Broadcast texting is one message sent to a whole list at once, automatically. It's the mass-SMS format campaigns use to reach an opted-in universe fast, a GOTV reminder, an event announcement, a fundraising ask, delivered to thousands of people in minutes. This is what it is, what it's good for, and the consent it requires.
What does broadcast texting mean?
In a broadcast, you write one message and send it to an entire list in a single automated action. There's no person sending each one; the platform delivers to everyone at once and handles replies through automated keywords like STOP, HELP, and JOIN. It's the opposite design from peer-to-peer, where a human sends each message. Broadcast trades the two-way conversation for speed and scale.
What do campaigns use broadcast for?
Reach to people who already opted in:
- Get-out-the-vote reminders in the final stretch.
- Event announcements, a rally, a town hall, a deadline.
- Fundraising asks, especially around deadlines where speed matters.
- Rapid response, getting a message to the whole list in minutes when news breaks.
The payoff is that one message reaches the entire universe almost instantly, which is exactly what a GOTV push or an end-of-quarter fundraising deadline needs.
What consent does broadcast require?
Express opt-in. Because broadcast is automated, it's held to the stricter consent standard, the list has to have opted in, and a voter file or purchased list is not consent. This is the key difference from P2P: the automation that makes broadcast fast is also what requires a clean, express opt-in behind it. For the full picture, see do campaigns need consent to text voters.
Frequently asked questions
What is broadcast texting?
It's one message sent to a whole opted-in list at once, automatically, used for reach, GOTV, announcements, and fundraising. It's the mass-SMS counterpart to person-by-person P2P.
What's the difference between broadcast and P2P?
Broadcast sends one message to many automatically and needs express opt-in. P2P has a person send each message individually and suits persuasion and first contact.
Does broadcast texting need consent?
Yes, express opt-in. The automation that makes broadcast fast also holds it to the stricter consent standard, so the list must have opted in.
Keep reading: what is peer-to-peer texting? and P2P vs broadcast, which one and when. For the rules, see the FCC.