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Short Codes

Receive replies to your messages - directly in your inbox.

A short code is either 5 or 6 digits. A short code gives you a "from" number which can easily be memorized by your customers, suppliers or employees, allowing them to respond to your SMS text messages. Clickatell offers short code messaging in South Africa, Namibia, USA, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.

You can use short codes to:

Engage customers

Music Ink: We are rewarding your loyalty with 20% off your next purchase at our store. Reply "REWARD ME" to 33789.

Update customers

Ruff Hair: Reminder - you have a hair appointment with John at 09h30 on 5/11. To reschedule, please SMS 42816.

Promote competitions

Dear Amelia, what is the name of the new perfume Fashion Fragrances is currently promoting in our store? Send the answer to 896547 to enter a competition to WIN a bottle of the new fragrance.  Regards L&S Stores.

Short codes & Long codes

 

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Different types of short codes

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Standard short codes

    Standard short codes work across all major mobile operators. Mobile users receiving or sending messages to standard short codes are NOT charged any premium fees for SMS messages.
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Premium short codes

Premium short codes are used by companies to generate revenue in promotions or competitions. Usually the person receiving or responding to a message will be charged extra on their phone bill, depending on the type of service.   Clickatell will pay you the entire revenue share received from the mobile operator. Revenue share from the operator/carrier depends on the operator's model.
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Make your messaging pay - earn money on premium short codes

  • You will need to receive a minimum of 500 inbound (MO) messages per short code or keyword, per month before you receive the premium SMS revenue. This will be effective after 90 days.
  • If less than 500 messages are received, the revenue for that month will be kept by Clickatell to cover costs. Prolonged periods of volumes below the indicated thresholds or no activity may result in re-allocation of your short code (if owned by Clickatell) or keyword.
  • Revenues* will be paid to you after 90 days depending on when the operator pays Clickatell. We only charge you a small fee (1/3 of credit) for each inbound message that you receive. In addition a once-off setup fee and a fixed monthly rental fee are also charged. These charges depend on the country and number type you choose.
    *Revenue share available in the SA and Namibia only.

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How to apply for a short code.

You first need to sign up for an account at Developers’ Central. Then apply for the short code from within your account.