Send instant in-apps

Tip

For automated flows that combine in-app with push, email, and other channels, use Customer Journey instead.

Instant in-apps deliver messages to users the moment a specified action happens inside the app, maximizing the chance they will be seen.

To send in-app messages through in-app campaigns:

1. Navigate to Campaigns in the Pushwoosh Control Panel.
2. Select Instant in-apps.
3. Click Create in-app to set up a new campaign.

Define creative content

Select an in-app banner

In the IN-APP BANNER field, select an existing in-app template from the list or click Create new.

Ways to create an in-app template

You can:

• Create a template using the built-in in-app editor. Learn more
• Use a template from the built-in library. Browse available templates
• Upload Rich Media manually.

Rich Media upload requirements

If you choose to upload Rich Media manually, ensure the following requirements:

• The file must be compressed into a .zip archive.
• The .zip archive must contain an index.html file in its root folder.
• All images, CSS, and JavaScript files must be included within the archive.
• For iOS remote images, use the HTTPS protocol or add Allow Arbitrary Loads to Info.plist.

If the Rich Media page is uploaded correctly, you will see a preview of how the in-app message will appear on a device. Any new .zip archive uploaded at this stage will be saved as a Rich Media page in the Rich Media tab in the Pushwoosh Control Panel.

For more details, refer to the Rich media templates syntax guide

Preview the message

On the right side of the screen, you’ll see a mobile preview of the selected in-app banner.

Click Next to proceed to Target users settings.

Define audience

In Target users, set the event that triggers the message and choose which users should see it.

Set a trigger event

In TRIGGER EVENT, select the event that will launch the in-app message. Selecting a trigger is required.

To make trigger conditions more specific, add event parameters:

1. Click ADD ATTRIBUTE.
2. Select values in ATTRIBUTE, CONDITION, and VALUE.
3. Add more attributes if needed.

Select which users will receive the in-app

In Which users should receive this in-app?, select one option:

• All users with the mobile app: Send the in-app to all app users.
• Users matching filters: Limit delivery to users that match selected conditions.

Configure filters for target users

If you select Users matching filters, use COMBINE FILTERS to configure targeting:

Match users by behavior

Enable Match users by behavior to define event-based rules. Select values in USERS WHO and EVENT, then set frequency and timeframe.

Use existing segment

Enable Use existing segment to select a saved segment from the list. You can click Refresh to update the segment size and Edit segment to review conditions.

Use custom conditions

Enable Use custom conditions to build a custom filter group by adding conditions.

Note

In this setup, choose either Use existing segment or Use custom conditions as the base audience source.

Schedule the in-app message

Configure display settings

On the Display settings step, define the campaign period and frequency capping.

1. In START CAMPAIGN, choose Immediately or On chosen date.
2. If you choose On chosen date, set the date and time.
3. In END CAMPAIGN, choose Never or After chosen date.
4. If you choose After chosen date, set the date and time.

Configure frequency capping

In FREQUENCY CAPPING, choose one option:

• Send messages without global frequency capping: Ignore global capping limits for this in-app.
• Use custom frequency capping: Apply campaign-specific limits instead of global thresholds. The message still counts toward the global in-app channel counter.

Custom capping options

Limited to total impressions	Set the maximum number of times one user can see this in-app.
Limited to impressions in day(s)	Set how many impressions are allowed during the selected number of days.
Enable day(s) interval between impressions	Set a minimum interval between repeated impressions for one user.

How custom and global frequency capping work together

Custom frequency capping adds a campaign-level limit. Global in-app channel capping still applies and can block delivery.

For example, if an in-app message is set to appear 5 times in 3 days, and the global frequency capping for in-app messages is also 5 times in 3 days, but the user has already seen 3 other in-app messages, this specific message will be shown only 2 more times before reaching the global limit. Learn more about Global frequency capping.

Review and complete setup

On the Review step, verify all campaign settings before launch.

1. Check Content, Target users, Trigger event, and Display settings.
2. Review the mobile preview on the right.
3. If needed, click CHANGE OPTIONS in any section to edit settings.

4. Click Complete setup.
5. Select Launch campaign to activate the campaign or Save as draft to save settings without launching.

In the Confirm launching window, confirm details and click the action you selected.

After launch, the campaign appears in the Instant in-apps list with the current status, such as Scheduled. If you save the campaign as a draft, it appears in the same list with the Draft status.

Example scenario: Sending an in-app message using in-app campaigns

Imagine you run a fashion retail app and want to increase conversions with a limited-time discount when users engage with push notifications. You set up an instant in-app campaign for active users in the U.S.

Prepare the in-app message

Create an in-app template with a discount offer and a CTA button leading to checkout.

Configure target users

Select PW_NotificationOpen as the trigger to catch users at peak intent, right after they engage with a push. Enable Match users by behavior and limit to users who triggered the event once in the last 5 days. This keeps the audience recently active without being too broad. Select Active Users as the base segment.

Configure display settings

Set a start and end date to keep the campaign time-bound. Set frequency capping to 1 impression per day with a 1-day interval to prevent the message from feeling intrusive if a user opens multiple push notifications in a short period.

Review and complete setup

On the Review step, check all settings, click Complete setup, and select Launch campaign.