Glossary

Long code vs Short code

What is the difference between Long Codes and Short Codes?

Short codes, as the name suggests, are short phone numbers with five to six digits that are easily recognizable and typically used for application-to-person (A2P) bulk messaging due to the high throughput they offer. 

Long codes are standard local phone numbers designed for person-to-person (P2P) messaging. Long codes allow customers to call or text a business back and are very quick to set up. Unlike short codes, they can also be used internationally. 

10DLCs (10-digit Long Codes) are a newer type of long codes enabling two-way A2P messaging with a higher throughput using 10-digit local numbers available in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). 

Which is best for you – Long Codes or Short Codes? 

Long codes are perfect for local or international two-way P2P messaging that doesn’t necessarily require the highest throughput.  

10DLCs, on the other hand, are used for two-way A2P transactional messages, e.g. reminders, one-time pin codes, service updates, alerts, and smaller marketing campaigns.  

Short codes are great for fast, high-volume messaging and are easier for customers to remember. 

What are the benefits of Sinch Virtual Numbers? 

Whether you need to elevate customer communications through two-way conversations, increase your availability, or reach out to customers across the globe, we’ve got a virtual number to suit your needs and location.  

Sinch is the global leader in cloud communications, trusted by over 3,000 enterprise customers globally – and as such, we ensure best-in-class delivery and reach, maximum security, smooth integrations, and five-star support! 

How do we do this? Well, our industry-leading infrastructure, carrier-grade platform, and supernetwork of 600+ direct carrier connections certainly help. 

Read more

Short codes vs Long codes
What is a 10DLC & why they matter
10DLC FAQs answered by the experts
All Numbers products

Related glossary terms

Long codes - 10DLC
Toll Free Number
Short Codes
Omnichannel marketing

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