SMS Short Codes

Everything you need to know about SMS short codes & short code texting.

What is an SMS Short Code?

A short code is a 5 or 6 digit phone number that is used to send text messages at scale. People opt into SMS marketing programs by texting a word or phrase known as a "keyword" to a short code. They are meant to be shorter than normal phone numbers to make the opt-in process easier.

Additionally, short codes are capable of sending extremely high volumes of text messages in a short period of time. This makes them the optimal choice when looking to reach large audiences.

The Different Types of Short Codes

There are two different types of short codes used for mass text messaging; random and vanity. They’re the exact same in terms of their functionality and capabilities. The only differences are the number and associated costs.

Random Short Codes

Random short codes are just what you may think. When applying for a new code, you have no control over what the number will be. A random 5 or 6 digit text number is given to you. Most short code texting done today is with random codes as they are the cheapest of the two options. We’ll cover short code pricing further down.

Vanity Short Codes

Vanity short codes, just like license plates, give you the option of choosing what your number will be. You can choose between a 5 or 6 digit number as well. They are more expensive than random codes because the U.S. Short Code Registry charges a premium for you to select and maintain the number of your choice.

Vanity codes are more favorable as you can choose numbers that are easier to remember and thus makes texting to join easier. An example of a vanity SMS short code is 888111 or 222444.

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Short Codes vs. Other Texting Numbers

There are several differences between SMS short codes and other types of numbers used for text message marketing. The alternatives are toll-free and 10DLC numbers.

Short codes are only 5 or 6 digits vs. others that are 10. This makes opting into texting programs simpler as the number is easier to remember and quick to type out.

Short codes are the most expensive with a monthly cost between $500 and $1,000 depending on whether it’s a random or vanity code. Toll-free and 10DLC numbers are free or have minimal cost. SMS codes also send at much faster speeds.

While messages sent from normal 10-digit numbers are subject to carrier spam / content filters, SMS short code texting is not typically filtered. There’s a 3 to 4 week approval process when securing a short code number and part of that process is vetting the sender and texting program so messages don't need to be filtered.

Short Code	Toll-Free	10DLC
5 or 6 digits	10 digits	10 digits
$500 - $1,000 per month	Free	$10 per month
500+ messages per second send speed	~50 messages per second send speed	~10 messages per second send speed
No carrier filtering	Carrier filtering	Carrier filtering
Approval process required	No approval process	Approval process required
3 to 4 week approval time	Available instantly	48 hour approval time

Benefits of Your Own SMS Short Code

While having your own short code represents an additional cost to your text marketing or bulk SMS initiatives, there are several benefits that make them worthwhile.

Choose Your Own Number

Make opting into your SMS marketing even easier with a vanity short code. Having a memorable, easy to read number will have a meaningful impact on your opt-in performance and engagement rates.

No Keyword Restrictions

Do you need a specific keyword… or a large volume of keywords for your text marketing program? A dedicated SMS short code gives you the flexibility to use any keyword possible and an unlimited number of them.

No Message Filtering

While other number types like toll-free and 10DLC are subject to message filtering, SMS short codes are the only number type that currently isn’t. Because each short code and sender goes through a manual review process with all wireless carriers, message filtering is not necessary.

Dedicated Throughput

For SMS programs that require high levels of throughput, either inbound or outbound, dedicated short codes provide the support and scalability you need to send large text message blasts at scale.

How to Get an SMS Short Code

Securing your own short code has several steps involved. The good news is that SlickText handles 100% of it for you. With that said, it's still helpful to understand what the entire process looks like for securing your own 5 or 6 digit text number.

First we need to decide what type you're looking to acquire. This will be either a random or vanity short code. Then we lease the code from the U.S. Short Code Administration.

Note that we said "lease" and not "purchase". Short codes are never purchased. They are always leased and typically on a quarterly basis.

After the short code has been acquired, it's just a number that doesn't do anything... yet. The next step is to have it provisioned with all of the wireless carriers. At this point we begin submitting applications to all of the individual carriers requesting that they activate the code on their networks.

Once all of the carriers have approved it, we activate it in your SlickText account and you can begin sending text messages.

The industry average timeline for this process is between 6 and 8 weeks however with our unique carrier relationships we're consistently activating SMS short codes within 3 to 4 weeks.

Securing a Short Code

Decide between a random or vanity short code
Acquire a code from the U.S. Short Code Administration
Submit short code applications to all cellular carriers
Wait for all applications to be reviewed and approved
Activate the short code for messaging

SMS Short Code Pricing

In the world of short code texting, codes aren't sold, they are leased. What you are paying for is the right to use it. While most SMS services bake the cost of a dedicated code directly into their monthly service fee, they are normally paid for on a quarterly basis.

The cost of an SMS short code varies only by whether it's random or vanity. Typically you will see vanity codes run between $500 and $1,000 more than random ones.

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