Short code or 10-digit long code?

An online tool. Choose the right number for your SMS and MMS messaging interactions in the US.

1. How many messages do you send, or intend to send, a month?
Select...
Less than 100,000 100,000-250,000 250,000-750,000 Close to a million or more

For your volumes, 10DLC (ten-digit long codes) and short codes could both work. Answer more questions to refine your search. Your business probably needs a short code, which is a memorable 5 or 6-digit code that lets you securely and reliably send large volumes of messages in a short period of time. But keep going to learn more. Your business needs a short code, which is a memorable 5 or 6-digit code that lets you securely and reliably send large volumes of messages in a short period of time. But keep going to learn more.
2. Another way to think about your volume requirements is based on audience size. Do you have more or less than 40,000 subscribers?
Select...
Less than 40,000 More than 40,000

Depending on the nature of your messaging, both 10DLC and short codes could work well for you. In many cases, once you break through 40,000 subscribers you're looking at volumes that are better supported by short codes.

Customers with over 40,000 subscribers tend to send and receive high volumes of messages. In this case, short codes will usually be the best option.

3. Do you need feedback on which of your messages were or weren’t delivered successfully?

4. Is it important to you that audience members receive messages via a local area code?

5. Do you use SMS to send two-factor authentication pass codes (or intend to in future)?

6. Do you want the number you use to send and receive messages to become well known and remembered?

Click to conclude

Your next step

We hope this Q&A has helped you learn more about your messaging needs and the pros and cons of 10DLC and short codes.

Short codes are a great choice for high-volume, measurable, brand-focused messaging like marketing. With 10DLC, you still get pretty high throughput at a lower cost, and the chance to use local area codes.

Next, take a deeper dive with these guides. One explores your wider originator options in detail and the other focuses on 10DLC.

Download 10DLC guide

Download originators guide