Opt-In and Opt-Out Language for SMS Subscriptions
Learn more about how you can format your opt-in and opt-out messages/forms to meet the FCC's 10DLC guidelines to ensure your SMS campaign can be registered.
Written by Val Campos
Updated at June 21st, 2024
While you are registering an SMS campaign, your campaign may end up rejected due to missing information. One of the most common reasons an SMS campaign may be rejected is missing proper SMS Opt-in/Opt-Out language that is required by the FCC.
The following information must be present on your website's opt-in form or within your first SMS message to a customer that subscribes:
| Requirement | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Company Name | Ensure that your SMS or website's opt-in language includes your company's name. | “By clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to receive text messages from ABC Company at this mobile number.” |
| SMS Disclaimers | Include a disclaimer that message and data rates may apply on your opt-in form or in your first text to a customer. | “Message and data rates may apply.” |
| Message Frequency | Note how many messages the subscriber will receive or state that the message frequency will vary. | “Message frequency varies." or “You will receive up to four messages regarding your order from our store.” |
| Use Case | Describe the purpose of your SMS messages. Are your SMS subscribers receiving reminders, promotions, alerts, company updates, etc.? | "By subscribing, you agree to receive delivery update messages from ABC Company.” |
| Opt-Out Instructions | Explain how subscribers can opt-out or unsubscribe from SMS messages. Ensure that the opt-out process is easy and accessible for users. | “Text STOP or UNSUBSCRIBE to unsubscribe from text updates at any time. Once we receive your message, you will no longer receive text messages from us." |
| Terms and Privacy Policy Information |
Include a link to your company’s terms of service and privacy policy to ensure complete transparency with your SMS message subscribers. Ensure that your privacy policy mentions that personal information will not be sold. |
“By subscribing for text updates, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.” “ABC Company maintains strict privacy policies, ensuring that personal information of our users and members is not sold, rented, released, or traded to others without prior consent or a legal obligation." |
| Customer Help Information | Include your customer support team's information to your opt-in language to make it easy for your subscriber to find help and support. | “Text HELP to speak with ABC Company's support team.” |
WARNING: According to FCC 10DLC guidelines, the Privacy Policy on your website must contain language similar to the example below:
“[YOUR ORGANIZATION'S NAME] maintains strict privacy policies, ensuring that personal information of our users and members is not sold, rented, released, or traded to others without prior consent or a legal obligation."
SMS Opt-In:
“By providing your phone number, you agree to receive text messages from this organization. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies.”
SMS Opt-Out:
“SMS Opt-Out: If you are receiving text messages from us and wish to stop receiving them, simply respond with either “STOP” or “UNSUBSCRIBE” to the number from which you received the message. Once we receive your message, you will no longer receive further text messages from us.”
An SMS campaign will continue to be rejected until similar verbiage is added to your website's privacy policy.