Unlock High Deliverability with Short Codes
Short codes are 5- or 6- digit numbers that allow marketers to send and receive high volume SMS messages at the highest throughput and improved performance.
Benefits of Short Code Texting
Short code SMS lets marketers unlock the fastest throughput and highest deliverability with a memorable number that increases consumer trust and drives more conversions.
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.
Increase deliverability
Short codes are highly trusted by both consumers and carriers, ensuring maximum deliverability and engagement for your messages.
Types of Short Codes
A short code is a five- to six-digit phone number used by businesses to send high-volume SMS campaigns. Unlike traditional phone numbers, short codes are easier to remember and offer greater reliability. Businesses partner with a short code provider like TextUs to streamline this process and ensure compliance.
Dedicated vs. Shared Short Codes
There are two primary types of short codes: dedicated short codes and shared short codes. A dedicated short code is exclusive to your brand, giving you total control over messaging, delivery, and compliance. These codes are ideal for businesses sending frequent, large-scale messages.
Shared short codes, on the other hand, were used by multiple businesses on the same number. Due to compliance and security concerns, mobile carriers have phased out shared short codes across most industries.
Vanity vs. Random Short Codes
With dedicated short codes, businesses can choose between vanity short codes and randomly assigned ones. A vanity short code (like 12345) is custom-selected and easier for users to remember, making it ideal for SMS marketing campaigns. Random short codes are more affordable and faster to set up but lack brand-specific memorability.
Short Codes vs. Long Codes
Long code numbers (10-digit standard phone numbers) work well for one-on-one messaging. But when you need to reach a broad audience instantly, short code texting is the better choice. It ensures higher deliverability, better recognition, and faster throughput.
Compliance and Registration
All short codes must go through the short code registry for approval. When you use TextUs as your short code SMS service, we handle the application and setup, guiding you through each step to ensure proper registration and compliance.
How to Get Started with Short Codes
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.
After your application is approved by mobile carriers, we’ll get your short code set up. Keep in mind that the review process can take 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!
Why TextUs?
Experts on short code messaging
Leverage our expertise on short codes to maximize your message deliverability and increase engagement.
Rich features to get the most from your short code SMS
Enhance your marketing texting strategy with SMS keywords, MMS messaging, drip campaigns, and more.
Get your team up and running quickly
Our user-friendly platform, helpful training resources, and exceptional support will ensure you get the most from your short code.
Voted Top Performer and Leader: Summer 2024!
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, workforce management | National recruiting, marketing, sales, 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 | Six to eight weeks |
*10DLC throughput is determined by an organization’s TCR trust score and shared across all its long codes.
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.
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.
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.
Over 500+ 5 Star Reviews From World-Class Teams
Very effective form of communication
“In the year 2022, texting should be a priority for reaching clients. I am far more likely to receive a response when I reach out through Text Us than when I call. I love that we can connect our phone number to the text line as well.”
Straight forward solution to our communication needs
“We switched from another service to TextUs after looking at several. It is very a very cost-effective and straight forward tool. It took no training time at all to be able to pick it up and use it immediately. The switch-over was quite painless.”
Happy to use TextUs at work
“I like the fast and efficient communication I have with my clients. I never miss a text and always am able to respond faster than a phone call. My clients love that I can talk to them at a drop of a hat!”
FAQs
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.
A random short code is a randomly-generated 5- or 6-digit number that lacks any 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.
Yes, you can send MMS messages using a short code. Short codes provided by TextUs come equipped with MMS capabilities by default (US only).
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.
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