How to Send Bulk Texts
Sending bulk texts means using a service or platform that can deliver many messages at once, whether you are running a promotion, sending alerts, or coordinating a team. The method you choose affects deliverability, cost, and legal exposure, so picking the right tool and setup matters more than the message itself.
More from this site
Keep reading the latest coverage
Choose the Right Bulk Text Method
There are three common paths, each with trade-offs in scale, compliance, and setup effort.
- Dedicated bulk SMS platforms (e.g., Twilio, MessageBird, EZ Texting) give you an API, short codes, and delivery analytics. Best for recurring campaigns, automation, and higher volumes.
- Business texting apps with contact lists let non-technical teams schedule and send from a familiar interface. Easier to start, but volume and sender ID options are often limited.
- Direct carrier aggregation requires higher setup effort and volume commitments, but can lower per-message cost at very high scale.
Compliance and Legal Requirements
Bulk texting is governed by regulations that vary by country, and ignoring them can lead to carrier filtering, fines, or blocked numbers.
- In the U.S., the TCPA requires prior express consent for most marketing messages, and the CTIA best practices ask for clear opt-out instructions in every text.
- Many countries require double opt-in for promotional content and mandate that you keep records of consent.
- Using a short code or registered sender ID improves deliverability and shows carriers you follow messaging rules.
Practical Steps to Launch a Campaign
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying or scraping phone lists, which almost always violates consent rules and tanks deliverability.
- Sending at off-peak hours when carrier filtering is stricter.
- Using unregistered long codes for high-volume marketing, which triggers speed limits and flags.