Short answer
A short code is a leased five- or six-digit number approved by US carriers for high-volume, time-critical texting, while a long code is an ordinary 10-digit local number registered through 10DLC for moderate, conversational traffic. Short codes take longest to launch; long codes feel personal. Toll-free numbers sit between the two.
How do they compare?
| Point | Short code | Long code (10DLC) | Toll-free |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | 5 or 6 digits | 10-digit local | 10-digit toll-free |
| Registration | Lease, then carrier program approval | Brand and campaign registration | Text enablement and verification |
| Launch time | Longest | Shorter; 7 to 14 business days in our data | Usually shorter than short code |
| Look and feel | Memorable, impersonal | Local, personal | National, business-like |
| Best for | Large, time-critical programs | Moderate, conversational traffic | Support and mixed use |
What should you know about short codes?
- Leases run 3, 6 or 12 months and fees are non-refundable if carriers do not activate the code.
- Each carrier decides whether to support the program.
- CTIA audits live programs against its guidelines.
Which should you choose?
Pick a short code for large programs you can plan weeks ahead, 10DLC for conversational and moderate volume, and toll-free for a business-line number without a local feel. Outside the US most markets use alphanumeric sender IDs instead.