When creating a broadcast message or keyword campaign there are many elements in these messages, such as: links, special characters, emojis, coupons, and compliance language. However, it's important to understand message encoding requirements and how it may affect parts of your message, such as character count.
The character limit of one SMS message is 160 characters. If the 160 character count is exceeded, the SMS is split into multiple messages. View a real-time preview of message content located on the right-hand of the screen to be sure you're creating a message within character limits. You will also see the estimated message count at the bottom of the compose section. If your SMS message exceeds 160 characters you can also choose to convert the messages into MMS messages (which includes up to 1000 characters).
The character limit can also change from 160 to 70 characters if special characters (such as emojis and curly apostrophes) are used. This is based on the type of encoding used. The two types of SMS character encoding are UTF-8 and UTF-16.
UTF-8 Encoding – includes the most commonly used letters and symbols to send text messages. UTF-8 encoded SMS messages allow up to 160 characters.
UTF-16 Encoding – are used for special characters (such as emojis and curly apostrophes) outside the UTF-8 alphabet in text messaging. UTF-16 characters limits messages to 70 characters.
Special characters: | , ^ , € , { , } , [ , ] , ~ , \, ’ and emojis.
💡 Helpful Tips
If copying text, only copy plain text into message content box to avoid using special characters. Copying straight out of Microsoft Word or your planning doc could cause increased characters and spaces.
Reference the character counter and estimated message counter at the bottom of the message content box to keep your message within the correct character/message limits. See Examples below.
Use straight apostrophes instead of curly apostrophes (the #1 leading cause of SMS messages accidentally getting the encoding switched). Correct this by doing one of the following:
Paste your message into Notepad and copying it into Listrak.
Retype the apostrophes in the message content box.
Emojis count as 2 characters.
The Preview window will show as one message, however carriers will count the message based on character count.
Questions about your monthly SMS utilization, learn how to access your Listrak financial portal.
Examples
Using common letters and symbols < 160 characters
Using common letters and symbols > 160 characters
Using curly apostrophe
Using a straight apostrophe
Using an emoji
Using an emoji and > 160 characters
