Overview
What AWS SNS is
AWS SNS (Amazon Simple Notification Service) is a fully managed messaging service from Amazon Web Services that delivers SMS text messages to phone numbers around the world, backed by AWS infrastructure.
Courier sits in front of it as one API, so you keep AWS SNS for SMS and add push, an in-app inbox, design, and journeys on top.
You need a Courier account and your own AWS account (an Access Key ID, Secret Access Key, and Region with permission to publish through SNS).
Why Courier
What you get with AWS SNS + Courier
Add push in the same send
Reach mobile and web with push alongside SMS from one notification, no new integration in your code.
Add an in-app inbox for web and mobile
Give your app an in-product notification center (SDKs for web, React, iOS, Android, Flutter, React Native), so users see more than just texts.
Automate multi-step flows
Trigger reminders, verification, and lifecycle sequences with delays and branching, all delivered through AWS SNS.
Write once, edit without code
Compose and localize SMS copy in Courier's editor. Product and support change messaging without a deploy.
Send to lists and audiences
Broadcast a one-off or recurring text to an entire list through AWS SNS, alongside your transactional messages.
Localize a message in seconds
Pick a language and let Courier translate your message with AI, then tweak any string.
Use cases
What teams build with it
Setup
Connect it in minutes
An admin adds AWS SNS once on the Integrations page in Courier. Once connected, anyone on your team can send SMS through AWS SNS and add push or an in-app inbox whenever they need them.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I use AWS SNS with Courier?
Yes. Amazon Simple Notification Service is a supported provider in Courier, listed under the Push channel but able to deliver push and SMS. Courier publishes to your SNS topics or device endpoints while you design and orchestrate the notification.
Do I still need my own AWS SNS account?
Yes. Courier publishes through your own AWS account, so your SNS topics, platform applications, and device subscriptions stay in AWS. Courier authenticates to that account and sends to those endpoints; it does not host SNS for you.
What do I need to connect AWS SNS to Courier?
An AWS Access Key ID, Secret Access Key, and region. In Courier, click Add Channel, select the Push channel, then use the search bar to find AWS SNS and enter those credentials.
How does Courier target a device on AWS SNS?
Put a Target ARN or a Topic ARN on the recipient's Courier profile; the device or subscriber group must already be subscribed in SNS. Provide only one, not both. Courier then publishes the message to that ARN.
Can AWS SNS send SMS through Courier, not just push?
Yes. Although SNS sits under the Push channel, it also delivers SMS. For SMS, set the recipient's phone_number on their profile in E.164 format like +12345678901, and Courier publishes the text through SNS.
Can I override AWS SNS credentials per message?
Yes. Courier lets you override the stored credentials and region at send time using the config override inside the providers block of the request. That lets one workspace publish through different AWS accounts or regions per message.
Is Courier a replacement for AWS SNS?
No. AWS SNS still delivers the push and SMS; Courier sits in front as one API for content design, Journeys, and preferences, adding email and Courier Inbox alongside SNS so you orchestrate every channel in one place.
More
