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A Message is the core unit of communication in CometChat. Users can send text, media files, and custom data to other users or groups. Messages support threading, reactions, read receipts, and delivery tracking.

Key behaviors

  • Maximum file upload size is 100 MB per message (includes the file and the entire POST body).
  • The message JSON payload (including metadata) can be up to 65,536 characters (~65 KB).
  • The data object within a message must not exceed 10 KB. It accepts any JSON structure with UTF8mb4 encoding.
  • Messages can have up to 25 tags, each up to 100 characters (UTF8mb4).
  • Soft-deleted messages remain in the database. Permanently deleted messages (via API) are removed entirely.
  • For groups with more than 300 members, unread message counts and conversations are not updated.
  • Delivery and read receipts are sent for groups of up to 300 online users.

How messages connect to other resources

  • Users — Messages are sent by and delivered to Users. The sender must be authenticated.
  • Groups — Messages can target a Group by specifying the group’s GUID as the receiver.
  • Conversations — Each message exchange creates or updates a Conversation that tracks the last message and unread count.
  • Threads — Any message can be a parent for a thread. Replies are managed via the threaded messages endpoints.
  • Reactions — Users can add or remove emoji reactions on messages.

Available operations

Message properties

Error handling

For the complete list of error codes, see Error Guide. For all system limits (file upload size, message payload, tag counts, etc.), see Properties and Constraints.