matters:

SMS is for delivering info fast. RCS creates richer, interactive conversations that boost engagement.

2. User experience

SMS is a simple, reliable, and familiar messaging protocol that’s limited to one-way plain text.

RCS provides an app-like, conversational, and interactive experience, allowing users to perform actions like confirming bookings, browsing carousels, or acting directly within the chat.

Why it matters:

A smoother, branded experience leads to higher engagement and improved customer satisfaction.

3. Delivery and reach

SMS works without an internet connection and is universally supported across all phones and carriers. 

RCS requires mobile data or Wi-Fi, along with compatible devices and carrier support. As of 2024, Apple began rolling out RCS in iOS 18 in select countries. 

Why it matters:

SMS guarantees nationwide reach; RCS adoption is growing but not yet universal.

4. Cost and accessibility

Bulk SMS messaging typically costs businesses around ₱0.20–₱0.30 per message, making it easy to budget for and deploy quickly.

RCS messages use internet data, and pricing for businesses is more complex. While RCS can offer long-term savings by reducing the need to send multiple long texts, its costs vary depending on the campaign’s design and features. Initial implementation also often requires dedicated developer or design resources.

Why it matters:

SMS is predictable and affordable. RCS can deliver a higher ROI, but it requires more upfront investment.

5. Business and marketing applications

SMS is perfect for time-sensitive alerts like OTP codes, delivery updates, appointment reminders, and fraud notifications. With open rates often exceeding 90%, it remains one of the most effective channels for communicating critical information.

RCS allows brands to send verified, branded messages with logos, color themes, and interactive elements. Because these rich features encourage more user interaction, RCS business messaging traffic is projected to grow substantially.

Juniper Research, a leading market research firm, forecasts a 50% increase in RCS business messaging traffic in 2025.

Why it matters:

Use SMS for scale and reliability; use RCS for richer engagement and conversions.

6. Security and verification

SMS is vulnerable to spoofing and phishing, as it lacks encryption and sender verification. It’s a growing concern in the Philippines, where scam texts remain rampant.

RCS adds encryption in transit, verified sender profiles, and branded business messages with badges, which helps build trust and reduce scams.

Why it matters:

Verified business profiles increase credibility in a market plagued by SMS fraud.

7. Adoption and compatibility

SMS works everywhere on every phone and carrier.

RCS is supported on Android 5.0+ devices and select iPhones running iOS 18, with full compatibility dependent on the carrier and user settings.

Why it matters:

Expect to use both in parallel. Over time, more businesses will transition toward RCS as adoption grows.

Which Should You Use: SMS or RCS?

When deciding between using SMS and RCS, it comes down to your communication goals and your target audience.

Use SMS when you need a guaranteed way to reach everyone. It works on every single phone and carrier, so it’s perfect for reaching people in the provinces or those with older phones.

Go with RCS when your audience is more tech-savvy and located in urban areas (like in Metro Manila), where they can fully experience the interactive, branded features it offers.

For maximum impact, a hybrid strategy is the best solution. Use SMS for all your essential, time-sensitive messages, and deploy RCS for high-impact campaigns designed to drive engagement.

Choose the Right Channel for Your Brand

Whether you’re sticking with SMS for its broad reach or you’re ready to explore the potential of RCS, the success of your campaigns depends entirely on the platform you choose to use.

As a trusted provider of SMS marketing in the Philippines, Semaphore makes it simple to launch bulk SMS blasts through a developer-friendly API or a web dashboard.

You can send branded messages with custom sender names, track campaigns in real time, and scale effortlessly without the need for complicated telecom contracts or technical hurdles.

Start sending smarter campaigns today with Semaphore’s proven SMS solutions.

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FAQs

  1. What is the main difference between SMS and RCS?
    SMS is a plain text service, limited to 160 characters, and works without an internet connection. RCS adds images, videos, buttons, branding, and real-time chat features for richer conversations.
  2. Why is RCS considered the next generation of SMS?
    RCS upgrades messaging with app-like features, like images, carousels, buttons, branded profiles, and read receipts. These tools make conversations more engaging, interactive, and secure compared to SMS.
  3. Does SMS still matter if RCS is available?
    Yes. SMS remains universal, cost-effective, and reliable even without internet access. Since not all devices and networks support RCS, SMS ensures guaranteed reach across the Philippines.
  4. How do costs compare between SMS and RCS?
    SMS is billed per message or in bulk packages, making it a predictable expense. RCS can be more efficient for longer campaigns, but it usually requires a higher setup effort.
  • SMS = predictable, simple budgeting
  • RCS = efficient for rich campaigns, higher setup costs

What’s the best messaging strategy for businesses in the Philippines?
A hybrid strategy works best. Use SMS for reach and essential alerts like OTPs and reminders, while using RCS for high-impact campaigns that need branding, interactivity, and deeper customer engagement.

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An Overview of How to Change Network Providers Without Changing Your Number in the Philippines

TL;DR

Mobile Number Portability (MNP) lets Filipinos switch networks without losing their number, making it easier to enjoy better coverage, data plans, and customer service.

  • Keep your number on prepaid or postpaid
  • Switch providers hassle-free with no extra fees
  • Maintain trust with contacts, clients, and accounts
  • Complete porting in six easy steps using a USC

Switching mobile providers has long been a frustrating decision for many Filipinos. Weak coverage in certain areas, expensive data packages, and poor customer service often push subscribers to consider alternatives.  

Yet, many hesitate to make the move because changing providers used to mean losing their number. This disruption affects everything, from personal contacts to banking accounts, messaging apps, and even the consistency of a business text blast.

Today, that barrier no longer exists. Thanks to Mobile Number Portability (MNP), you can transfer to a new network while keeping the number you’ve relied on for years.  

This guide explains what MNP is, its requirements, and the exact steps on how to change networks without changing numbers.

What is Mobile Number Portability (MNP)?

Mobile Number Portability (MNP) is a free service that enables you to switch mobile providers in the Philippines while retaining your existing number. It was created under Republic Act 11202 to give Filipinos more freedom to choose and to push telco companies to offer better services. MNP works for both prepaid and postpaid subscribers.

The Two Ways to Switch

  • Internal porting is when you switch plans within your same network, like moving from a postpaid to a prepaid plan, but keeping your number.
  • External porting is when you bring your number from your current network to a completely different one.

Since it rolled out in 2021, MNP has brought some great benefits that are a game-changer for both personal and business use:

Seamless communication 

You can keep the same number for both personal and business use, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and avoiding the hassle of notifying all your contacts about a number change. 

Hassle-free transition 

Say goodbye to the tedious task of updating your number across banking details, social media, and other online accounts.

Freedom of choice 

You can freely switch to a provider that offers better coverage, more affordable data plans, or stronger customer service without penalty.

Business continuity and trust 

For freelancers and businesses, retaining the same number maintains continuity and credibility with clients, partners, and customers who rely on your contact information.

How to Change Network Providers Without Changing Your Number (6 Easy Steps)

Changing networks with the same number is simple but requires careful preparation. Here’s a step-by-step process:

Step 1: Confirm eligibility and prepare your account

Before applying for MNP, ensure that your number is active and you have no outstanding balance or unpaid fees. Additionally, verify that your number is not tied to a device lock, a service bundle, or an ongoing ownership transfer. Finally, you must not have completed a port within the last 60 days.

Step 2: Request your Unique Subscriber Code (USC)

The USC is a nine-digit code issued by your current provider confirming your account is clear of obligations. It’s valid for 15 days.

How to request:

  • Globe – Text “USC” to 5050.
  • DITO – Call the DITO Hotline at 185.
  • Smart – Visit a Smart Store to secure your USC.

Step 3: Submit a port-in application with your new provider

Present your USC and a valid government ID to your desired network. For business lines, prepare authorization documents, such as a Board Resolution or a Special Power of Attorney (SPA). Applications can be filed at experience stores, via mobile apps, or through official provider websites.

Step 4: Receive and activate your new SIM

Once approved, your new provider will issue a new SIM card. SIM activation typically takes 24 to 48 hours, with a temporary service interruption of up to four hours.

To activate, follow your provider’s specific steps, which may involve entering your USC. After activation is complete, simply restart your phone to start using your new service.

Step 5: Verify services and update linked accounts

After activation, test your new SIM by making calls, sending texts, and using mobile data. Don’t forget to re-enroll your number in banking apps, e-wallets, and two-factor authentication (2FA) accounts. If you run a business, test message deliverability for one-time passwords (OTPs) and alerts. 

A trusted SMS solutions partner like Semaphore ensures your messages are delivered reliably, even after a number porting event. Our dependable SMS routing service prevents the loss of critical alerts, marketing campaigns, or OTPs during and after the number portability process.

Step 6: Resolve failed porting (if needed)

If your porting application is rejected, the provider will notify you via app, SMS, or email. Common reasons include an invalid or expired USC, an unpaid balance, or an active device lock. Once the issue is resolved, you can request a new USC and reapply.

Port with Confidence and Stay Connected

Thanks to MNP, you no longer have to sacrifice your mobile number when changing providers. The process is now clear, accessible, and hassle-free, allowing you to choose the provider that best meets your needs.

For businesses, maintaining uninterrupted communication is non-negotiable. With Semaphore, you can rely on SMS marketing, transactional alerts, and OTPs that consistently reach your audience, even for ported numbers.

Ready to upgrade your business communication? Discover how Semaphore can help keep your customers connected, wherever they are.

FAQs

1. What is Mobile Number Portability (MNP)?
MNP is a free service under RA 11202 that allows you to switch providers or plans while keeping your current mobile number on either prepaid or postpaid.

2. What are the types of porting?

Internal porting allows you to switch between prepaid and postpaid services within the same network. External porting transfers your mobile number to a different service provider.

3. What are the benefits of MNP?

You keep your number, avoid updating linked accounts, enjoy better coverage or pricing, and maintain trust with personal and business contacts.

4. What are the requirements for porting?

Your number must be active, free of unpaid balances, not locked to a specific device, and not recently ported within the last 60 days.

5. How do I get a Unique Subscriber Code (USC)?

Globe users text “USC” to 5050, DITO users dial 185, and Smart users must visit a Smart Store to request their USC.

6. How long does the porting process take?

Approval and SIM activation typically take 24–48 hours, with a temporary service interruption of up to four hours during the activation process.

7. What happens if my porting request is rejected?
The network will notify you of the reason (ex., unpaid balance, expired USC). Once resolved, request a new USC and reapply with your preferred provider.