Short Code
A 5 or 6 digit phone number leased for high-volume business text messaging, such as 72345, approved by carriers for a specific use case.
Definition
A short code is a 5 or 6 digit number used to send and receive business text messages. In the US, short codes are leased through the Common Short Code Administration and approved by each carrier for a defined program, such as marketing alerts, two-factor codes or text-to-donate. Short codes come in two kinds: random codes assigned to you, and vanity codes you choose because they spell or are easy to remember. Because carriers review every program up front, short codes get the highest throughput of any US texting number.
Why It Matters
Short codes are what large retailers, banks and campaigns use when they need to text hundreds of thousands of people quickly or run keyword campaigns like "Text JOIN to 72345". They are also the most expensive and slowest option to set up. For most small and mid-size businesses, a toll-free number or a registered 10DLC number delivers the same messages without the lease cost and approval wait.
How It Works
You apply for a short code through an SMS provider, describing the program, the opt-in flow, message frequency and sample messages. The provider leases the code and submits the program to carriers, which review it before turning on traffic. The process typically takes weeks. Once live, the short code supports high message rates and inbound keywords, and carriers audit it for compliance with the approved program and with consent and opt-out rules.
Example
A national pizza chain runs a short code program:
- Call to action on boxes: "Text PIZZA to 74992 for a free side on your next order."
- Confirmation: "Thanks for joining Slice Club. Up to 4 msgs/month. Msg and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel."
- Weekly offer to the whole list, sent in minutes because of the short code's throughput.
Best Practices
- 1Choose a short code only when volume, speed or keyword campaigns justify the cost
- 2Use a vanity code if it will be printed in ads or on packaging
- 3Follow the approved program exactly, since carriers audit short codes
- 4Send the required confirmation with frequency, rates and HELP and STOP instructions
- 5Plan launch dates around the carrier approval timeline
SMS from a verified toll-free number
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Learn MoreUS Short Code vs Long Code vs Toll-Free
| Short code | 10DLC | Toll-free | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | 5 or 6 digits | Local 10-digit number | 800, 833, 844 and similar |
| Setup time | Weeks | Days | Days |
| Cost | Highest | Low | Low |
| Throughput | Highest | Depends on trust score | Moderate |
| Keyword campaigns | Yes | Yes, with inbound handling | Yes, with inbound handling |