# Send rich links and locations in Apple Messages

Use a **Rich link** template when a customer needs a clear destination and visual context. Use **Location** when the action is finding a place. A plain text URL does not give you the same authored preview controls.

You need a [template draft](/docs/guides/apple-messages/templates), a connected business, and an open conversation for a real send. A **Draft** business can send in authorized test conversations.

## Add your own link preview

1. Open [**Templates**](https://bird.com/dashboard/w/apple-messages/templates) and create a **Rich link**.
2. In **Content**, enter the **Title** and **Message**. Name the destination or the action the customer can complete there.
3. In **Apple delivery**, set **Link preview source** to **My image and title**.
4. Enter **Destination URL** and **PNG preview URL**. The preview image must meet the [media requirements](/docs/guides/apple-messages/attachments#prepare-a-fetchable-file).
5. If you include a video, supply **Optional video URL** and **Video media type**. Keep the video accessible to Apple when the customer opens it.
6. Save, then [prepare and review the message](/docs/guides/apple-messages/templates#send-the-reviewed-template).

Use a destination that remains useful when the preview cannot load. Avoid putting customer secrets or authentication tokens into a URL simply to personalize the card.

## Use an Apple-generated preview

For supported Apple content, choose **Apple-generated preview** under **Link preview source**, then enter **Apple content URL**. For Apple Music, enter the two-letter **Store region** appropriate to the content.

Preparation asks Apple for the constructed preview reference. Bird uses that reference in the send; the browser cannot reproduce the device-generated card from its encrypted reference. Inspect it on an authorized Apple device before using the template with customers.

An unsupported URL or unavailable provider configuration can cause preparation to fail. Read the error and use a supported Apple content URL or an ordinary rich link with your own image and title.

## Share a location

Create a **Location** template and enter a title and explanatory message, such as the name of the store the customer should visit. Under **Apple delivery**, provide **Apple Maps URL**, or supply both **Latitude** and **Longitude**.

Verify the map pin and directions on a device. A valid coordinate pair can still point to the wrong entrance or a different branch. Use the location's actual customer-facing name so the recipient can recognize it.

## Verify the destination

Complete a test send, open the card on the Apple device, and follow its action. Check the final destination, language, image, and sign-in experience. For a media failure after acceptance, inspect [Messages and events](/docs/guides/apple-messages/messages).

For an App Clip or a published iMessage app, follow [app experiences](/docs/guides/apple-messages/custom-apps).