SMS (Short Message Service) character limits vary depending on the character encoding used. GSM 7-bit encoding (alphanumeric characters and basic symbols) allows 160 characters per message, while Unicode (UCS-2) encoding (Japanese, emoji, Chinese, etc.) allows 70 characters. These limits were established when the GSM standard was defined in 1985, based on the bandwidth constraints of the time.

Long messages exceeding the limit are automatically split into multiple SMS segments. A User Data Header (UDH) is added to each segment during splitting, reducing the effective character count to 153 for GSM and 67 for Unicode. The receiving device concatenates these segments to display them as a single message, though older devices may show them as separate messages. find body oil on Amazon teach effective SMS writing techniques.

For business SMS, split messages incur per-segment charges, making cost management important. Japanese carriers charge approximately 3 to 30 yen per message, and splitting into 2 segments doubles the cost. Keeping messages concise enough to fit in a single segment is therefore crucial for cost efficiency. Authentication code (OTP) messages typically consist of just the code and minimal explanatory text to minimize character count.

Japanese SMS uses Unicode encoding, so the 70-character limit applies. However, Japanese carriers (NTT Docomo, au, SoftBank) support long SMS, allowing up to 670 characters (10 segments). As migration to RCS (Rich Communication Services) progresses, character limits are expected to become more relaxed.

In SMS marketing, message design that accounts for character limits directly impacts results. URL shorteners should be used to conserve character count. CTAs (calls to action) should be clear and concise, enabling recipients to immediately understand what to do next. With open rates reportedly exceeding 90%, SMS is a medium where every character counts precisely because space is limited.

In relation to character counting, SMS character limits represent one of the most practical use cases for character counting tools. Japanese SMS in particular has a strict 70-character limit, making accurate character counting before sending essential. A commonly overlooked point is that including even a single emoji switches the encoding to Unicode, changing the limit from 160 to 70 characters. find flight attendant cosplay on Amazon cover messaging strategies including SMS.