Projections estimate the SMS marketing industry will reach $9.96 billion by 2030, which means brands, creators and public figures are doubling down on SMS as a powerful way to build meaningful relationships with their audiences.
For years, brands have relied on SMS primarily for transactional notifications like order confirmations, abandoned cart reminders and basic promotions. But consumers are rejecting these spam-like messages. Instead, what consumers want is real engagement and connections with their favorite brands, celebrities and creators.
In 2025, the brands that thrive won’t just send more messages — they’ll embrace SMS strategically to send more meaningful messages that balance automation with authenticity, leverage richer messaging platforms and create real value beyond transactions. Shifting SMS from a one-way communication tool to a true engagement platform will deepen customer relationships and increase long-term loyalty.
Here’s what to expect in the year ahead in the world of SMS, and how brands can stay ahead of the curve.
Striking the AI-Human Balance
While AI has created many benefits, too much automation can make interactions between brands and their audiences feel cold and impersonal. Consumers don’t just want responses — they want real human connections. Brands that over-rely on AI risk coming across as robotic and transactional, which can lead to driving away audiences versus keeping them engaged.
In 2025, brands will need to strike the right balance — using AI for speed and scalability, while keeping humans at the heart of engagement. AI can handle routine interactions, but brands should ensure that customers can seamlessly switch to a human when needed. The brands that balance AI-driven efficiency with human connection will build deeper trust and stronger customer loyalty.
Rise of Premium Messaging Experiences
Consumers expect richer, more interactive experiences, and channels like WhatsApp, Rich Communication Services (RCS) and Apple Messages for Business are delivering. These channels allow brands to offer verified messaging, multimedia content, branded interactions and even in-message action buttons, transforming the way brands engage their audiences. In 2025, we will see more brands embrace premium messaging so they can deliver more dynamic content that keeps audiences actively engaged, rather than passively scrolling past.
Verified Checkmarks: The New Must-Have for Brand Trust
In 2025, brand verification will become a cornerstone of customer trust. Consumers are more skeptical than ever about unsolicited messages, thanks to the rise of scams and spam flooding their inboxes. Brand verification will become essential for credibility, helping customers distinguish between legitimate businesses and bad actors. Verified messaging signals to consumers that your brand values transparency, security and customer trust, leading to higher engagement and reduced opt-outs. And in a world where consumers are bombarded with messages, that’s a huge competitive edge.
Monetizing Messaging
Another trend that will accelerate in 2025 is the monetization of messaging through integrated sponsorships. In industries like sports and entertainment, brands are already partnering with corporate sponsors to integrate messaging-based promotions. This trend is set to expand as marketers explore creative collaborations that allow brands to share relevant, engaging content while unlocking new revenue opportunities. Unlike traditional ad placements, sponsored messages feel more personal and direct. When done right, they enhance the customer experience, rather than disrupt it.
The Future of SMS Marketing: Personal, Trusted and Engaging
SMS marketing is evolving to become a channel for forging real connections. In 2025, the brands that see the most ROI will be those that use the power of SMS to build trust, deliver value and build deeper relationships with their audiences. The real question for brands isn’t just how to reach people — it’s how to engage them in a way that matters.
Josh Rosenheck is the Co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Community, the go-to SMS engagement platform trusted by brands like McDonald’s, the New York Yankees, Live Nation and even the White House. Since launching in 2018, Josh has led Community’s growth into a must-have marketing tool for media, entertainment, and sports, helping businesses connect directly with their audiences while keeping first-party data secure.
