Short codes, as the name suggests, are short phone numbers with five to six digits that are easily recognizable and typically used for application-to-person (A2P) bulk messaging due to the high throughput they offer. 

Long codes are standard local phone numbers designed for person-to-person (P2P) messaging. Long codes allow customers to call or text a business back and are very quick to set up. Unlike short codes, they can also be used internationally. 

10DLCs (10-digit Long Codes) are a newer type of long codes enabling two-way A2P messaging with a higher throughput using 10-digit local numbers available in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). 

Which is best for you - Long Codes or Short Codes? 

Long codes are perfect for local or international two-way P2P messaging that doesn’t necessarily require the highest throughput.  

10DLCs, on the other hand, are used for two-way A2P transactional messages, e.g. reminders, one-time pin codes, service updates, alerts, and smaller marketing campaigns.  

Short codes are great for fast, high-volume messaging and are easier for customers to remember. 

What are the benefits of Sinch Virtual Numbers? 

Whether you need to elevate customer communications through two-way conversations, increase your availability, or reach out to customers across the globe, we’ve got a virtual number to suit your needs and location.  

Sinch is the global leader in cloud communications, trusted by over 3,000 enterprise customers globally – and as such, we ensure best-in-class delivery and reach, maximum security, smooth integrations, and five-star support! 

How do we do this? Well, our industry-leading infrastructure, carrier-grade platform, and supernetwork of 600+ direct carrier connections certainly help.