Short code
What is Short code?
A short code is a 5- or 6-digit number used to send and receive high-volume SMS and MMS in the US and Canada, commonly for OTPs, alerts, and large-scale marketing campaigns that a standard 10-digit long code's throughput can't support. Short codes are either dedicated (leased exclusively to one business) or shared (leased by several businesses using unique keywords to route replies), and both require a separate carrier vetting and approval process before activation, which typically takes several weeks.
More detail
Dedicated short codes give one business exclusive use of the number and generally support the highest throughput; shared short codes split a code across multiple unrelated senders, each addressed by a distinct keyword.
Short code approval (vetting) is a separate, typically slower process from A2P 10DLC registration, since carriers review the actual message content and use case before granting the code.
Frequently asked
- How is a short code different from a long code?
- A short code is a dedicated 5- or 6-digit number built for very high-volume messaging, while a long code is a standard 10-digit number with lower throughput. Short codes require separate carrier vetting and typically take longer to activate.
- What's the difference between a dedicated and a shared short code?
- A dedicated short code is leased exclusively to one business, while a shared short code is used by several unrelated businesses at once, each reached through a distinct keyword that routes replies to the right sender.
See also
Build it on Orbit
Voice, messaging, email, video, and AI agents on one platform and one pay-as-you-go bill. Start free — no credit card required.