How Message Segments Work
Text messages are measured in segments. Each segment is equivalent to 160 characters. If your message exceeds 160 characters, it will be split into multiple segments and counted as multiple messages.
For example:
- A 120-character message = 1 segment (1 message)
- A 250-character message = 2 segments (2 messages)
This segmentation directly affects your
Text messages are measured in segments.
- A standard message can contain up to 160 characters and counts as 1 segment.
- If your message is longer, it will be split into multiple segments and counted as multiple messages.
For example:
- A 120-character message = 1 segment (1 message)
- A 250-character message = 2 segments (2 messages)
Why your message might get less characters
Longer messages use more segments.
When a message is split into multiple segments, each segment has slightly less space available. This is because a small amount of space is used behind the scenes to reconnect the message on the recipient’s phone. So instead of getting 160 characters per segment, you may get 155 per segment.
Some characters take up more space than others.
If your message includes certain special characters, your message may switch to a different character format. Special characters are known as UCS-2 encoded characters to mobile carriers. USC-2 characters allow fewer characters per segment, which can increase your segment count for an SMS message.
Common examples include:
- Emoji
- Curly quotes (“ ” or ’)
- Special spaces or symbols
When this happens, each segment may only allow around 70 characters instead of 160. This can cause your message to split into more segments (and count as more messages).
How to avoid extra segments
To keep your messages shorter and more cost-efficient, try using simpler characters:
- Use ' instead of ’
- Use " instead of “ ”
- Use - instead of —
- Avoid emoji when possible
What you’ll see in the app
When composing messages, you will see:
- Characters: Total characters counted
- Words: Total words counted
- SMS segments: How many segments your message will use
- Special Character Detected:
Message Limits and Monitoring
Included in your VisitorReach Plan is a specific number of message segments.
You can view your current usage and remaining message balance directly from the Home screen of your dashboard.
What Counts Toward Your Text Total?
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Sending a text message → Yes, it counts
- Receiving a text message → Yes, incoming messages count
- Sending an email → No, emails are unlimited and do not count
Do Unused Texts Roll Over?
No, unused texts do not roll over to the next month. Your message balance resets at the start of each new month.
Need More Texts?
If your texts go above your plan quota, you have two options for adding messages:
- Buy a block early (discounted rate): $50 for 2,500 additional texts
- Pay as you go: $0.03 per additional text (billed at the end of the month)
Planning ahead by purchasing a block can help you save money during busy outreach seasons.
Important Notes
- If you go over your included texts, you can still purchase a bundle before the end of the month and they will apply retroactively to the entire month. If you exceed your plan limit, you can buy a bundle to cover overages, but unused texts will not roll over.
- It’s recommended to purchase a bundle if you are 1,675 texts or more over your plan, as this is typically more cost-effective.
- Segment counts are estimates and may vary slightly depending on the carrier.