20+ SMS Marketing Statistics (With Sources) to Know in 2026

Looking to improve your existing marketing strategies by integrating SMS? Combining  immediacy with high engagement rates, SMS marketing is a potent channel for reaching your customers with key messages at the right time. 

Whether you’re integrating SMS into your existing omnichannel strategy or using it as a standalone tool, these data-driven insights will inspire your next mobile marketing move. We’ve categorized the most recent statistics into themes to provide a complete picture of the power of SMS marketing in 2026.

When customers opt in to an SMS list , they’re inviting brands into a highly trusted space, one typically reserved for their inner circle. That level of trust reshapes the customer experience, shifting SMS from a promotional channel into a space where relevance, restraint, and value define how customers perceive your brand.

23% of consumers would ditch a brand if they “spam” too much with marketing outreach (Emarsys).

While SMS is a powerful tool, overuse can backfire. Nearly a quarter of consumers—23%—would stop supporting a brand if they felt overwhelmed by excessive marketing messages.The importance of striking a balance between frequency and relevance in SMS campaigns shouldn’t be overlooked. If you prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring every message provides genuine value, you’ve got a solid opportunity to build trust and engagement while avoiding the risk of alienating your audience.

43% of consumers find SMS marketing useful, second to email at 69% [SAP Emarsys]

SMS marketing isn’t just an effective tool for marketers – research shows that it’s also appreciated by consumers. Research from The Customer Loyalty Index 2025 found that over half of consumers find it a useful way to receive information from brands, with email topping the list at 69%.

58% of consumers are open to hearing from brands several times per week via SMS [G2]

Consumer openness to frequent SMS communication challenges the assumption that text messaging must be used sparingly. Instead, it highlights the importance of relevance over restraint. When messages are timely, useful, and personalized, SMS can sustain regular engagement without creating fatigue or damaging trust.

73% of marketers plan to increase their SMS marketing budgets [G2]

Planned budget increases signal growing confidence in SMS as a performance channel. As marketers look for scalable ways to drive engagement and revenue on mobile, SMS is increasingly viewed as a strategic investment rather than a tactical add-on. This trend reflects its ability to deliver immediacy, measurable impact, and strong customer response when used responsibly.

SMS messages have a 98% open rate, far surpassing email’s average of 20% [Sender]

With nearly all SMS messages being opened, this channel ensures your message is seen. Compare this to email, where inbox clutter often reduces visibility. For marketers, the high open rate means SMS can be a game-changer in breaking through the noise and capturing attention instantly.

53% of marketers stated these open rates as the primary reason for using SMS as a channel [Statista]

For over half of marketers—53%—the unbeatable open rates of SMS are the key reason for adopting it as a marketing channel. With messages being opened almost instantly, SMS provides a level of visibility that other channels struggle to match. 

90% of SMS messages are read within three minutes of delivery [Validity]

The immediacy of SMS creates unparalleled opportunities to engage customers. Whether it’s a flash sale alert or an appointment reminder, your business can leverage this quick response time to drive timely actions from your audience.

91% of consumers say they’d opt-in to SMS communications from brands if it improved their experience [Simple Texting]

Customers value convenience and relevance, and SMS delivers both. With such a high opt-in rate, this channel becomes a direct line to your audience, making it easier to share updates, promotions, and valuable content.

75% of consumers prefer to receive promotional content via SMS over other marketing methods [Martech.org]

Promotions via SMS stand out because they feel personal and immediate. Unlike emails or social media ads, texts often arrive at the perfect moment, giving customers the nudge they need to act.

77% of SMS messages get a response within 10 minutes, more than 3x higher than email [Simple Texting]

Sending the right message through the right channel at the right time makes a big difference. A well-crafted email message addressing the recipient by name or referencing their recent purchase can significantly enhance engagement.

SMS stands out not because it’s new, but because it aligns perfectly with how customers already behave. It’s a channel built for immediacy, relevance, and high-intent interactions, reaching customers on the device they use most and at moments when attention is naturally high.

10% of customers show their loyalty to a brand by opting into their SMS program [SAP Emarsys]

Opting into an SMS program is a clear demonstration of brand loyalty, with 12% of customers taking this step to stay connected. This opt-in represents a commitment to receiving direct and personalized communication, indicating trust in your brand’s ability to provide valuable content. These subscribers are  incredibly valuable to your business— they’re engaged customers who are eager to hear about promotions, updates, and exclusive offers. 

Mobile devices generate 60% of global web traffic [G2]

Mobile now accounts for the majority of online activity, shaping how and where customers interact with brands. With most browsing, research, and purchasing happening on smartphones, channels that are native to mobile behavior have a clear advantage. SMS fits naturally into this environment, reaching customers directly on the device they already rely on throughout the day.

Brands that integrate SMS into their omnichannel strategies see a 47.7% lift in customer engagement [Omnisend].

Integrating SMS into a broader omnichannel strategy can amplify engagement by creating seamless communication. When customers receive consistent, personalized messages across SMS, email, and social media, their experience becomes more relevant and meaningful.

81% of consumers check their text messages within just five minutes of receiving them. [Simple Texting]

When it comes to immediacy, nothing beats SMS. An incredible 81% of consumers check their text messages within just five minutes of receiving them, making it the ultimate channel for time-sensitive communication. Whether it’s a flash sale, an appointment reminder, or a personalized offer, SMS ensures your message lands in front of your audience when it matters most. 

68% of consumers spend over $50 on items via SMS [Attentive]

SMS marketing is proving to be a valuable channel for driving high-value purchases, with 68% of consumers reporting they’ve spent over $50 on a single item through text messaging. This shows that SMS isn’t just a channel for time-sensitive engagement, but also a powerful tool for converting subscribers into buyers of premium products.

SMS campaigns achieve a 45% response rate compared to email’s 6% [Business.com]

The response rate for SMS far outshines email, proving its value as an immediate and engaging channel. Whether it’s simple promotional offers or more sophisticated geofenced messages encouraging nearby customers into retail locations, SMS cuts through distractions and compels action.

Businesses that text customers are 683% more likely to report digital marketing success than those that don’t use text messaging. [Simple Texting]

The numbers don’t lie—businesses that engage with customers through SMS are a staggering 683% more likely to achieve digital marketing success compared to those that skip this channel. Why? Because SMS is direct, personal, and immediate, cutting through the noise and capturing attention like no other medium. 

The average click-through rate for SMS is 18%, significantly higher than email’s 2.5% [Sender]

High click-through rates mean your messages drive more traffic to your website or landing pages. This makes SMS ideal for time-sensitive campaigns and promotions that require immediate attention.

SMS delivers $21-$41 ROI for every $1 spent [Upcity]

Few channels can match the return on investment of SMS marketing. With its cost-effective delivery and high engagement rates, SMS offers a surefire way to maximize every dollar spent.

18% of US consumers have used SMS to make 4-5 purchases in the last year [Klaviyo]

SMS nurtures long-term customer relationships by keeping your brand top of mind. Regular updates and promotions help drive consistent repeat purchases, boosting customer lifetime value.

Surveyed businesses reported 11-20% of their revenue coming from SMS marketing [Simple Texting]

With its unmatched open rates and ability to deliver personalized, time-sensitive messages, SMS has become a powerhouse for driving sales and customer engagement. If you’re looking to improve ROI and connect with your customers in meaningful ways, SMS is a channel that truly pays off.

47% of U.S. Millennials favor brand communications via text messages (Statista)

Nearly half of U.S. Millennials—47%—prefer receiving brand communications via text messages. For a demographic that values convenience and instant access, SMS is a natural fit. It allows your brand to deliver personalized, timely, and relevant messages right to your audience’s fingertips.

Over 90% of consumers text every day, and most check their text messages more than 10 times per day [Simple Texting]

Texting is deeply ingrained in consumers’ daily routines, with over 90% of people sending and receiving messages daily and most checking their texts more than 10 times per day. This habitual engagement highlights the unparalleled reach and immediacy of SMS as a communication channel. For marketers, this behavior represents a golden opportunity to connect with audiences in a way that feels natural and non-intrusive, ensuring that messages are not only seen but also acted upon swiftly.

Marketers now allocate around 64% of their digital advertising budgets to mobile [G2]

Budget allocation is one of the clearest indicators of strategic priority. With nearly two-thirds of digital spend focused on mobile, brands are aligning their resources with how customers actually consume content. SMS supports this shift by enabling direct, permission-based engagement that aligns with broader mobile campaigns and customer journeys.

The US SMS market is expected to hit $18.6bn by 2030 [Nova 1 Advisor]

The SMS marketing industry continues to experience rapid growth, with projections estimating its market value to reach $18.6 billion by 2030. This surge highlights the increasing reliance on SMS as a powerful communication and engagement tool for businesses worldwide, cementing its role in modern marketing strategies.

80% of businesses are using software to automate their SMS strategy [Simple Texting]

Automation is revolutionizing the way businesses connect with customers, with 80% now using software to power their SMS marketing strategies. These tools enable your brand to deliver personalized messages, launch campaigns at scale, and respond instantly to customer needs, all without breaking a sweat. The result? Smarter, faster, and more impactful customer interactions that save time and boost ROI. 

SMS marketing is a versatile and high-impact tool for modern businesses. Whether you’re looking to boost customer engagement, drive conversions, or enhance your omnichannel strategy, these statistics highlight the immense potential of SMS as part of your marketing arsenal. Start integrating SMS today to create personalized, timely, and effective campaigns that resonate with your audience and deliver measurable results.