A short code is a 5 or 6-digit phone number used by businesses to send and receive SMS and MMS messages at high volume. Unlike standard 10-digit phone numbers, short codes are designed specifically for mass messaging—capable of sending thousands of messages per second.
When you text “PIZZA” to 12345 for a coupon or “VOTE” to 22333 during a TV show, you’re interacting with a short code.
Short Code vs Long Code: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Short Code | Long Code (10DLC) |
|---|---|---|
| Digits | 5-6 | 10 |
| Throughput | 100-500 msg/sec | 1-10 msg/sec |
| Cost | $500-1,000/month | $1-15/month |
| Setup Time | 8-12 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
| Two-Way SMS | Yes | Yes |
| MMS Support | Yes | Yes |
| Carrier Approval | Required | Required (simpler) |
| Best For | High-volume campaigns | Local business, low volume |
Types of Short Codes
Dedicated Short Codes
A dedicated short code belongs exclusively to your business. You have full control over all keywords and campaigns.
Advantages:
- Brand recognition (your number only)
- Full keyword control
- Higher trust from carriers
- Required for high-volume senders
Disadvantages:
- Higher cost ($500-1,000+/month)
- Longer approval process (8-12 weeks)
Shared Short Codes (Deprecated)
Shared short codes were once popular for cost savings—multiple businesses would share one number using different keywords. However, carriers have largely discontinued shared short codes due to:
- Compliance risks (one bad actor affects all users)
- Consumer confusion
- Deliverability issues
Current status: Major carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) no longer support new shared short code programs.
Vanity vs Random Short Codes
| Type | Example | Cost | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanity | 12345, 99999, BRAND | $1,000/month | Limited |
| Random | 28491, 73625 | $500/month | Readily available |
Vanity Short Codes
A vanity short code is a memorable, custom number chosen specifically for your brand:
- Numeric patterns: 12345, 55555, 80808
- Brand-related: Numbers that spell something on a keypad
- Easy to remember: Sequential or repeating digits
Examples:
- 12345 (sequential, highly memorable)
- 46645 (spells “GOINK” or similar)
- 88888 (repeating pattern)
Random Short Codes
A random short code is assigned by the registry without pattern selection. These are:
- More affordable ($500/month vs $1,000/month)
- Immediately available (no competition for specific numbers)
- Just as functional as vanity codes
- Less memorable for consumers
When to choose random:
- Budget-conscious campaigns
- QR code or link-based opt-ins (number visibility matters less)
- Transactional messaging where brand recognition is established
How to Get a Short Code
Getting a short code requires several steps and carrier approvals. Here’s the complete process:
Step 1: Choose Your Short Code Type
| Decision | Your Choice |
|---|---|
| Vanity or Random? | Vanity costs 2x but improves recall |
| Dedicated only | Shared codes are deprecated |
| 5 or 6 digits? | 5-digit in US, 6-digit in some countries |
Step 2: Lease from the Registry
In the United States, short codes are managed by the Common Short Code Administration (CSCA):
- Visit usshortcodes.com
- Search for available codes
- Submit lease application
- Pay the registry fee ($500-1,000/month)
Step 3: Choose an SMS Provider
You’ll need an SMS aggregator to actually send messages. Major providers:
| Provider | Notes |
|---|---|
| Twilio | Developer-friendly API |
| Sinch | Global reach |
| Bandwidth | Direct carrier connections |
| Plivo | Cost-effective |
Step 4: Complete Carrier Approval
Each major carrier must approve your short code use:
Required documentation:
- Business registration/incorporation docs
- Sample message content
- Opt-in flow description
- Terms of service
- Privacy policy
- Call-to-action examples
- Opt-out mechanism description
Carrier review timeline:
| Carrier | Typical Review Time |
|---|---|
| Verizon | 4-6 weeks |
| AT&T | 4-6 weeks |
| T-Mobile | 4-6 weeks |
| US Cellular | 2-4 weeks |
Total time from application to live: 8-12 weeks
Step 5: Launch and Monitor
Once approved:
- Configure keywords with your SMS provider
- Set up auto-responses
- Implement opt-out handling (STOP, CANCEL, etc.)
- Monitor delivery rates and complaints
Short Code Pricing Breakdown
Registry Fees (US)
| Code Type | Monthly Lease | Annual Lease |
|---|---|---|
| Random | $500 | $6,000 |
| Vanity | $1,000 | $12,000 |
Additional Costs
| Cost Type | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Carrier fees | $0-500/carrier setup |
| SMS provider platform | $0-500/month |
| Per-message cost | $0.005-0.02/SMS |
| Compliance audit | $500-2,000 (optional) |
Total Monthly Investment (Estimate)
Random Short Code:
Registry: $500
Platform: $100
Messages (100k): $1,000
Total: ~$1,600/month
Vanity Short Code:
Registry: $1,000
Platform: $100
Messages (100k): $1,000
Total: ~$2,100/monthShort Code Compliance Requirements
Carrier approval requires strict compliance. Follow this checklist:
Opt-In Requirements
- Clear disclosure of what user is signing up for
- Message frequency disclosure (“4 msgs/month”)
- “Message and data rates may apply” notice
- Link to terms and privacy policy
- Double opt-in for certain industries (finance, healthcare)
Required Keywords
Every short code must support these standard keywords:
| Keyword | Required Response |
|---|---|
| HELP | Support info, contact details |
| STOP | Opt-out confirmation, no further messages |
| INFO | Program details |
Message Content Rules
- Include business name in every message
- Include opt-out instructions in marketing messages
- No prohibited content (SHAFT: Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco restrictions)
- Age-gating for restricted products
- No deceptive practices
Short Code Use Cases
Marketing Campaigns
Text JOIN to 12345 for exclusive deals!
Msg&data rates apply. 4 msgs/mo.
Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel.Use cases:
- Coupon delivery
- Product launches
- Event promotions
- Loyalty programs
Two-Factor Authentication
Your verification code is 847291.
This code expires in 10 minutes.Use cases:
- Account login verification
- Transaction authorization
- Password resets
Alerts and Notifications
FLIGHT UPDATE: AA123 now departing
Gate B42 at 3:45 PM. -AmericanAirUse cases:
- Flight/shipping status
- Appointment reminders
- Emergency alerts
- Service notifications
Interactive Campaigns
Text VOTE to 22333 to vote for your
favorite contestant! Std msg rates apply.Use cases:
- TV voting
- Contests
- Polls and surveys
- Customer feedback
Short Codes by Country
| Country | Format | Registry |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 5-6 digits | CSCA |
| Canada | 5-6 digits | CWTA |
| UK | 5 digits | PSA |
| Australia | 6 digits | AMTA |
| Germany | 5 digits | BNetzA |
Alternatives to Short Codes
If short codes don’t fit your needs, consider these alternatives:
| Option | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10DLC | Low-medium volume, local business | $1-15/month |
| Toll-Free | Customer service, medium volume | $1-10/month |
| Alphanumeric Sender ID | Branding (no replies), international | Varies |
10DLC (10-Digit Long Code)
A newer option for A2P (Application-to-Person) messaging using standard 10-digit numbers with carrier registration:
- Lower cost than short codes
- Faster setup (1-2 weeks)
- Good for moderate volume (1-10 msg/sec)
- Requires brand registration
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a short code?
The complete process takes 8-12 weeks from application to live use. This includes:
- Registry application: 1-2 weeks
- Carrier approval: 4-8 weeks per carrier (done in parallel)
- Technical setup: 1-2 weeks
Can I transfer my short code to another provider?
Yes, short codes are portable. You can transfer your short code lease to a different SMS provider while maintaining the same number. The process typically takes 2-4 weeks.
What happens if my short code is suspended?
Carrier suspension usually results from compliance violations. Consequences include:
- Immediate message blocking on that carrier
- Potential industry-wide blacklisting
- Required remediation before reinstatement
- Possible lease termination
Do I need a short code for SMS marketing?
Not necessarily. Consider alternatives:
- Low volume (<10k msgs/month): 10DLC may suffice
- Medium volume (10k-100k): Toll-free or 10DLC with higher throughput
- High volume (100k+): Short code recommended
- Time-sensitive campaigns: Short code for guaranteed throughput
Conclusion
Short codes remain the gold standard for high-volume SMS messaging, offering unmatched throughput and carrier trust. While the cost and setup time are significant, businesses running large-scale campaigns benefit from the reliability and brand recognition that short codes provide.
Key takeaways:
- Short codes are 5-6 digit numbers for high-volume messaging
- Vanity codes cost more but improve memorability
- Shared short codes are deprecated—dedicated only now
- Setup takes 8-12 weeks including carrier approvals
- Compliance is mandatory—follow CTIA and carrier guidelines
For smaller campaigns or businesses just starting with SMS, consider 10DLC or toll-free alternatives before committing to short code costs.
Ready to plan your SMS campaign? Test your message length and encoding with our free SMS Character Counter before launch.
Related Articles
WhatIsSMS.com
SMS Technology Guide