Reach millions fast with Infobip’s bulk SMS service
Our mass texting service empowers you to reach global audiences in seconds, ensuring your communication is fast, reliable, and secure.
- Global reach: Message customers worldwide through our extensive network of 800+ direct telco connections.
- Advanced features: Personalize, schedule, and analyze your campaigns with ease.
- Seamless integration: Integrate effortlessly with your existing systems and automate your messaging.
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Main benefits of bulk SMS
Bulk SMS, also known as mass text messaging, refers to sending a high volume of text messages to many recipients at the same time. It’s often used in the context of marketing campaigns, but it can also be used for sending notifications, updates, and more. Here are its main benefits:
How to start sending bulk SMS
Here is a simple step-by-step process you can follow to get started, using our platform as an example.
Pay-as-you-go
Top up your account as you need with a flexible, pay-as-you-go model.
Volume-based discounts
Want to send large amounts of SMS? Get a special offer for high volumes.
Main features of our mass texting service
We provide a suite of platforms and features to help you achieve the best results.
Use cases and examples of bulk SMS
From retail to logistics, SMS is used across various industries. Here are some of the most common use cases, with examples.:
Bulk SMS marketing compliance and regulations
It’s important to follow rules and regulations to avoid legal issues and respect consumer rights. The TCPA in the United States and the GDPR in Europe are two examples of these regulations.
TCPA in the US
- Written consent: You must get clear written permission from recipients before sending promotional texts. This consent should clearly state that they agree to receive messages.
- Opt-out option: Every SMS must include an easy way for recipients to stop future messages, usually by replying with “STOP.”
- Time limits: Send messages only between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. local time to avoid disturbing recipients.
- Record keeping: Keep records of consent and opt-out requests to prove compliance if needed.
GDPR in the EU
- Lawful basis: You must have a valid reason, like consent or legitimate interest, to process personal data.
- Explicit consent: Consent must be clear, specific, and freely given. It should be obtained through a clear action, like checking a box.
- Right to withdraw: Inform recipients they can withdraw consent anytime, and make it easy for them to do so.
- Data protection: Use proper measures to protect personal data and ensure its confidentiality and integrity.
Helping you ensure SMS compliance
Understanding and complying with data protection regulations like GDPR and TCPA is essential for sending SMS as a business. Our platform makes this easier with features such as consent management, secure data handling, and detailed auditing, ensuring you meet both regional and international legal requirements.
Bulk SMS marketing strategies
Strategic planning is essential, especially regarding campaign scheduling and timing. Here are some key elements you should consider in your messaging strategy:
Quickly connect to our flexible SMS API
Start sending programmable SMS messages with our comprehensive API and build the experiences your customers are looking for with:
- a basic or fully featured API
- advanced functionalities
- clear API documentation
- support from dev
Integrate SMS with your favorite platforms
With our wide range of integration options, you can easily connect our platforms with your system and automate your communication. 
How bulk SMS can help different departments
Bulk SMS compared to other channels
Here are some key differences between SMS and other channels where messages are often sent in bulk:
SMS vs Email
- Reach: SMS has universal reach as it works on all mobile phones without the need for internet access. In contrast, email requires internet access and an email account, which may limit its reach to users who are online and actively checking their inboxes.
- Open rates: SMS messages typically have high open rates, often exceeding 90%, as they are usually read within minutes of being received. Email open rates are generally lower, around 20-30% on average, and can be affected by spam filters and inbox clutter.
- Speed of delivery: SMS offers instant delivery, with messages usually reaching recipients within seconds. Email delivery can be delayed due to server processing times and spam filtering, which may impact the immediacy of the message.
- Character limit: SMS tends to have high engagement due to its immediacy and personal nature, prompting quick responses. Email engagement varies and is often used for more detailed information, updates, and newsletters.
- Best use cases: SMS is ideal for time-sensitive alerts, reminders, and promotions due to its quick delivery and high open rates. Email is better suited for newsletters, detailed updates, and transactional communications where more information needs to be conveyed.
SMS vs Push notifications
- Reach: SMS has universal reach as it works on all mobile phones without the need for internet access. Push notifications, on the other hand, require a smartphone and the installation of a specific app, which can limit their reach to users who have the app installed and notifications enabled.
- Open rates: SMS messages typically have high open rates, often exceeding 90%, as they are usually read shortly after being received. Push notifications generally have lower open rates, which can vary depending on the app and user settings.
- Speed of delivery: Both SMS and push notifications offer instant delivery. However, push notifications can be affected by app settings and permissions, which may delay or prevent delivery.
- User control: SMS allows users to easily opt-out by replying with a keyword like “STOP.” Push notifications give users control through app settings, where they can enable or disable notifications as desired.
- Best use cases: SMS is ideal for time-sensitive alerts, reminders, and promotions due to its quick delivery and high open rates. Push notifications are best suited for app-specific updates, engagement, and re-engagement strategies, where the goal is to drive users back to the app.
Frequently asked questions
Obtaining consent and managing opt-outs is crucial to comply with SMS regulations and maintain trust with customers. Here are the most important best practices:
- Clear call-to-action: Use clear and concise language in your opt-in forms or messages to explain what recipients are signing up for, including the type of messages and their frequency.
- Double opt-in: Consider using a double opt-in process, where recipients confirm their subscription by responding to an initial message. This helps verify consent and ensures the accuracy of contact information.
- Transparency: Clearly communicate how recipients’ data will be used and provide links to your privacy policy and terms and conditions.
- Easy opt-out: Make it simple for recipients to opt-out by providing clear instructions, such as replying with “STOP.” Ensure opt-out requests are processed promptly.
- Regular audits: Conduct regular audits of your messaging practices to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Training and awareness: Educate your marketing team about compliance requirements and best practices to minimize the risk of non-compliance.
By following these regulations and best practices, you can implement effective and compliant campaigns, reducing the risk of complaints and legal issues. You can learn more about SMS opt-ins here.
Yes, bulk SMS is legal, but it must comply with regulations in your market, such as the TCPA in the United States and GDPR in Europe. These regulations require businesses to obtain consent from recipients and provide opt-out options. You can learn more about global SMS compliance and laws here.
While there are some free bulk SMS services available, they often come with limitations such as a cap on the number of messages or lack of advanced features. You can sign up for an Infobip account and try out all the features of our platform for 60 days. During the free trial, you can send a limited number of SMS messages for free. Learn more about the free trial here.
SMS marketing is not illegal in the USA, but it is regulated. US-based businesses must comply with the TCPA, which requires obtaining explicit consent from recipients and providing a clear opt-out mechanism. Our team of experts at Infobip can help you adhere to SMS regulations worldwide, so feel free to reach out for help.
Bulk SMS is used in a wide range of industries, including retail, healthcare, logistics, finance, travel, hospitality, and telecommunications, for purposes such as marketing, customer engagement, and notifications.
Here are some customer examples:
The price for bulk SMS varies depending on the service provider, the volume of messages, and the destination countries. You can check our SMS pricing here.
Bulk SMS is sent using a web platform or API provided by an SMS service provider. These platforms allow you to upload contact lists, compose messages, and send them to your target audience. You can learn more about getting started with SMS here.
A bulk SMS provider recognized for its excellence
The industry experts have spoken. Infobip is recognized worldwide for driving impeccable results for customers.
Infobip named as established leader second year in a row
Juniper Research Top CPaaS Vendor
Infobip named a leader
2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for CPaaS
Infobip takes top spot
Metrigy CPaaS MetriRank report
Industry CPaaS leader
Leader for CpaaS 2023
Infobip’s vast experience in customer engagement and activities helped us increase the number of active users in our database by 30% in just four weeks. With their help, we managed to activate a large number of users with high conversion rates.
Sabrina Taelman Martini
Head of Marketing, Volpy
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