Messaging API

Frequently asked questions about Plivo’s Messaging API, throughput limits, message expiry, and data logging.

What does Plivo’s Messaging API offer?

Plivo’s Messaging API enables SMS and MMS messaging to 200+ countries with:

Programmable SMS/MMS via REST API
High throughput delivery
Delivery receipts and callbacks
Message logging and analytics

What is Messages Per Second (MPS)?

MPS limits control how fast your account can send messages.

Default Limits

Type	Default MPS
SMS	5 MPS
MMS	0.25 MPS

View your allocated MPS at SMS > Overview in the console.

What is the throughput for US numbers?

Number Type	SMS Throughput	MMS Throughput	Daily Limit
Long Code (Unregistered)	1 msg/sec	1 msg/sec	2,000/day
Long Code (10DLC Low)	0.2-0.75 msg/sec	Varies	Varies
Long Code (10DLC Standard)	3.75-15 msg/sec	Varies	Varies
Toll-Free (Verified)	25 msg/sec	2 msg/sec	No limit
Short Code	100+ msg/sec	Not supported	No limit

What is the throughput for Canada numbers?

Number Type	SMS	MMS
Long Code	15/minute	15/minute
Toll-Free	25/second	2/second
Short Code	10/second	Not supported

Note: Verify toll-free numbers to avoid sending limits.

What happens when a message expires?

Messages remaining in queue after 3 hours expire automatically.

Message marked as “failed”
Error code: 420
No charge applied

Messages may expire due to carrier delays, invalid destination numbers, or network issues.

How can I control my data logging preferences?

Control how Plivo stores your message data:

Setting	Destination Number	Message Content
Store Both (Default)	Stored	Stored
Store Number Only	Stored	Not stored
Store Content Only	Not stored	Stored
Store Neither	Not stored	Not stored

Set the log parameter in the Send Message API.

What’s the difference between promotional and transactional SMS?

Type	Purpose	Examples
Promotional	Marketing, sales	Offers, discounts, advertisements
Transactional	Essential information	OTPs, order confirmations, alerts

Different countries have varying regulations for each type.

How does Plivo protect against fraud?

Geo Permissions

Restrict messaging to specific countries:

Navigate to SMS > Settings > Geo Permissions
Enable only required destination countries
Set messaging thresholds per country

Unusual Traffic Alerts

Plivo monitors for suspicious patterns:

Sudden traffic spikes
Unusual destinations
Potential account takeover

You’ll receive alerts via email when anomalies are detected.

Monthly Limits

Set spending caps to prevent runaway costs from fraud.

How do I export Message Detail Records (MDR)?

Via Console

Navigate to SMS > Logs
Click Filter Logs to refine
Select records to export
Click Export

Small exports download directly; large exports are emailed.

Via API

Use the Message API to retrieve records programmatically.

How can I add a line break in my SMS or MMS message?

Use \n for line breaks:

curl -X POST "https://api.plivo.com/v1/Account/{auth_id}/Message/" \
  -u "{auth_id}:{auth_token}" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "src": "14151234567",
    "dst": "14157654321",
    "text": "Line 1\nLine 2\nLine 3"
  }'

What countries do you support for SMS?

Direction	Coverage
Outbound SMS	200+ countries
Inbound SMS	US, Canada, UK, Australia, France, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Austria, Belgium

See Plivo Coverage for details.

What are the compliance standards for messaging?

All messaging must follow:

Regional laws and regulations
Carrier policies
Plivo Acceptable Use Policy

Prohibited Content

Unsolicited spam
Fraudulent or deceptive content
Violence, hate speech, obscenity
Illegal substances promotion

See Messaging Compliance for details.

How do I integrate with Bitrix24?

Install Plivo from Bitrix24 Marketplace
Enter Auth ID, Auth Token, and sender ID
Click Test SMS to validate

​What does Plivo’s Messaging API offer?

​What is Messages Per Second (MPS)?

​Default Limits

​What is the throughput for US numbers?

​What is the throughput for Canada numbers?

​What happens when a message expires?

​How can I control my data logging preferences?

​What’s the difference between promotional and transactional SMS?

​How does Plivo protect against fraud?

​Geo Permissions

​Unusual Traffic Alerts

​Monthly Limits

​How do I export Message Detail Records (MDR)?

​Via Console

​Via API

​How can I add a line break in my SMS or MMS message?

​What countries do you support for SMS?

​What are the compliance standards for messaging?

​Prohibited Content

​How do I integrate with Bitrix24?

​Related Resources