From twilio-developer-kit
Overview of Twilio Messaging channels (SMS, WhatsApp, RCS, Facebook Messenger), the unified Messages API, and channel selection guidance. Start here before choosing a specific channel.
How this skill is triggered — by the user, by Claude, or both
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/twilio-developer-kit:twilio-messaging-overviewThe summary Claude sees in its skill listing — used to decide when to auto-load this skill
Twilio's Messaging platform sends and receives messages across multiple channels through a single API. All channels use `client.messages.create()` — only the address format changes.
Twilio's Messaging platform sends and receives messages across multiple channels through a single API. All channels use client.messages.create() — only the address format changes.
| Channel | Address format | Rich media | Template required? | Reach | Skill |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMS/MMS | +15551234567 (E.164) | MMS: images/video, US/CA/AU only | No | Global (180+ countries) | twilio-sms-send-message |
whatsapp:+15551234567 | Yes (images, docs, video, location) | Outside 24hr window: yes | 190+ countries | twilio-whatsapp-send-message | |
| RCS | Same number (via Messaging Service) | Yes (rich cards, carousels, video) | No | US + expanding globally | twilio-rcs-messaging |
| Facebook Messenger | messenger:{page-scoped-id} | Yes | No | Global | — |
| If you need to... | Use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Reach any phone number | SMS | Universal — works on every phone, no app needed |
| Send rich media globally | Images, docs, video work worldwide (MMS is US/CA/AU only) | |
| Send time-sensitive alerts (OTP, outages) | SMS | Highest open rates, no app dependency |
| Reach opted-in audience at lower cost | No per-message fee in many markets | |
| Run marketing campaigns across channels | Start with twilio-marketing-promotions-advisor | Planner skill handles channel mix, compliance, and fallback |
| Send transactional notifications | Start with twilio-notifications-alerts-advisor | Planner skill handles urgency-based channel routing |
Not sure? Use a Planner skill first — it will qualify your use case and recommend the right channel combination.
All channels share messages.create(). The only difference is the address format in from and to.
Python
import os
from twilio.rest import Client
client = Client(os.environ["TWILIO_ACCOUNT_SID"], os.environ["TWILIO_AUTH_TOKEN"])
# SMS
sms = client.messages.create(
from_="+15017122661",
to="+15558675310",
body="Your order shipped."
)
# WhatsApp — same API, prefixed addresses
whatsapp = client.messages.create(
from_="whatsapp:+15017122661",
to="whatsapp:+15558675310",
body="Your order shipped."
)
Node.js
const client = require("twilio")(process.env.TWILIO_ACCOUNT_SID, process.env.TWILIO_AUTH_TOKEN);
// SMS
const sms = await client.messages.create({
from: "+15017122661",
to: "+15558675310",
body: "Your order shipped.",
});
// WhatsApp — same API, prefixed addresses
const whatsapp = await client.messages.create({
from: "whatsapp:+15017122661",
to: "whatsapp:+15558675310",
body: "Your order shipped.",
});
Set up messaging in this order. Each step builds on the previous.
Get a Twilio number, send your first SMS.
twilio-account-setup → twilio-sms-send-messageCreate a Messaging Service and add your numbers to a sender pool. Use messagingServiceSid instead of from for all production sends — this enables geo-match, sticky sender, and unlocks compliance features.
twilio-messaging-servicesRegister for A2P 10DLC (required for US SMS traffic). Set up opt-out handling.
twilio-compliance-onboarding → twilio-compliance-trafficEnable SMS pumping protection (prevents artificial traffic inflation) and compliance toolkit (quiet hours, reassigned number detection) on your Messaging Service.
twilio-messaging-services (Compliance Toolkit + SMS Pumping Protection sections)Add WhatsApp or other channels. Use Content Templates for cross-channel message formatting.
twilio-whatsapp-send-message → twilio-content-template-builderEnable intelligent alerts for error pattern detection. Set up status callbacks for delivery tracking.
twilio-messaging-services (Intelligent Alerts section) → twilio-messaging-webhooksmessages.create() targets one channel. For multi-channel fallback, implement sequencing in your application (e.g., try SMS, on failure send WhatsApp).twilio-whatsapp-send-message.from number sends don't get these protections.twilio-sms-send-messagetwilio-rcs-messagingtwilio-whatsapp-send-messagetwilio-messaging-servicestwilio-marketing-promotions-advisortwilio-notifications-alerts-advisornpx claudepluginhub twilio/ai --plugin twilio-developer-kitGuides developers in selecting the optimal Twilio messaging channel (SMS, MMS, RCS, WhatsApp) based on content type, geography, use case, cost, and brand presence.
Plans, builds, and optimizes SMS/MMS marketing campaigns including welcome flows, cart recovery, and transactional messages. Handles TCPA compliance and carrier rules.
Sends SMS or WhatsApp marketing messages via Twilio or Brevo with mandatory compliance checks, consent verification, quiet hours enforcement, and delivery tracking.