# In-App

An **In-App message** appears inside your app while your user is actively using it.\
It’s a great way to communicate *in the moment* and *in context,* perfect for guiding, informing, or prompting users to take action. It’s also an interesting channel because it lets you reach **opted-out users** (those who didn't enabled push notifications).

This guide will walk you through how to craft a clear, impactful In-App message step by step.\
Let’s get started 🚀✨

## Create an In-App template

The key element will be your message, so it’s essential to create a theme that aligns with the message you want to convey and your branding 🧩\
The **Batch In-App Composer** lets you design beautiful, fully customizable messages, no coding required, thanks to an intuitive drag-and-drop editor.

### Themes available

Different default templates are available to get you started:

<figure><img src="https://1464139620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUIK868wiiK9XOVyETGZS%2Fuploads%2FNeAAozTT9AI8WgW8B32Y%2Fformat-in-app.png?alt=media&#x26;token=0fff6b07-0d7f-49f5-bf87-6e65c1cc5913" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **Fullscreen :** a fullscreen format can contain text, an image, up to two buttons, and a close button.\
  It’s ideal for highlighting new products, promoting offers, encouraging app updates, or driving sharing.
* **Modal:** the modal format can include an image, text fields, buttons, and an auto-dismiss option.\
  Usually displayed at the center of the screen (in landscape orientation), it’s perfect for capturing the user’s full attention.
* **Image:** this format displays a standalone image, optionally within a modal, either fullscreen or with margins.\
  You can customize the duration, background color, and auto-close behavior, while keeping your app visible in the background.
* **Banner:** displayed at the top or bottom of the screen, a banner can include text, two buttons, a close button, and an optional auto-dismiss timer (10 seconds by default).\
  It’s perfect to encourage feature usage, promoting notifications, or delivering quick updates.
* **WebView:** the WebView format gives you complete creative freedom with custom HTML. You can build rich, interactive content (like carousels or dynamic layouts). Note: this format can only be displayed in *fullscreen* mode.

You can also [**Start from scratch**](https://app.gitbook.com/o/yV0lmz43uUZMgWmM3297/s/UIK868wiiK9XOVyETGZS/~/changes/508/channels/in-app-1#compose-the-message-and-cta-behavior) if you feel inspired 👨‍🎨

### Where to create your In-App template

You can create your In-App templates from two different places:

* **Settings → In-App Templates**
* Or directly **from the Message creation screen** while setting up your automation.

<figure><img src="https://1464139620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUIK868wiiK9XOVyETGZS%2Fuploads%2FQwtweWLR1TIEFCTRfM94%2FCleanShot%202025-12-02%20at%2013.26.43.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=a6f6b288-8a17-4bc4-b7d4-eae9ca955774" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Create your In-App automation

Whether you’ve already created your theme in **Settings → In-App Templates** or plan to do it later, you can now move on to building your first automation. Go to **Automations → New Automation → In-App**.

<figure><img src="https://1464139620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUIK868wiiK9XOVyETGZS%2Fuploads%2FuUVLUHDKdLsah2J7ITQ5%2FCleanShot%202025-12-02%20at%2013.33.01.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=03f6f79e-48c0-4341-9b81-c0740c6ac908" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Choose a clear and explicit name for your automation, and add labels if needed to keep your workspace organized.
{% endhint %}

### Set the trigger action

In-App messages are **event-based**, meaning they are displayed when a specific event occurs within your app.

Start by selecting the **event(s)** that will make your message appear to users. You can trigger an In-App on:

* **New session** (a native event triggered when the app is opened)
* **Any tagged or tracked event** collected by the **Batch SDK**

<figure><img src="https://1464139620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUIK868wiiK9XOVyETGZS%2Fuploads%2FZN8T31rLqXSbIoACQwx3%2FCleanShot%202025-12-02%20at%2013.42.03.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=5e12c6ad-0a2e-4721-9aac-77c3095b546a" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
If you add multiple events, they are combined using the **OR** condition, meaning the message will display as soon as **any** of those events occurs. You can add up to 10 trigger events.
{% endhint %}

#### Configure the Display Delay

You can define a delay between the trigger event and the actual display of the In-App message:

<figure><img src="https://1464139620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUIK868wiiK9XOVyETGZS%2Fuploads%2F9bfLORxqlLdEZcbCdx4a%2FCleanShot%202025-12-02%20at%2013.48.22.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=d420e71b-9997-491f-944d-6b1f77289cbc" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **Immediately**
* **Between 3 and 30 seconds**
* **Custom delay (up to 60 seconds)**

{% hint style="info" %}
Avoid setting a delay that’s too long : the user might leave the app before the message appears.
{% endhint %}

#### Control the marketing pressure

You can fine-tune how often and when your In-App is displayed with these optional parameters:

* **Capping:** Limit how many times a user can see the message.
* **Grace Period:** Define a minimum delay between two displays of the same communication.

<figure><img src="https://1464139620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUIK868wiiK9XOVyETGZS%2Fuploads%2FtoAeWkilRzgQVGQAuDTa%2FCleanShot%202025-12-02%20at%2013.51.07.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=91e0c650-a451-4012-b5d8-e659c3cb3f4d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
These controls help you avoid message fatigue and keep the user experience smooth.
{% endhint %}

### Add targeting

Just like with a campaign or automation, you can define [**targeting conditions**](https://doc.batch.com/getting-started/features/customer-engagement-platform/orchestration/targeting) to reach the right audience or segments. Combine attributes, events, or custom user data to make your In-App relevant and contextual!

### Choose the timing

You can schedule your campaign’s **availability window**, including start and end dates, hours, and timezone options.

<figure><img src="https://1464139620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUIK868wiiK9XOVyETGZS%2Fuploads%2FAmLZWtrOh5njP652jzKl%2FCleanShot%202025-12-02%20at%2014.00.01.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=7dc2edde-fb04-4e4a-8850-32a82cb8cd41" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

You can base your schedule on either:

* **Universal Time (UTC)**, or
* **The user’s local timezone** (based on profile data).

### Add quiets times (optional)

Quiet Times give you more control over when your In-App messages can appear.\
This feature allows you to define **specific time slots or days** during which messages will *not* be displayed to users.

<figure><img src="https://1464139620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUIK868wiiK9XOVyETGZS%2Fuploads%2FVQlsZgcNjGcIzIoxSPJg%2FCleanShot%202025-12-02%20at%2014.02.39.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=d2b7abbd-6855-42f9-8001-2184ef6138da" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

You can configure two levels:

* **Quiet Hours:** Define daily time slots during which no messages are shown.
* **Weekly Quiet Days:** Define one or several days when no messages are shown.

{% hint style="success" %}
⏰ **Example 1 :** **Quiet Hours**

Use case: Avoid showing messages late at night.\
Example: For a shopping app, limit In-App offers to active hours.\
Setup:

* Enable Quiet Hours.
* Set from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM.

Messages will pause overnight and resume in the morning.

**📅 Example 2 : Quiet Days**

Use case: Skip engagement messages on low-activity days.\
Example: For a B2B app, disable In-Apps on weekends.\
Setup:

* Enable Quiet Hours (e.g., 10:00 PM – 8:00 AM).
* Activate Weekly Quiet Days for Saturday and Sunday.

Your In-Apps will only run Monday to Friday, during active hours.
{% endhint %}

### Set up your messages

Before composing your In-App message, the first step is to decide **which platform(s)** you want to send display your In-app message to:

<figure><img src="https://1464139620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUIK868wiiK9XOVyETGZS%2Fuploads%2FdErYYZFVBvG07UK9Eel1%2FCleanShot%202025-12-02%20at%2014.04.52%402x.png?alt=media&#x26;token=f4844fe9-16cf-4b7f-a649-5b207002d7e9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **iOS only**
* **Android only**
* **Both**

{% hint style="info" %}
In-Apps are only available on mobile apps.
{% endhint %}

#### Multi-language <a href="#multi-language" id="multi-language"></a>

You can create multiple versions your In-App message, one for each language, by clicking [**Multi-language**](https://doc.batch.com/getting-started/features/customer-engagement-platform/message/overview)**,** ensuring that profiles receive the message in their own language:

<figure><img src="https://1464139620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUIK868wiiK9XOVyETGZS%2Fuploads%2F7GsyypByM5JysDvCjkaj%2FCleanShot%202025-12-02%20at%2014.09.23%402x.png?alt=media&#x26;token=03f4a6f5-377a-4945-8d56-d56f96024d60" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When adding a new language version, the default version will be duplicated, keeping your format options, images, and other elements intact, so you only need to edit the text that requires translation.

{% hint style="info" %}
A default version will be sent to profiles that don’t have a message already specified in their language.
{% endhint %}

#### A/B Testing <a href="#a-b-testing" id="a-b-testing"></a>

You can [**A/B test**](https://doc.batch.com/getting-started/features/customer-engagement-platform/message/overview) your In-App messages! Here's how:

* Enable the feature by toggling the switch at the top right of the Message section.
* **Create variants**: You can create up to **four variants**, either by duplicating an existing one or starting from scratch:

<figure><img src="https://1464139620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUIK868wiiK9XOVyETGZS%2Fuploads%2FqG5lhsvVht5YhMdQtAqv%2FCleanShot%202025-12-23%20at%2018.02.17%402x.png?alt=media&#x26;token=9343dece-9e28-4d3c-bf2e-91dbe85baeb1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Variants work with the multi-language functionality, so you can easily combine both!
{% endhint %}

### Compose the message and CTA behavior

Now it’s time to craft your In-App message 🌟

You can either use **pre-created templates** or build a message **from scratch**.&#x20;

The Composer uses a **drag-and-drop system** to add and arrange blocks: Text, Image, Button, Divider, Spacer and Colums.

For this tutorial, we’ll start **from scratch** using the **In-App Composer** 👨‍🎨

<figure><img src="https://1464139620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUIK868wiiK9XOVyETGZS%2Fuploads%2FsqNeS1ergge8kqcIPopC%2FCleanShot%202025-12-23%20at%2014.54.36.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=df34e67b-e050-440b-95e9-c194879b70de" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
When creating an In-App message from scratch, you can choose:

* **Format:** Modal or Fullscreen
* **Position:** Top, Center, or Bottom of the screen

Depending on your choices, the same format can serve different purposes. For example, a **bottom modal** can work like a **banner**, while a **center modal** feels more like a **classic modal**. Let your creativity shine!
{% endhint %}

**Global Settings**

Before adding specific blocks, you can configure **global settings** for your In-App:

<figure><img src="https://1464139620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUIK868wiiK9XOVyETGZS%2Fuploads%2F2Q4FoctKqs05D0OEsmkR%2FCleanShot%202025-12-23%20at%2014.58.55%402x.png?alt=media&#x26;token=ffb22d6c-9a39-4c3c-95dc-61d7c17d9d76" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **Type & Position:** choose where the In-App appears on the screen.
* **Margins & Radius:** adjust spacing and corner roundness.
* **Background & Border:** set background color and optional border.
* **Close Options:** enable a close button, auto-dismiss after X seconds, both, or none.

You can also configure a **dark mode version** for each In-App template to match user device settings:

<figure><img src="https://1464139620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUIK868wiiK9XOVyETGZS%2Fuploads%2FN0XG9KR7qM5nsIkgJbLt%2FCleanShot%202025-12-23%20at%2015.10.19.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=bd982411-f380-4621-a9b0-4cd1fb027e5f" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

With dark mode enabled, you can specify **separate colors for light and dark themes** and preview each mode directly in the In-App Composer.

**Add Text**

The Text block lets you include customizable text in your message.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://1464139620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUIK868wiiK9XOVyETGZS%2Fuploads%2FRVlKe4otkc719EmJ4Lcp%2FCleanShot%202025-12-23%20at%2015.19.25.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=44c8a092-b7f7-4f86-99d3-7f0db22c0709" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

You can personalize content dynamically based on user attributes. Customizations include: margin, alignment, color, font size, and decorations (bold, italic, underline, strikethrough).

{% hint style="info" %}
Text is essential to communicate your core message clearly, highlight key benefits, or create urgency (e.g., promotions, product updates). It ensures users understand what action they should take.
{% endhint %}

**Add call to action Button**

Buttons allow users to take specific actions in your message.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://1464139620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUIK868wiiK9XOVyETGZS%2Fuploads%2Fq36R0oMfM2z3HZgRWvyU%2FCleanShot%202025-12-23%20at%2015.29.56.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=34a91e08-8f91-427f-9e30-812df659f41b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Each button can trigger [built-in actions](https://doc.batch.com/getting-started/features/customer-engagement-platform/message/in-app#button) like:

* Dismiss
* Deeplink
* Copy to Clipboard
* Smart Push Re-optin
* App Rating
* Redirect to Settings
* or use a Custom action via custom JSON

You can customize margin, padding, width, alignment, color, radius, and border.

{% hint style="info" %}
Buttons drive conversions by turning interest into action. A well-placed CTA encourages users to explore features, claim offers, or engage with your app immediately.
{% endhint %}

**Illustrate your message with Images**

The Image block displays pictures within your message.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://1464139620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUIK868wiiK9XOVyETGZS%2Fuploads%2FZehdHC3YDGOwmV7Q16Dh%2FCleanShot%202025-12-23%20at%2014.45.50.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=dff0da20-3768-4aa3-b8f3-0d2fe5c5a6b6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Images can trigger actions like buttons and support PNG/JPG formats up to 4MB. Height options: auto, fill space, or custom pixels. Sizing modes:

* Fill: scales to fill the block (may crop edges).
* Fit: ensures the full image is visible (may leave empty space).\
  Pro tip: Place critical info in Text/Button blocks, and test on real devices.

{% hint style="info" %}
Images capture attention quickly and convey messages visually. They are perfect for showcasing products, branding, or promotions in a memorable way.
{% endhint %}

**Organize the message with Dividers**

Divider blocks add a horizontal line to separate content.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://1464139620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUIK868wiiK9XOVyETGZS%2Fuploads%2FLWqVbOOyrB6LvpcqwnBT%2FCleanShot%202025-12-23%20at%2017.17.58.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=3e1228e3-c777-439b-8936-5896db141e4a" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

You can customize margin, width, alignment, thickness, and color

{% hint style="info" %}
Dividers help organize content visually, making your message easier to scan and increasing the likelihood users notice key CTAs or info.
{% endhint %}

**Set up Spacers**

[Spacer blocks](https://doc.batch.com/getting-started/features/customer-engagement-platform/message/in-app#spacer) insert vertical space between content elements. Height can be fixed in pixels or set to Fill space (fullscreen only) to share remaining vertical space.

{% hint style="info" %}
Proper spacing improves readability and design clarity, ensuring users focus on the most important elements without feeling overwhelmed.
{% endhint %}

**Design with Columns**

Columns allow horizontal layout by creating up to 5 columns.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://1464139620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUIK868wiiK9XOVyETGZS%2Fuploads%2FRIhSpyiMaZxsP0pkpyju%2FCleanShot%202025-12-23%20at%2016.54.17.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=854aa4a6-1d39-4415-aedb-7a2606db1baa" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

You can place Text, Button, or Image blocks inside columns. Customizations: number of columns, sizing (auto/custom percentages), spacing, padding, and vertical content alignment.

{% hint style="info" %}
Columns enable structured, eye-catching layouts that can highlight multiple offers, features, or images side by side, great for comparison or promoting multiple actions at once.
{% endhint %}

## Testing your In-App <a href="#h_3cca27ce66-1" id="h_3cca27ce66-1"></a>

1. **Directly in your notification center**

Now that your In-App message is ready to be sent, you can test how it looks on your device!

Use the **Send test** button on the push message window and add your [Custom ID](https://doc.batch.com/getting-started/features/customer-engagement-platform/profiles/data-lifecycle#installation-id) or [Installation ID](https://doc.batch.com/getting-started/features/customer-engagement-platform/profiles/data-lifecycle#installation-id) and click on Send test:

<figure><img src="https://1464139620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUIK868wiiK9XOVyETGZS%2Fuploads%2FyGMQANFe8c2xEPAhA9Ko%2FCleanShot%202025-12-23%20at%2017.26.25%402x.png?alt=media&#x26;token=8a1f9a00-95fd-47f2-9dc7-6623013e9b27" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Note that when using the “Send test option”, the In-App message will render according to the test device's dark mode setting, not the mode selected in the composer preview.
{% endhint %}

A push notification is sent immediately, and clicking on it displays the test in-app once the application is opened ✨

💡 We recommend testing on various device types (iOS, Android, OS versions and screen sizes) to ensure your message displays correctly across all of them.

2. **Test your user data directly on Batch**

It is possible to preview the dynamic data of your In-App using the "Preview As" feature. To do so, use your [Custom user ID](https://doc.batch.com/getting-started/features/customer-engagement-platform/profiles/data-lifecycle) (or one of your users), then enter it in the dedicated field:

<figure><img src="https://1464139620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUIK868wiiK9XOVyETGZS%2Fuploads%2FBX1TEJLVtvXDqP4qsT6q%2FCleanShot%202025-12-23%20at%2017.31.27%402x.png?alt=media&#x26;token=b4975bf6-532d-41cc-9b15-8957e4f2116d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

🚀 And that is it! With these steps, you are ready to launch personalized, real-time In-app automations that engage users exactly where they are: inside your app ✨

Click on the 'Save and run' button at the bottom of the form to activate it or save it as a draft and come back later.

***

## Advanced Settings

#### **Priority**

Set the priority of your In-App: **Standard, Important, or Critical**:

<figure><img src="https://1464139620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUIK868wiiK9XOVyETGZS%2Fuploads%2FRqcLJdogC8C0SqYRdWiU%2FCleanShot%202025-12-23%20at%2017.39.59%402x.png?alt=media&#x26;token=ddfb60b8-3fe8-43db-ae44-1b25038e233a" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When multiple automations share the same trigger (and label), the one with the highest priority will be shown.

**Examples:**

* **Standard:** onboarding, app review.
* **Important:** temporary campaigns (subscriptions, re-opt-in).
* **Critical:** urgent alerts (downtime, app updates).

#### **Tracking ID**

Optional field for apps with an analytics setup. Adds an extra **tracking dimension** for orchestration-level analysis:&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://1464139620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUIK868wiiK9XOVyETGZS%2Fuploads%2FZ2hqVqKLKjk8maNfylfQ%2FCleanShot%202025-12-23%20at%2017.41.52%402x.png?alt=media&#x26;token=62cd69ad-46e8-486f-8409-21a6fba3c777" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### **Payload**

Optional JSON data your app can use when receiving the message.

<figure><img src="https://1464139620-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUIK868wiiK9XOVyETGZS%2Fuploads%2F5ooYTcLQZMaKmzC4gRtZ%2FCleanShot%202025-12-23%20at%2017.42.37%402x.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e7ccc698-9186-404a-b07b-68923a9e8585" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Must be an object.
* Avoid `com.batch` key.

**Use:** Send extra info to your In-App messages for custom behavior or analytics via SDK.

## **Managing an In-App Automation** <a href="#managing-an-in-app-automation" id="managing-an-in-app-automation"></a>

You can [modify](https://doc.batch.com/getting-started/features/customer-engagement-platform/orchestration/in-app-automations#managing-an-in-app-automation) or [stop](https://doc.batch.com/getting-started/features/customer-engagement-platform/orchestration/in-app-automations#managing-an-in-app-automation) an in-app automation 👈