Numbers and senders

A sender is the name or number that appears on the recipient's device when they receive an SMS message from you. To send messages, you can buy a number or request an alphanumeric sender. For a broader overview of the available resource types, see Resources and numbers.

Sender types [#sender-types]

Numbers
Short codes, VLNs, 10DLC, and toll-free numbers support two-way communication. Recipients can reply. Numbers can appear as a recognizable local number, which helps engagement. See Number types for formats, channels, costs, and setup timelines.

Alphanumeric senders
Display your brand name (for example, YourBrand) instead of a phone number. One-way only - recipients cannot reply. See Alphanumeric senders for format requirements and the request process.

Different countries and networks have different regulations that affect SMS sender usage. You may need to register your sender IDs before submitting traffic. The registration process varies by operator - from simple pre-approval to additional authorization documentation. Contact your account manager for details.

Choose the sender ID [#choose-the-sender-id]

Before sending your messages, decide which sender ID best fits your campaign. Use a number if you need customers to reply to your messages, or choose an alphanumeric sender ID to display your brand name for one-way communication. Review the following table to compare the key features.

• Length depends on specific country and network regulations