Yes, every character in the URL counts unless you use a shortener — and shorteners still occupy characters.

Is 160 the same on iMessage?

No. iMessage over data is not SMS. The 160 rule applies when the message goes over the carrier SMS channel.

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SMS 160-character count

GSM-7 SMS is 160 characters per segment. Unicode (emoji, many non-Latin scripts) drops that to 70. Concatenated SMS still bills per segment.

GSM vs Unicode

English with basic punctuation usually fits GSM-7. A single emoji or a Hindi/Arabic letter can switch the whole message to Unicode and cut the limit to 70. Count characters, then send a test to yourself on the same phone you care about.

Marketing and OTPs

OTP messages should stay in one segment. Marketing SMS in India and the EU often prices by credits. Paste the final string into the Character Counter including the opt-out line required in your country.

Steps

Write the SMS without emoji first.
Count characters with spaces.
Stay under 160 GSM or 70 Unicode, including legal footer.

Frequently asked questions

Open the Character Counter

The guide is the rule. The tool does the count. No account.

Open Character Counter All tools

More short guides: all Wordnio guides.