What does the SMS validator check for?

The validator analyzes opt-out language compliance (STOP, UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL keywords), brand identification presence, character count limits (160 GSM7 or 70 UCS-2), TCPA disclosure requirements, help keyword inclusion, consent language adequacy, URL formatting, and carrier-specific evaluation criteria alignment.

Why is opt-out language required in SMS messages?

TCPA regulations and carrier policies mandate clear opt-out mechanisms in all commercial SMS messages. Messages must include keywords like STOP, UNSUBSCRIBE, or CANCEL with instructions on how recipients can cease receiving messages. Absence of opt-out language triggers automatic TCR registration rejection.

What is the character limit for SMS messages?

Standard SMS messages support 160 characters using GSM7 encoding or 70 characters using UCS-2 encoding (for special characters, emojis). Messages exceeding limits are segmented, increasing costs and delivery complexity. TCR sample messages should remain within single-segment limits.

Does brand identification need to appear in every message?

Yes. Carriers require clear sender identification in all business SMS messages. Brand name must appear in message content so recipients can identify the sender. Anonymous or ambiguous sender identification increases rejection risk and spam filtering likelihood.

Can I use shortened URLs in SMS messages?

Shortened URLs are permitted but increase scrutiny during carrier evaluation. Generic URL shorteners (bit.ly, tinyurl.com) may trigger spam filters. Branded domain shorteners aligned with sender identity reduce rejection risk. Include full domain in TCR documentation regardless of message URL format.

What happens if my sample message fails validation?

Failed validation identifies specific compliance gaps requiring correction before TCR submission. Common issues include missing STOP keyword, absent brand name, excessive character count, inadequate consent language, or missing help instructions. Revise message addressing flagged issues and re-validate before campaign registration.

Does passing validation guarantee TCR approval?

Validation reduces rejection risk but cannot guarantee carrier approval. Final evaluation considers message content in context of declared use case, consent collection procedures, sender reputation, and carrier-specific criteria beyond automated checking. Validation eliminates common technical compliance errors.

Real-Time Compliance Testing

TCR SMS Message Validator

Interactive SMS message validator tests campaign content against carrier filtering rules, CTIA guidelines, and SHAFT restrictions before submission. Identify rejection triggers across 50+ compliance checkpoints.

50+

Validation Rules

Instant

Results

Carrier Checks

Message Rejection Risk Landscape

Carrier content filtering blocks non-compliant messages before campaign approval, requiring pre-submission validation.

Prohibited Content

Carriers enforce SHAFT restrictions blocking sex, hate, alcohol, firearms, tobacco content plus cannabis and crypto.

Spam Patterns

ML algorithms identify spam indicators like caps, shorteners, and urgency. Matches receive throttling or blocking.

Character Violations

Segments beyond 160 chars split, increasing costs. Unicode chars reduce limit to 70, multiplying charges.

Remediation Costs

Rejections require resubmission with 48-72 hour delays. Iterative cycles extend launch timelines by weeks.

Interactive Tool

Interactive Message Validator

Test sample messages against carrier filtering rules and CTIA compliance standards in real-time.

SMS Compliance Validator

50+ checkpoint analysis across SHAFT restrictions, spam patterns, and carrier policies.

Demo Version - Core Validation Rules

Full version includes all 50+ validation rules and batch testing.

Sample Message Content

Character Count: 0 / 160 Segments: 0

Enter message content to validate against carrier filtering rules and SHAFT restrictions.

Message Validator Benefits

Pre-submission validation eliminates rejection cycles and accelerates campaign approval.

Rejection Prevention

Real-time validation identifies SHAFT violations, spam patterns, and policy conflicts before submission, eliminating review delays.

Approval Acceleration

Compliant message content enables first-pass approval without remediation cycles, reducing launch timelines to 24-48 hours.

Cost Optimization

Character count validation prevents multi-segment messages, reducing per-message costs by 50-75% by avoiding splitting.

Compliance Assurance

50+ checkpoint validation covering TCPA, CTIA, and carrier policies creates an audit trail demonstrating due diligence.

Deliverability Protection

Spam pattern detection prevents content triggering carrier ML algorithms, maintaining sender reputation and throughput.

Iterative Optimization

Instant feedback enables content refinement without submission delays, allowing teams to optimize for both compliance and conversion.

Validation Rule Categories

Comprehensive compliance testing across carrier policies, CTIA guidelines, and TCPA requirements.

SHAFT Content

Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, Cannabis, CBD.

Spam Indicators

Excessive caps, urgency language, deceptive claims, free money.

Technical Compliance

Character counts, Unicode detection, opt-out keywords.

High-Risk Content

Crypto/NFTs, payday loans, debt relief, multi-level marketing.

Complete SMS Validator

50+ compliance checkpoints with carrier-specific validation, batch testing, and detailed remediation guidance.

$39

One-time purchase • Unlimited validations

Purchase Full Validator

Legal Disclaimer: This message validator provides automated compliance checking based on documented carrier policies, CTIA guidelines, and TCPA requirements. Results are informational only and do not guarantee campaign approval. Carrier content filtering uses proprietary algorithms that change without notice. Organizations remain responsible for obtaining qualified legal counsel regarding messaging compliance requirements.