Custom Channel
Introduction#
The Custom channel enables handling subscribers whose only form of communication is an API call to an external system.
It is an integration channel designed for organizations that want to:
- transfer data to their own systems,
- trigger backend processes,
- execute system-to-system integrations,
- handle users without an email address or phone number.
The Custom channel is not a marketing channel and is not used to send messages (email, SMS, push).
It operates exclusively within Workflows.
Key Features#
✔ Does not require an email address or phone number
✔ Does not require marketing consent
✔ Supported exclusively in Scenarios
✔ Enables API calls to external systems
✔ Can be enabled or disabled administratively
When to Use the Custom Channel#
The Custom channel is suitable when:
- communication takes place exclusively via API,
- the user exists in an external system,
- you need to trigger processes (e.g., registration, status updates, data synchronization),
- you do not plan to send marketing messages.
Example:
A user registers in a mobile application, and the system transfers their data to a CRM or ERP without sending an email message.
Subscriber Management#
You can:
- add a subscriber with only the Custom channel,
- add the Custom channel to an existing subscriber,
- remove the Custom channel from a subscriber.
The channel is available when adding or removing a subscriber (if it is enabled in administrative settings).
Segmentation#
The Custom channel is available in segmentation.
You can:
- create segments of subscribers who have the Custom channel,
- combine it with other segmentation conditions,
- build scenario logic based on channel membership.
The segmentation view works analogously to other channels (e.g., Web Push).
Workflows#
The Custom channel operates exclusively within Scenarios.
You can:
- trigger scenarios for subscribers who only have the Custom channel,
- use the following elements:
- API Call
- Execute Code
- transfer data to external systems,
- build system-to-system automations,
- use related data within Dynamic Content (available only in the context of scenarios).
API#
The Custom channel is fully supported via API.
You can:
- add subscribers with the Custom channel,
- remove the Custom channel,
- trigger events (Custom Events),
- retrieve subscriber information including Custom channel details.
Limitations#
The Custom channel:
- does not support campaign sending,
- does not include a message editor,
- does not store marketing subscription history,
- is not visible in the Preference Center,
- does not support unsubscribe links,
- does not support the Snooze option,
- does not replace Email, SMS, or Push channels.
It is an integration channel intended for process automation and system communication.
Channel Availability#
The Custom channel is an additional service and requires dedicated configuration on the platform side.
To activate this channel on your account, please contact your Account Manager.
Summary#
The Custom channel extends the platform’s capabilities by enabling support for subscribers who do not communicate through traditional marketing channels.
It allows you to build automations based on:
- API calls,
- scenario logic,
- integrations with external systems.
If your goal is system-to-system communication rather than message delivery, the Custom channel is the right solution.