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Writing good sample messages is the #1 factor in getting your 10DLC campaign approved. Carriers reject campaigns when sample messages don’t match the declared use case, lack opt-out language, or look like spam. This guide provides ready-to-use sample messages, compliant opt-in language, and content patterns for every campaign use case type.
How carriers review sample messages:
  • Must match the declared use case type
  • Must include opt-out language (STOP to opt out)
  • Must represent actual messages you’ll send
  • Vague or generic samples get rejected

Standard use cases

2FA / Two-Factor Authentication

The simplest use case — short, transactional, no marketing content.
Sample 1:
Sample 2:
Sample 3:
  • Keep messages under 160 characters
  • Include the code prominently
  • Add an expiry time
  • Don’t include marketing content or links
  • Brand name should appear in the message
API example — registering a 2FA campaign:

Customer Care

Support conversations, ticket updates, and service messages.
Sample 1:
Sample 2:
Sample 3:
  • Messages should be reactive (responding to customer actions)
  • Include ticket/order numbers for context
  • Don’t mix in promotional content
  • Keep a helpful, service-oriented tone
  • Include brand name in every message

Delivery Notifications

Order confirmations, shipping updates, and delivery status.
Sample 1:
Sample 2:
Sample 3:
  • Include order/tracking numbers
  • Messages should follow the order lifecycle
  • Include delivery estimates when available
  • Don’t add promotional upsells in delivery messages

Account Notifications

Password changes, billing alerts, account activity.
Sample 1:
Sample 2:
Sample 3:
  • Focus on account changes the user initiated
  • Include specific details (amounts, dates)
  • Provide a way to verify or dispute changes
  • Never include marketing in account notifications

Marketing

Promotions, sales, product announcements, and brand content.
Marketing campaigns receive the most scrutiny. Opt-in must be explicit and separate from terms of service.
Sample 1:
Sample 2:
Sample 3:
  • Opt-in MUST be separate from ToS (not buried in fine print)
  • Include message frequency estimate
  • State “consent is not a condition of purchase”
  • Link to privacy policy and terms
  • Every message must include opt-out language
  • Don’t use ALL CAPS excessively
  • Include brand name in every message

Security Alerts

Login alerts, fraud detection, and security notifications.
Sample 1:
Sample 2:
Sample 3:
  • Include specific details (device, location, time)
  • Always provide a way to take action
  • Keep urgency appropriate — don’t create false panic
  • These are high-priority; carriers are lenient but still review

Polling & Voting

Surveys, feedback requests, and interactive polls.
Sample 1:
Sample 2:
Sample 3:
  • Keep surveys short (1-2 questions per message)
  • Make responses simple (numbers, YES/NO, letters)
  • Don’t disguise marketing as surveys
  • Include clear opt-out in every message

Charity / Nonprofit

Fundraising, awareness campaigns, and donation acknowledgments.
Sample 1:
Sample 2:
Sample 3:
  • Clearly identify your nonprofit in every message
  • Show impact, not just ask for money
  • Include donation receipts/acknowledgments
  • Link to your organization’s website

Mixed (Most Common)

Multiple message types from a single campaign. This is the most frequently used use case.
Sample 1 (transactional):
Sample 2 (support):
Sample 3 (promotional):
  • Each sample should demonstrate a DIFFERENT message type
  • Opt-in must mention ALL types of messages (transactional + marketing)
  • If you include marketing, follow marketing opt-in rules
  • Description should list all message categories
  • This is the safest choice if you’re unsure which use case to pick

Special use cases

Low Volume

For brands sending fewer than 6,000 messages per month. Simplified registration with reduced documentation.
Same as whatever your primary use case is — low volume is about throughput, not content type. Use samples from the relevant standard use case above.
  • Best for small businesses with limited messaging needs
  • Lower throughput limits (75 messages/minute on T-Mobile)
  • Cannot be upgraded to standard — must create a new campaign
  • Still requires compliant opt-in and opt-out

Sole Proprietor

For individuals or small businesses without an EIN. See the full Sole Proprietor guide.

Emergency

For life-safety alerts. Requires demonstrating genuine emergency nature.
Sample 1:
Sample 2:
  • Must be genuinely life-safety related
  • Carriers may grant higher throughput
  • Don’t abuse this category — misuse leads to suspension

Writing compliant sample messages

Do’s and don’ts

✅ Do

  • Include your brand name in every message
  • Add opt-out language (STOP to opt out)
  • Use specific, realistic content
  • Match samples to your declared use case
  • Show the actual format you’ll send
  • Include 3 distinct sample messages

❌ Don't

  • Use generic placeholder text (“Hello, this is a test”)
  • Mix marketing into transactional use cases
  • Use ALL CAPS for entire messages
  • Include URL shorteners (bit.ly, tinyurl)
  • Copy samples from other brands
  • Submit identical or near-identical samples

Opt-out language requirements

Every campaign must support these keywords:
Telnyx handles STOP/START/HELP keyword processing automatically when Advanced Opt-Out is enabled on your messaging profile.

Message flow description

Your campaign’s message_flow field should clearly describe how users opt in. Carriers look for:
1

Entry point

How does the user first provide their phone number? (Website form, checkout, text-to-join keyword, etc.)
2

Consent mechanism

How is consent captured? (Checkbox, keyword reply, verbal confirmation, etc.)
3

Confirmation

What happens after opt-in? (Welcome message, double opt-in confirmation, etc.)
4

Message types

What kinds of messages will the user receive?
Example message flow:

Common rejection reasons

For detailed troubleshooting of campaign rejections, see the 10DLC Troubleshooting Guide.

Campaign Registration

Register your campaign via API or Portal

Brand Registration

Register your brand with TCR first

10DLC Troubleshooting

Fix registration and delivery issues