What is a long code?
A long code, also known as a long number, is a standard 10-digit phone number used to send and receive messages.
Brands may opt to use long codes to send and receive SMS messages, but they may also use toll-free numbers, branded sender IDs, or short codes. Here are some high-level differences between these types of numbers:
| SMS short code | Long code | Toll-free | Branded Sender ID | |
| Length | 5–6 digits | 10 digits | 10 digits | Up to 11 characters |
| Message volume capacity | High | Low | Low | High |
| Cost | $500/month | Free–$10/month | Free | Free |
| Approval time | Several weeks | 3–7 business days | 3–7 business days | Instant to a few days (country specific) |
| Message filtering | Minimal | Moderate | Moderate | Minimal |
| MMS support | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Two-way SMS | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Long codes vs. branded sender IDs
Branded sender IDs aren’t just a string of numbers. Instead they can use letters and numbers to represent your brand. For example, the brand SWAK Lipcare could make their branded sender ID: SWAKLipcare.
Branded sender IDs differ from long codes in the following ways:
- Long codes are 10-digit numbers, without the possibility of including letters.
- Branded sender IDs can’t receive SMS, whereas long codes are suitable for two-way and conversational SMS.
- MMS is supported for long codes in Australia only, whereas MMS isn’t supported for branded sender IDs anywhere.
Important note: Klaviyo no longer offers long codes in the US and Canada. In those countries, Klaviyo offers short codes and toll-free numbers. In the UK, Australia, and Ireland, Klaviyo supports country-specific long codes—so if you’re outside of the US and Canada, a long code may be an option for you.
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