Help -> Outgoing Messages -> Text Message Characters and Emoji

Starting Point: Logged into Manager after an Admin has completed the Text Messaging Account Setup.

Below is an overview of information about text message characters and emoji.

• Each text message you send uses one or more Text Message Credits depending on the number and type of characters and emoji included. Note: Our Pricing Page details the amount of Text Message Credits you get with the Free and $29/mo Accounts as well as the cost to purchase additional Text Message Credits.
• As you type your text message, you will see a continuously updated calculation of how many Text Message Credits your message will cost per Recipient, but below is an overview of the information used in the calculation.
  • At the bottom of each text message we send, we automatically include a line return, a dash, a line return, and then the characters "You can reply or text STOP to stop messages" to fulfill the requirement of providing recipients with an unsubscribe option. These 46 characters included at the bottom of messages are why a 1-credit plain text message below can have up to 114 characters instead of 160.
  • If your text message contains only GSM-7 characters (such as letters, numbers, and commonly used characters like !, ?, ., $, @, #, etc.), then the following applies:
    
    • Up to 114 characters* = 1 credit
    • Up to 260 characters* = 2 credits
    • Up to 413 characters* = 3 credits
    • * Some characters like |, ^, and ~ count as two characters.
  • If your text message contains one or more emoji or certain lesser-used characters, then the following applies:
    
    • Up to 24 characters** = 1 credit
    • Up to 88 characters** = 2 credits
    • Up to 155 characters** = 3 credits
    • Up to 222 characters** = 4 credits
    • Up to 289 characters** = 5 credits
    • Up to 356 characters** = 6 credits
    • Up to 423 characters** = 7 credits
    • ** Each emoji counts as 2 or more characters.
• Some special characters are not permitted, but you may be able to find an emoji or another character to use instead. You will automatically receive a warning whenever you try to include an invalid character in your text message.
• Some special characters such as smart quotes and the elongated dash will automatically be converted into standard quotes and dashes, and you will be alerted whenever this automatic conversion is made.

Related Help Documentation:

• Help -> Outgoing Messages -> Summary

Applicable Manager Links:

• Manager -> Communication Tools -> Outgoing Messages