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.
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.
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.
Get a TextUs Demo
Learn how thousands of companies use TextUs every day to communicate in real-time.