Mobile push notifications, SMS alerts, and app headers are some of the most critical customer touchpoints in modern marketing. Because screen space is highly restricted on lock screens, writers must deliver their message within a tight boundary. Often, the ideal layout target for mobile-friendly messages is a maximum of 120 characters.
In this guide, we will break down what 120 characters in words looks like, and how to use a utility to keep your copy within limits.
The Math: 120 Characters in Words
When you are drafting a notification, every letter, digit, space, and emoji counts. If you are writing a push notification or an SMS, you might wonder: what is the equivalent of 120 characters in words?
On average, a standard English word consists of about 5 characters. When we add 1 character for the space following each word, the average length of a word unit becomes 6 characters. If we divide 120 by 6, we get exactly 20 words.
Here is an example of a message that fits within this target:
Flash sale! Get 30% off all courses this weekend only. Use code SAVE30 at checkout. Shop now at our website! (114 characters)
As you can see, 20 words is plenty of space to deliver a powerful hook, a promotion detail, and a clear call-to-action (CTA).
Why You Need a Character Limit Counter
If your notifications or SMS exceed the target character limit, they will be cut off by mobile operating systems (iOS and Android). When a notification gets truncated, readers see an ellipsis (...) instead of your final call-to-action, which dramatically reduces click-through rates.
To ensure your copy fits perfectly on all devices, always verify your text using a character limit counter before sending it to your marketing pipeline. It allows you to:
- See the exact character length as you type.
- Preview the length to confirm it fits under the threshold.
- Eliminate filler words to make the copy tighter.
Quick Editing Tips for Mobile Copy
To keep your mobile alerts short, try these copywriting techniques:
- Remove greetings: Instead of “Hi there! We are excited to announce…” jump straight to the value: “Get ready for our new product launch…”
- Use numbers instead of words: Write 5 instead of five, and 50% instead of half off.
- Put the CTA first: Place your most important information and link at the start of the message, so it is visible even if the text wraps.
By keeping your messages within 120 characters, you ensure that every customer sees your full message and takes action.