sms8 for bulk sms campaigns
Learn the core features of sms8 and how FlixySMS delivers similar bulk and two-way messaging by turning an Android phone into a self-hosted gateway.
TL;DR
sms8 handles bulk sends and responses through a web platform. FlixySMS achieves the same outcome by installing software on an Android handset that uses your existing carrier plan. This removes per-message fees charged by traditional APIs and lets you manage contacts, groups, scheduled campaigns, and integrations with Shopify, WooCommerce, and Google Sheets directly from the phone.
sms8 provides a platform for sending bulk messages and handling responses through online tools. FlixySMS achieves similar results by installing an app on your Android device so the phone itself acts as the gateway.
What sms8 Offers
sms8 focuses on scheduled sends and delivery reports for marketing teams. Users upload contact lists and set up campaigns that run on a recurring basis.
Setting Up an Android SMS Gateway
Install the FlixySMS app on a standard Android handset. Connect it to your existing SIM card from any major carrier. The phone handles outgoing messages at rates of 30 to 100 SMS per minute depending on network conditions.
For larger volumes, add a second or third device and the system distributes the load across them. Each phone uses the carrier plan you already pay for so the per-message cost drops to whatever fraction of your monthly bill applies.
Cost Comparison with Traditional Services
Traditional providers charge between $0.0075 and $0.05 for every message. FlixySMS removes that line item. You pay only the flat monthly subscription listed on the Pricing page.
| Service Type | Per-Message Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier API | $0.0075-$0.05 | Billed per send |
| FlixySMS | Carrier rate split | Flat subscription |
Multi-segment messages longer than 160 characters are split automatically and reassembled on the recipient device using concatenation headers.
Integrations with Popular Platforms
Connect FlixySMS to Shopify for order confirmations and abandoned-cart reminders. WooCommerce users can trigger messages on new orders or status changes. Import contact lists directly from Google Sheets. Custom webhooks allow any other system to post data and trigger sends.
See the full setup steps on the How it Works page.
Managing Contacts and Groups
Create named groups inside the dashboard. Add or remove numbers in bulk. Tag records for later filtering. Scheduled campaigns pull from these groups without extra exports.
Two-Way SMS and Auto-Responders
Incoming messages can trigger predefined replies. Common uses include STOP and HELP compliance, opt-in confirmations, and simple conversation flows. Configure rules once and the system handles keyword matching automatically.
Read more in the FAQ.
Delivery Tracking and Reporting
Every message receives a status update showing sent, delivered, or failed. Export logs as CSV for your own records. The REST API returns the same data for programmatic checks.
API Documentation and Programmatic Use
Developers call the endpoint with a JSON payload containing the recipient list and message body. Full reference appears in the API Documentation.
Why Choose the Android Approach
You keep control over the hardware and avoid per-message carrier fees. Quotas are set by plan tier rather than per-send billing. Check current limits on the Pricing page.
Start sending today by signing up at the Dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does sms8 compare to carrier based services+
sms8 runs on web infrastructure while FlixySMS uses the phone hardware and your current SIM plan. The main difference appears in pricing because FlixySMS spreads your carrier cost across a flat subscription instead of charging per message.
Can I use FlixySMS for two way conversations+
Yes. The app receives inbound SMS and can trigger automatic replies based on keywords. This covers compliance messages like STOP or HELP as well as simple chatbot style flows.
What integrations does FlixySMS support+
Direct connections exist for Shopify order events, WooCommerce triggers, Google Sheets imports, and generic webhooks. The REST API allows any additional system to post messages programmatically.
How many messages can one Android phone send+
A single handset typically manages 30 to 100 SMS per minute depending on carrier limits. Adding more phones increases total throughput through parallel processing.
Is there a free plan for testing sms8 style campaigns+
FlixySMS offers a Free tier with limited monthly quotas. Upgrade paths appear on the pricing page once you exceed those limits.