What is the Short Code Registry?

The Short Code Registry is a centralized database that maintains a list of available, reserved, and registered US short codes. It is managed by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA), a wireless trade organization. The CTIA oversees the Registry to ensure regulatory compliance, proper management, and the efficient allocation of short codes for messaging campaigns across US wireless networks.

Who should get a short code?

Short codes are ideal for ecommerce brands with large subscriber lists running extensive SMS campaigns that require sending high volumes of messages regularly. 

Once you surpass 30,000 subscribers, throughput issues and message delivery delays can become an issue. Short codes offer a solution by providing much higher sending rates than toll-free numbers or long codes. 

While those options handle 36,000–90,000 messages per hour, short codes can manage up to 1,44 million messages per hour, guaranteeing your messages reach your audience without delays.

5 key benefits of using SMS short codes

  1. Faster message delivery: SMS messages sent via short codes can be delivered up to 10x faster than those sent using long codes, toll-free numbers, or branded sender IDs.
  2. Less filtering: Due to the strict approval process, messages using short codes are subject to less filtering.
  3. High throughput rates: Messages using short code numbers have the highest throughput rates in the industry. Carriers prioritize these messages during busy times and holidays to prevent delays.
  4. Easily remembered: Since all short codes are only 5 or 6 digits long, they’re easier for your customers to remember than long codes and toll-free numbers.
  5. Trust-building: Your recipients can easily look up a short code in a directory, making your texts more credible.

Looking to increase the effectiveness of your SMS marketing campaigns and automated flows with the power of short codes?

Sign up for Klaviyo, a marketing automation platform that simplifies the process of applying for short codes, saving you time, money, and other valuable resources.

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