Run keyword campaigns on a memorable short code
A short code is a 5–6 digit number that's easy to remember and built for volume. Use it for high-throughput keyword campaigns, branded two-way SMS, and the kind of number you can put on a poster or a TV ad.
When to use a short code
Short codes are 5–6 digits, easy to put on a poster, a pack, or an ad, and provisioned for high inbound throughput. They suit large keyword campaigns — text WIN to 56789 — and high-volume two-way flows where a long code would bottleneck under the traffic.
A short code can be dedicated to you or shared across businesses. Dedicated gives you the whole number and every keyword on it, which is the choice for a brand running its own campaigns. Shared is cheaper and splits keywords across senders, which suits a single keyword or a smaller campaign.
Provisioning a short code takes longer and costs more than a long code, because the number is allocated and registered with the operators. We handle the allocation and the registration, and we'll tell you the lead time up front so a campaign launch isn't waiting on the number.
Inbound works the same as any two-way number: a text to your short code arrives on your webhook with the keyword and the body, so you route WIN, STOP, and HELP to different flows. Outbound still sends from your registered DLT header.
What’s included
5–6 digit short code
Short, memorable, and easy to print on an ad or a pack.
Built for volume
Handles high inbound traffic a long code can't.
Dedicated or shared
Own the whole number, or share it across keywords.
Many keywords, one number
Route WIN, STOP, HELP and more to separate flows.
Send and receive
Collect replies and keywords alongside your sends.
Allocation handled
We register and allocate the short code with the operators.
Frequently asked
Dedicated or shared short code — which do I need?
A dedicated short code gives you the whole number and every keyword on it, which suits a brand running multiple campaigns. A shared short code is cheaper and splits keywords across businesses, which suits a single keyword or a smaller campaign. We'll help you pick based on your keywords and volume.
How long does a short code take to set up?
Longer than a long code, because the number is allocated and registered with the operators. We handle that and give you the lead time up front, so you can plan a campaign launch around it rather than being surprised.
Why choose a short code over a long code?
Memorability and throughput. A 5–6 digit number is easy to print on an ad and built to handle the inbound spike a national campaign creates. A long code is cheaper and quicker but suits moderate, conversational volume.
Can I run multiple keywords on one short code?
Yes. A dedicated short code can run many keywords, each routed to its own flow, with opt-out keywords honoured automatically. Each inbound text arrives on your webhook with the keyword and body so you can act on it. A dedicated code also lets you reserve a memorable vanity number, which is worth it for a brand that prints the number on packs or ads.