Frequently Asked Questions

This document will go over frequently asked questions.

Here are a few frequently asked questions from our customers.

Can I send Unicode messages?

Yes, unicode message sending is supported.

Make sure you include the correct header when POSTing data (application/json; charset=utf-8).

Warning: Sending unicode characters can affect message cost.

Are Emojis supported in the message text?

Yes, Emojis are supported.

Emojis are sent as unicode characters, please refer to our message length calculator to see how emojis affect your messages.

Warning: Sending unicode characters can affect message cost.

What is SMS Originator / Sender ID?

The SMS Originator (or Sender ID) is the text display name that you see at the top of your phone screen and is used to identify who sent the message. The SMS sender ID is simply who a text message is from.

What is the maximum length of the Originator / Sender ID?

The maximum length depends on the characters included in the originator: NUMERIC - If the originator contains only numbers, maximum length is 15 characters. For example - "123456". ALPHA-NUMERIC - If the originator contains letters, maximum length is 11 characters. For example - "Brand", "Brand 123"

Warning: Originators that exceed the maximum length will be trimmed.

Are Emojis supported in the message Originator / Sender ID?

No, Emojis are not supported or allowed in message Originator.

Warning: Originators that contain Emojis will be rejected by the carriers.

Can recipients reply to a message if the Originator contains letters?

No, if you set the Originator to ALPHA-NUMERIC recipients will not be able to reply to the text.

Can the Originator contain spaces?

The Originator can only contain letters or numbers, spaces are not permitted. No other non-GSM characters are permitted either, Unicode characters are not permitted.

Can you include links in an SMS?

You can include any link in any SMS campaign you would like. However, there are a few concerns to consider:

- Links may take up much of the 160 character limit for SMS. If you include a link and text, it may result in two SMS messages instead of just one. - Companies often use link shorteners to limit the character count impact of a link. However, if sending a shortened link through a long code, carriers may block or deny the message, as they may be suspicious of the link redirect. - Consider using our URL Shortener to automatically shorten long URLs and provide you with click tracking.

What are the best sending practices to avoid spam detection for SMS?

You can include any link in any SMS campaign you would like. However, there are a few concerns to consider:

- Make sure opt-in and opt-out instructions are clear. - Ensure you (the brand) have a relationship with the customer. - Make sure the content is relevant to the relationship and what the user has opted-in to receive.