## Video guide

Choosing the right SMS sender is critical for successful message delivery across different regions. Different countries have unique requirements that affect delivery rates and compliance. Always check our [developer documentation](https://docs.bird.com/api) for specific country regulations and requirements.

Watch the video tutorial below to learn how to set up SMS senders in Bird, including:

- Purchasing long-code national, local, mobile and toll-free numbers (e.g., +1-555-123-4567)
- Requesting Short-code numbers (e.g., 555-1234)
- Applying for Alphanumeric senders (e.g., 1800-Bird)

## Step-by-step guide

Follow the step-by-step guide to learn how to set up an SMS sender

## Step 1: Determine your target region

- Consider where your recipients are located.
- For North American countries (US/Canada), you must use two-way SMS numbers.
- For countries outside North America, use one-way Alphanumeric senders.

## Step 2: Buy a phone number (local, mobile, national, tollfree)

- Navigate to Numbers, then Phone numbers 
- Click "Buy a number" in the top right.
- Use the filter to:
  - Choose type: 
    - Local 
    - Mobile 
    - National 
    - Tollfree 

  - Choose a country
  - Select features (ensure it supports both inbound and outbound)

- Click "More details" to review compliance requirements.
- Click "Add to cart" when you've found a suitable number.
- Go to your cart and click "Process payment."

Note: your toll-free number will be pending registration (approval takes up to 7 working days).

## Step 3: Set up an Alphanumeric sender (for international)

- Navigate to Numbers, then Alphanumeric Numbers.
- Click "Request Alphanumeric sender."
- Complete the form with:
  - Priority level
  - Alphanumeric sender name (up to 11 characters)
  - Country for registration
  - Subject and detailed description

- Include required information:
  - Legal company name and webpage
  - Country of registration
  - Traffic type (marketing or transactional)
  - Message samples

- Attach supporting documents if needed (10MB max).

## Step 4: Activate your number channel

- For Toll-Free Numbers, click "Activate numbers now" after purchase.
- You can also activate later from the Numbers dashboard.

## Step 5: Consider operational setup for global messaging

- If sending to both North America and worldwide, you'll need two different sender types.
- Consider using Bird Navigators feature to manage this complexity.
- Always check docs.bird.com/api for country-specific regulations and requirements.

## Step 6: Implement opt-out handling

- Remember that opt-out isn't mandatory except for marketing messages.
- You can use the optOutLink variable in your message body when needed.