Guide · SMS
What is an SMS short code? Short code vs long code
A short code is a 5 or 6 digit number that businesses use to send and receive text messages at high volume. Here is how short codes work, how they compare with long codes, 10DLC, toll-free numbers and sender IDs, and which one fits your messages.
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Who needs to know about short codes
What you get
Short codes explained
What a short code is
A short code is a short phone number, usually 5 or 6 digits, approved for business texting at high volume in one country.
How it works
Customers text a keyword to the short code to opt in, and the business sends them alerts, offers or codes from the same short number.
Why businesses use them
Short codes are easy to remember, carry high message throughput and suit campaigns, OTPs and alerts.
The trade-offs
Short codes take longer to approve and cost more than long codes, and each one works in a single country.
The main alternatives
Long codes (10DLC in the US), toll-free numbers and alphanumeric sender IDs cover most business texting at lower cost.
Compliance
Every route needs opt-in and the right registration: 10DLC in the US, DLT templates in India, sender ID registration in markets like Singapore and the UAE.
Choosing
Which one should you use?
1. Mass campaigns in one country
A short code, if you send very high volumes and want an easy keyword to text.
2. Business conversations
A long code (10DLC in the US) for two-way texting with customers.
3. Support lines
A toll-free number for texting and calling support in the US and Canada.
4. One-way alerts and OTPs
An alphanumeric sender ID where the country allows it, so your brand shows as the sender.
Compare
Short code vs long code vs toll-free vs sender ID
| Type | What it looks like | Best for | Two-way |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short code | 5 to 6 digits, e.g. 54321 | High-volume marketing, OTPs and alerts in one country | Yes |
| Long code (10DLC in the US) | A normal 10-digit local number | Conversational and transactional business texting | Yes |
| Toll-free number | An 800-type number | Customer support and notifications in the US and Canada | Yes |
| Alphanumeric sender ID | Your brand name, e.g. VOXVALLEY | One-way alerts and OTPs where the country allows it | No |
Questions
Short code questions
What is a short code?
A short code is a 5 or 6 digit phone number that businesses use to send and receive text messages at high volume, such as marketing campaigns, alerts and one-time passwords. Each short code works in one country.
What is the difference between a short code and a long code?
A short code is a 5 or 6 digit number built for high-volume texting and takes longer to approve. A long code is a normal 10-digit number, cheaper and quicker to set up, and suited to two-way business conversations. In the US, business long codes are registered as 10DLC.
Are short codes better than long codes?
Not always. Short codes win on throughput and memorability for big campaigns; long codes, toll-free numbers and sender IDs cost less and cover most transactional and conversational texting.
What are the alternatives to a short code?
10DLC long codes in the US, toll-free numbers in the US and Canada, and alphanumeric sender IDs in countries that allow them.
Does Voxvalley help with 10DLC and sender ID registration?
Yes. Voxvalley handles US 10DLC brand and campaign registration, Singapore SSIR sender ID registration and UAE sender IDs, and supports India DLT templates.
Can Voxvalley provide a short code?
Short code availability depends on the country. Contact sales with your country and volumes and we will advise on a short code or the best alternative.
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