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1-to-1 Numbers vs Campaign Numbers:
The Infrastructure
Behind Your Messaging

TextingOnly separates phone numbers into two types — each serving a distinct purpose. Getting this right is the most important infrastructure decision in your account. Using the wrong number type for a use case will limit what you can do.

Numbers1-to-1 SMSCampaign Numbers10DLC
1-to-1 NumbersFor direct, individual conversations — real-time messaging to a single contact, scheduled messages to one person. Cannot be used for bulk sends or lead collectors.
Campaign NumbersFor everything else — Lead Collectors, OTTO automation, bulk SMS campaigns, ITR menus, Language Funnels, and reply automations.
The Simple RuleIf you’re using SmartLinks, QR codes, or sending to a list — you need a Campaign number. 1-to-1 numbers are only for direct person-to-person threads.

The number type you assign determines everything the number can and can’t do. Most accounts need at least one Campaign number to use the platform’s core features.

Side-by-Side Comparison

1-to-1 SMS Numbers
SMS Campaign Numbers
Real-time 1-to-1 conversation
Lead Collectors & OTTO automation
Scheduled messages to one contact
Bulk SMS campaigns to lists
Cannot run Lead Collectors
Interactive Text Response (ITR) menus
Cannot send to lists or in bulk
Language Funnels & reply automations
Cannot run OTTO automation flows
Conversational SMS Data Collectors
Assigned to specific sales reps
Shared across team, tied to collectors

Which Number Do I Need?

🎯
I want to capture leads from my website / QR codes

Campaign number. Lead Collectors require a Campaign number. This is the most common use case.

📣
I want to send a bulk SMS campaign to my list

Campaign number. Bulk sends are only available on Campaign numbers with 10DLC registration.

💬
I want a direct line for a specific sales rep

1-to-1 number. Assign one per rep for direct conversations, follow-ups, and scheduled check-ins.

📍
I want a local area code in each of my markets

Campaign numbers, one per market. Local area codes improve open rates — manage all from a single dashboard.


10DLC Registration by Number Type

Campaign numbers require 10DLC registration before sending — this is a carrier mandate. 1-to-1 numbers operate differently and have separate carrier throughput allowances. Start 10DLC registration the moment you add a Campaign number — the 5–15 day approval window is fixed regardless of when you apply.

✓ Agency accounts

Each subgroup should have its own Campaign number assigned. Numbers assigned to one subgroup are not shared with or visible to other subgroups.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between the two number types?
1-to-1 numbers are for real-time direct conversations and scheduled single messages; Campaign numbers power Lead Collectors, OTTO, and bulk sends.
Which number do I need to capture leads?
A Campaign number — Lead Collectors require one. It’s the most common use case.
Do both need 10DLC registration?
Campaign numbers require 10DLC before sending (a carrier mandate); 1-to-1 numbers operate differently with separate carrier throughput.
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