Short Codes Explained
Short codes are 5-6 digit numbers (like 12345) used for high-volume SMS. They're shared across carriers and optimized for mass messaging.
Advantages
- High throughput — 100+ messages per second
- Brand recognition — Easy to remember
- Pre-approved — Content vetted during provisioning
Disadvantages
- Cost — $500-$1,000/month lease fees
- Setup time — 8-12 weeks to provision
- Limited availability — Vanity codes are scarce
Long Codes Explained
Long codes are standard 10-digit phone numbers. With 10DLC registration, they're now suitable for most business A2P messaging.
Advantages
- Lower cost — $1-2/month per number
- Fast setup — Minutes to provision
- Local presence — Area code matching
- Two-way messaging — Replies go to the same number
Disadvantages
- Lower throughput — 1-15 messages per second (with 10DLC)
- 10DLC required — Registration adds time and cost
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Short Code | Long Code (10DLC) |
|---|---|---|
| Throughput | 100+ msg/sec | 1-15 msg/sec |
| Monthly cost | $500-$1,000+ | $1-2 |
| Setup time | 8-12 weeks | 1-4 weeks |
| Best for | High-volume marketing | Transactional, moderate volume |
When to Use Each
Use short codes when:
- Sending millions of messages monthly
- Running large marketing campaigns
- Brand recognition matters
Use long codes when:
- Sending transactional messages
- Need local area code presence
- Moderate volumes (under 100K/month)
- Cost is a primary concern