Built to send at scale.

A short code is a short national number for a high-volume messaging program. Review the market, use case and expected traffic with Bird, then complete the required allocation and carrier review. Short codes are not ordered through the self-service numbers API.

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Where a short code fits.

A short code is one of the four sender types on Bird SMS numbers, part of the broader Bird SMS API. It's the option you reach for when one number has to push high volume to many recipients, and you're willing to trade provisioning speed for the throughput and carrier trust that comes with it.

What a short code gives you.

High throughput, carrier-vetted, made for one-to-many.

  1. 01

    Built for high-volume national messaging.

    A short code supports high-volume messaging under an approved program. Confirm throughput and country availability for the traffic you plan to send.

  2. 02

    An assisted allocation.

    Bird allocates short codes to a workspace. Review the available program and operating arrangement with an SMS specialist before committing to a launch.

  3. 03

    Carrier-vetted before it sends.

    Prepare the business, use case, message examples and opt-in flow required by the program. An approval is permission to operate the program, not a guarantee that every message will deliver.

  4. 04

    Best for one-to-many.

    Marketing sends, transactional alerts, and high-rate OTP all fit a short code. For two-way conversational traffic a long code is usually the better starting point.

Plan the allocation. Prepare the integration.

Short codes are allocated by Bird. Once a sender is available to your workspace, use the normal SMS sending and inbound event workflow. Keep the destination, registration and consent checks in the launch plan.

Contact SalesRead the number types guide

Match the program to the market.

Choose a short code for an approved national messaging program with the throughput your launch requires. Confirm allocation and review timelines before scheduling the campaign. Compare a long code when a local, reply-capable identity fits the job.

Questions about this sender

What is an SMS short code?
A short code is a national messaging number of four to six digits. It is used for reviewed, high-volume messaging programs and does not provide voice service.
How do I get a short code with Bird?
Contact an SMS specialist to review the destination, use case and program requirements. Bird allocates short codes; the self-service numbers ordering API does not sell them.
Can I use the same short code internationally?
Short codes are national. Check the local program for each market rather than treating one code as a global sender.

Other ways to send

Short codes are one of four sender types. Compare the rest.

Long codesSMS-capable local numbers, with 10DLC registration for US application traffic.Toll-freeVerified toll-free numbers for US and Canada traffic without 10DLC.Alphanumeric sender IDsSend from your brand name where the destination country allows it.All SMS numbersCompare every sender type: reach, throughput, and registration.SMS API overviewThe full SMS API: sending, numbers, two-way, compliance, routing, and analytics.

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