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Opt-in language that keeps you compliant.

Consent is the foundation of every legitimate texting program — and the part most campaigns wing. Fill in your program details and get the disclosure to show at sign-up plus the welcome text to send back, tuned for web forms, text-to-join keywords, or paper and verbal sign-ups.

How are you collecting consent?

A checkbox (unchecked by default) next to a phone-number field. Put this label beside it.

1 · Consent language (show at sign-up)

Yes, text me updates from Campaign. By checking this box you agree to receive recurring automated text messages from Campaign at the number provided. Consent is not a condition of any purchase or service. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help or STOP to unsubscribe.

2 · Welcome / confirmation text (146 chars · 1 seg)

Campaign: You're subscribed to updates. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help ([email protected]), STOP to opt out.

The consent language is what someone sees or hears before opting in; the welcome text is the first message you send after. Keep both — regulators and carriers look for a clear record of both halves.

General information, not legal advice. Consent rules vary by country and campaign type — confirm the current requirements for your jurisdiction and your messaging provider.

The five things every opt-in needs

Miss one and a carrier or regulator can treat the consent as invalid.

  1. Who is texting — your program or organization name.
  2. What they’re agreeing to — recurring automated messages.
  3. How often — a frequency statement (“Msg frequency varies” is fine).
  4. Cost + help — “Msg & data rates may apply” and how to get HELP.
  5. How to stop — the STOP keyword, and that consent isn’t required to buy, donate, or volunteer.

Consent doesn’t transfer

A list someone hands you, a spreadsheet from another campaign, a purchased file — none of those people opted in to your program. Texting them is the single fastest way to get your number blocked and draw complaints. Build your own opt-in list from day one.

Once people are opted in, pair every message with a compliant STOP/HELP footer, and if you’re sending to US numbers at scale, work through the 10DLC registration checklist.

Opt-in FAQ

What makes an opt-in “compliant”?
For automated marketing texts in the US, the TCPA expects prior express written consent: a clear disclosure that the person agrees to receive recurring automated messages, from whom, roughly how often, that rates may apply, and how to stop — with consent not required as a condition of purchase. The templates here include each of those elements so you’re not assembling them from memory.
What’s a double opt-in and do I need one?
A double opt-in sends a confirmation text asking the person to reply YES (or click a link) before you add them. It’s not always legally required, but it’s strong proof of consent and is recommended for verbal or paper sign-ups where you don’t have a written record. The “Verbal / paper” template uses this pattern.
Do I have to keep records of consent?
Yes — keep what the person agreed to, when, and how (the exact disclosure text, a timestamp, the source). If a complaint or carrier audit ever lands, that record is your defense. Store the consent language and the opt-in event together.
Can I buy or borrow a phone list and text it?
No. Consent doesn’t transfer. A number on a purchased, rented, or scraped list has not opted in to hear from you, and texting it risks TCPA liability and an immediate carrier shutdown. Every number on your list needs its own opt-in to your program.
Is this legal advice?
No. These are common, sensible templates, but consent law varies by country and changes over time, and campaign/political messaging can carry extra rules. Confirm the current requirements for your jurisdiction and, for anything high-stakes, check with a lawyer.