Safe Link Shortening for SMS Marketing: US Compliance Guide

In the US marketing landscape, SMS is King. With an open rate of 98% (compared to email's 20%), text messaging is the most powerful way to reach customers.

But SMS marketing has two major enemies:

1. Character Limits: A standard SMS is only 160 characters. A long URL eats up all your space or splits your message into two segments, doubling your costs.

2. Carrier Filtering: US Carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) aggressively block text messages containing "public" short links (like generic bit.ly or tinyurl.com) to stop spam.

If you are sending texts for your Gym, Real Estate business, or E-commerce store, you need a link shortener that is safe, compliant, and cost-effective.

Here is why VidBelow is the smart choice for US SMS campaigns in 2025.

The "10DLC" Reality and Carrier Blocking

In the US, the new A2P 10DLC (Application-to-Person 10 Digit Long Code) regulations mean that businesses are strictly monitored.

Why do carriers block generic short links? Because scammers use them. If T-Mobile sees a generic bit.ly/xyz link coming from a business number, their AI often flags it as "High Risk" and silently blocks the message. You pay for the text, but the customer never receives it.

The VidBelow Advantage:

• Contextual Trust: VidBelow is a niche shortener. The domain implies "Video Content Below."

• Scam Protection: We aggressively police our network. A cleaner domain reputation means higher deliverability rates with US carriers compared to "wild west" public shorteners.

Why "VidBelow" Increases SMS Conversion

Beyond compliance, the look of the link matters.

Imagine receiving a text:

"Your order is ready. Click: x.co/9281"

Vs.

"Your order is ready. See the pickup video instructions: https://www.google.com/search?q=vidbelow.com/pickup-guide"

In the second example, the user knows what they are clicking.

• Trust: They expect a video or visual guide.

• Safety: It doesn't look like a phishing attempt.

• Result: Higher click-through rates (CTR).

Best Practices for US SMS Compliance

Even with a safe shortener like VidBelow, you must follow these rules to avoid fines ($500-$1500 per violation):

1. The "S.H.A.F.T." Rule

Never send SMS regarding Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, or Tobacco using short links. These categories are heavily filtered.

2. Always Include "Opt-Out"

Every first message must include: "Reply STOP to opt out." If you put your VidBelow link after the legal text, make sure you still stay under 160 characters.

• Bad Example (170 chars - Costs 2 credits):

  "Hey John! Thanks for visiting our store today. We have a special video for you. Check it out here: https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3D12345 Reply STOP to opt out."

• Good Example (130 chars - Costs 1 credit):

  "Hey John! Thanks for visiting. Watch your welcome video here: https://www.google.com/search?q=vidbelow.com/welcome Reply STOP to opt out."

  • Result: You just saved 50% on your SMS bill by shortening the link.

3. Use Branded Aliases

Don't use random strings.

• Use: vidbelow.com/gym-promo

• Avoid: vidbelow.com/a8z91

• Random strings trigger spam filters more often than readable words.

Use Case: Real Estate & Appointment Reminders

Scenario: You are a Dentist or a Realtor. Instead of texting: "Your appointment is confirmed at 2 PM," try sending a value-add video.

"Hi Sarah, looking forward to showing you the house at 2 PM. Watch this quick driving direction video so you don't get lost: https://www.google.com/search?q=vidbelow.com/directions"

This reduces "No-Shows" and builds rapport before you even meet.

Conclusion

SMS Marketing is expensive. Don't waste money on double-length messages or blocked links.

Use VidBelow to keep your texts short, your costs low, and your delivery rates high.

👉 Shorten your SMS links for free at VidBelow.com