> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.uplifter.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How do I create and send an SMS campaign?

> Compose a text campaign, preview recipients and message, and send now or schedule it.

<Note>
  **Must know**

  * Available on plans that include **SMS** — if you don't see it, ask your Uplifter contact.
  * Unlike scheduled email, a **scheduled SMS campaign sends automatically** once its time passes.
  * Your usage allowance is checked once up front for the whole batch, and consent is applied when the recipient list is built.
</Note>

Open **Communication → SMS Campaigns** and click **New Campaign**. The three-step wizard mirrors email.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Audience">
    Choose a **Send To** target — the options match email (Everyone, Staff, Guardians, a Program, and so on). A recipient count appears, already filtered to people who've consented and not opted out.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Compose">
    Write the message. Insert merge variables to personalize it, and watch the live character and segment counts as you type — a long text spans more than one segment.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Send">
    Here you'll see the message previewed with example data. Review the recipient count, then click the **Send to *N* recipients** card to text everyone now, or use **Schedule for Later** to pick a date and time in your club's timezone. A scheduled SMS campaign goes out on its own when the time arrives.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Two timing notes worth understanding: the platform checks your SMS allowance for the entire batch at the moment you send, so a campaign either clears the check and sends to everyone or is stopped up front. And consent is evaluated when the recipient list is assembled — not re-checked at the instant each text goes out — so build and send close together for the most accurate list.

**Related:** [What are SMS campaigns?](/club/communications/what-are-sms-campaigns) · [What is SMS consent and how do opt-outs work?](/club/communications/what-is-sms-consent-and-how-do-opt-outs-work) · [What counts toward my email and SMS usage?](/club/communications/what-counts-toward-my-email-and-sms-usage)