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Short codes, long codes, and personalized SMS senders

In this article, we will explain the differences between short and long codes, as well as how you can personalize the name of the sender of your SMS messages.

Differences between short and long codes

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A short code is a number (usually 5-6 digits) used to send and receive SMS and MMS messages, in place of standard 10-digit numbers. Because of their shorter length, short codes are easier to remember, write down, and input than their longer counterparts.

A long code is 10-digits. It looks like a standard phone number and is used by businesses to send and receive SMS and MMS messages, or to make and receive voice calls.

Short codes and long codes can be associated with one sender or shared across multiple senders.

Use a personalized SMS sender

When creating an SMS message, you can personalize the name of the sender using alphanumeric characters (no special characters).

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However, many countries, including the US, do not allow sender information to be altered. So even if a sender name is specified, the sender may appear as a short or long code.

To help your recipients know who you are, you should always include the name of your business directly in the SMS message. That way, your recipients will know who is contacting them.

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