What is a short code?

A short code is a 5 or 6 digit number that you can dial on your phone to access a text service. For example when you respond with Vote to IDOL04 on American Idol you are sending a message to a short code. Some short codes spell out a word – for example the Yahoo! short code is YAHOO (92466). The Mobicious text services directory has a list of text services and their corresponding short codes. To use a short code you text a word or words to the short code to get a response, or to sign up for a free or pay for service. For example to get a free weather forecast text message from the Weather Channel text your zip code to the short code 4CAST (42278). You will only pay your normal rate for receiving the forecast text message.