EpicTexting
You want to tell 30 people the same thing. You don't want 30 people replying “ok 👍” to each other, and you don't want strangers seeing each other's numbers. That's the difference between a group text and a mass text, and why the default on your phone is usually the wrong one.
Mass text vs group text
| Group text | Mass text | |
|---|---|---|
| Who sees replies | Everyone | Only you |
| Phone numbers | Visible to all | Private |
| Personalised with names | No | Yes |
| Best for | Friends planning together | Announcements, reminders, customers, teams |
On iPhone
The Messages app doesn't have a “send individually” option. Add more than one person and it becomes a group conversation. Your choices are to send the text to each person one by one (copy, paste, repeat) or to use a mass-texting tool from your computer. For more than a handful of people, the tool is much faster and less error-prone.
On Android
Android works the same way. Adding several people makes a group chat, and some phones also turn it into an MMS group. A few Android messaging apps have a group setting that sends to everyone with individual replies, but it varies by phone and app. If you can't find it, send one by one or use a tool.
From a computer (the easiest way)
- Get a business number from Twilio. See how to get a Twilio phone number.
- Sign in to EpicTexting and connect your Twilio account.
- Paste up to 50 numbers, separated by commas or new lines, write your message once, and press Send.
Each person gets their own text from your number. Prefer typing in plain English? Ask ChatGPT: Text everyone in this list: “Hi {name}, practice moves to 6pm tomorrow”
. It fills in each name and asks you to confirm before sending. See how to send SMS from ChatGPT.
Large lists: send from Google Sheets
If your list lives in a spreadsheet, like a roster, customer list or sign-up form responses, the EpicTexting Google Sheets add-on texts every row. Use any column as a placeholder ({Name}, {Day}, {Amount}), preview every message, and schedule the send for later.
Rules for business mass texting
- Consent: only text people who agreed to hear from you. In the US, marketing texts need prior express written consent (TCPA).
- Opt-out: include “Reply STOP to opt out” on marketing texts, and remove anyone who does.
- Registration: US business numbers must be registered for A2P 10DLC, or carriers block the messages.
- Timing: don't text early in the morning or late at night in your recipients' time zone.
Need to build the list first? Read how to grow an SMS list.
Tips that get replies (and not opt-outs)
- Say who you are in the first few words. They may not have your number saved.
- Use their name. A personalised text reads like a message, not a broadcast.
- Keep it under 160 characters without emoji, so it costs one segment. Check with the SMS cost calculator.
- Give one clear action: reply, confirm, click or show up.
- Grab a ready-made message from our text message templates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a mass text and a group text?
A group text puts everyone in one shared thread, so every reply goes to everyone. A mass text sends separate one-to-one messages, so each person only talks with you and phone numbers stay private.
Can I send a mass text on iPhone without a group message?
Not as a built-in feature. Adding several people in Messages creates a group conversation. To send individually you'd have to send each one separately, or use a mass-texting tool.
Is mass texting legal?
Yes, with consent. In the US, marketing texts need the recipient's prior express written consent under the TCPA, and business numbers must be registered with carriers (A2P 10DLC). Always include a way to opt out, like Reply STOP.
How many people can I mass text at once?
EpicTexting sends up to 50 individual texts per send from the web or ChatGPT, and the Google Sheets add-on texts your whole sheet. The free plan includes 100 texts a month, and paid plans go up to 10,000.
Is there a free way to send a mass text?
EpicTexting is free for 100 texts a month. You pay Twilio for delivery, about 0.83 cents per US text plus carrier fees, and new Twilio accounts get trial credit.