Which Sender ID type?

You can choose between different Sender ID possibilities for your messages. Choosing which sender type will generally depend on your use case. Hopefully this guide will help you choose the right sender for your situation.

If you are doing branded campaigns that don't require reply automation, a Custom Sender ID is best.

For single send or transactional message types such as MFA or Reminders where a reply or opt out is not required then a Custom Sender works great.

If you are doing conversational messaging with reply automation, then a Virtual Number is best.

Virtual Mobile Number / Short Code

Pros

• User can reply with message
• User can reply STOP to opt-out
• Can maintain a conversation with user
• Can process responses to automated processes

Cons

• Lower perceived trust
• Not as well branded on push notifications

For information on setting up a Virtual Number see:
How to process replies and opt-outs using a Dedicated Virtual Number or Short Code

Custom Alphanumeric Sender

Pros

• Better branding
• Name is instantly recognisable
• Initial higher perceived trust

Cons

• Cannot reply
• Reduced automation possibilities
• Link needed for opt-out
• Not available in all countries
• Registration required

Important ACMA update: To better protect consumers the ACMA will introduce a new Alphanumeric Sender ID register for businesses sending to Australia. From 1 July 2026 unregistered traffic will be over-stamped with "Unverified" or may be blocked entirely. Read more >

 

For information on setting up a Custom Sender ID see:

How to process replies & opt-outs when using an Alphanumeric Custom Sender ID