Unlock High Deliverability with Short Codes
Short codes are five- to six-digit numbers that allow marketers to send and receive high-volume SMS messages at the highest throughput and improved performance.
A short code texting app allows your business to send and receive mass text messages through a 5 to 6-digit number, making it ideal for engaging large groups of contacts at once. Designed for high-volume communication, it gives your team the power to launch a text campaign quickly and effectively.
Common users include healthcare providers, retailers, financial institutions, recruiters, and event organizers—any business looking to scale its communication strategy. These organizations rely on short code texting to send updates, promotions, and alerts with confidence and speed.
Unlike a standard SMS app, a short code texting platform offers enhanced throughput, carrier approval, and built-in compliance. Features such as campaign creation, keyword automation, and detailed reporting are built for marketing automation at scale.
Through a cloud-based SMS shortcode service like TextUs, you can purchase short code numbers, automate follow-ups, and launch timely, relevant messaging at every stage of the customer journey.
Benefits of Short-Code Texting
Increase Deliverability
Dedicated short codes are highly trusted by both consumers and carriers, ensuring maximum deliverability and engagement for your messages.
Reach Large Audiences Even Faster
Short codes let you send messages faster, delivering texts at lightning-fast speeds of 100 messages per second.
Increase Engagement
Leverage SMS keywords with short code text messages to grow your subscriber list, segment your audience, and elevate your text campaigns.
Purchase a dedicated short code
You’ll work with our team to determine the type of short code that best suits your business needs.
Work with Us to Submit Your Short Code
We’ll partner with you to gather details on how you’ll use your short code and obtain opt-in consent, so we can submit your application for approval!
Get Your Short Code Number
Once mobile carriers approve your application, we’ll set up your short code. The review process typically takes 6 to 8 weeks.
Start Using Your Short Code
Now your team can begin using your short code, setting up SMS keywords, and promoting it to your consumers!
Compare Number Types
10-Digit Long Code | Toll-Free | Short Code | |
|---|---|---|---|
Area Code | Local | 8XX | None |
Digits | 10 | 10 | 5 or 6 |
Throughput | 12 - 225 MPS* | 3 - 150 MPS | 100 - 300 MPS |
Daily Campaign Volume Limits | Yes | No | No |
Cost | $ | $$ | $$ |
Use Case | Local recruiting, marketing, sales, and workforce management | National recruiting, marketing, sales, and workforce management | High volume local or national marketing and recruiting |
Benefits | More affordable, faster provisioning, local area code | Consumer trust, portability, 8XX area code | Fastest throughput, highest deliverability, easy to promote |
Provisioning Timeline | A few days to a few weeks | One to three weeks | One to three weeks |
10DLC throughput is determined by an organization’s TCR trust score and shared across all its long codes.
Why TextUs?
Industry-Specific Use Cases for Short Codes
Retail & E-Commerce
Retailers and online brands use short code SMS to share limited-time offers, flash sales, and loyalty rewards. A branded text message from a known code boosts open rates and drives immediate action.
Healthcare
In healthcare, short codes are used for appointment reminders, patient engagement, and real-time alerts. A secure SMS short code service helps ensure timely delivery of important messages while maintaining privacy and compliance standards.
Hospitality & Events
Hotels, venues, and event organizers use short codes for guest notifications, ticketing, and real-time updates. With a dedicated short code, guests get timely information without confusion.
Real Estate & Financial Services
Banks and financial firms rely on short codes for fraud alerts, transaction updates, and two-factor authentication. A fast SMS message can help prevent fraud and improve user trust.
Staffing & Recruiting
Recruiters use short code texting to confirm interviews, engage candidates, and streamline hiring processes. A common short code system ensures high-volume messages are delivered reliably, improving connect rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a dedicated short code right for my business?
A dedicated short code is ideal if you need a memorable, trusted number to effectively promote your brand or SMS keywords to consumers. It’s perfect for reaching large audiences quickly, ensuring high deliverability with minimal carrier filtering.
What is the difference between random and vanity short codes?
A random short code is a randomly generated five- or six-digit number without a specific pattern. A vanity short code is a customized, easy-to-remember number chosen by the business purchasing it (e.g., 12345). Vanity codes are often used for branding purposes but are typically more expensive than random short codes.
Can I send MMS messages with a short code?
Yes, you can send MMS messages using a short code. Short codes provided by TextUs come equipped with MMS capabilities by default (U.S. only).
Can customers text my short code back?
Yes, customers can text your short code back. TextUs provides two-way short code texting, mass texting campaigns, and shared inboxes so your team can effectively communicate and engage with your audience.
Get a TextUs Demo
Learn how thousands of staffing and recruiting agencies use TextUs daily to communicate in real-time.