Prelude

Prelude is a robust and developer-centric API platform specializing in OTP (One-Time Password) and SMS verification services. Engineered for global reach and scalability, it empowers businesses to send verification messages anywhere in the world with exceptional deliverability, competitive pricing, and zero spam. Trusted by fast-growing companies like BeReal and Locket, Prelude is designed to optimize user onboarding, secure accounts, and drive exponential growth by ensuring only genuine users access your platform.

The platform's core strength lies in its intelligent multi-routing system, which connects to over 30 providers across 230 countries. This system automatically determines the most efficient and cost-effective route for each message. If a primary route is blocked or fails, its instant-fallback mechanism seamlessly switches to the next best option, guaranteeing a successful verification rate of up to 95%. This multi-channel capability extends beyond SMS to include popular platforms like WhatsApp, Viber, Zalo, and Telegram, adapting to the preferred communication methods of users in different regions.

Beyond message delivery, Prelude places a strong emphasis on security and fraud prevention. It employs a sophisticated four-layer protection system, including AI models, to proactively identify and block fraudulent activities such as SMS pumping and SIM swapping. This not only protects users and company data but also prevents budget waste, saving businesses up to 40% on authentication costs that would otherwise be lost to spam.

How to use Prelude

Integrating Prelude into your application is designed to be a swift and straightforward process, often achievable in under a single development sprint.

1. Sign Up & Get API Key: Create an account on the Prelude website to access your dashboard and retrieve your unique API bearer token.
2. Choose an Endpoint: Prelude simplifies the process with just two primary API endpoints for handling verifications.
3. Make an API Call: Use a simple HTTP request (like the provided cURL example) to the `/v2/verification` endpoint. Include your API token in the authorization header and the target phone number in the request body.
4. Integrate with SDKs: For even faster implementation, leverage Prelude's multi-language SDKs, available for popular platforms like iOS, Android, and React Native.
5. Monitor & Optimize: Use the real-time analytics dashboard to track key metrics such as conversion rates, delivery times, and costs per country. Use these insights to identify issues and optimize your verification flow.

Core Features of Prelude

• Intelligent Multi-Routing: Automatically selects the best route from 30+ global providers to ensure optimal deliverability and cost-efficiency.
• Automatic Fallback: If a message fails to send, the API instantly retries through an alternative route, maximizing successful deliveries.
• Multi-Channel Verification: Supports SMS, WhatsApp, Viber, Zalo, Telegram, and Email OTP to reach users on their preferred platforms.
• Advanced AI-Powered Anti-Fraud: Four layers of protection to detect and block spam, fake account creation, and costly fraud schemes like SMS pumping.
• Real-Time Analytics Dashboard: Transparent and actionable insights into conversion rates, average price, delivery times, and other crucial metrics.
• Developer-Friendly API & SDKs: A minimalist, well-documented API and multi-language SDKs designed for rapid and easy integration.
• Global Coverage: Reliable message delivery in over 230 countries and territories.
• Dedicated Support: Premium customer support available via Slack and email for all users.

Use Cases for Prelude

Prelude is ideal for a wide range of applications across various industries:

• User Onboarding & Verification: Social media apps (like BeReal), dating apps, and online communities use Prelude to verify new users and prevent fake accounts.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Fintech companies (like Bitstack) and B2B software platforms secure user accounts and transactions with reliable OTPs.
• Transactional Alerts: E-commerce and mobility apps send critical notifications, order confirmations, and service updates.
• Password Resets: Any application requiring a secure method for users to regain access to their accounts.
• Fraud Prevention at Scale: Growing startups and large enterprises use Prelude to filter out fraudulent traffic, especially in high-risk regions, ensuring a genuine user base.

Advantages of Prelude

Prelude offers significant advantages over traditional telco providers and competitors:

• Cost-Effectiveness: By aggregating providers and negotiating rates based on collective volume, Prelude offers up to 60% cost reduction on user authentication.
• Superior Deliverability: The multi-routing and fallback system ensures unmatched reliability and a 95% successful verification rate.
• Proactive Security: Its advanced anti-fraud system saves money and protects the platform's integrity.
• Transparency and Control: Unlike opaque alternatives, Prelude provides clear, real-time data, empowering teams to make informed decisions.
• Speed of Implementation: Developers can integrate the service in less than a sprint, saving valuable time and resources.

Pricing and Plans

Prelude offers flexible pricing plans designed to scale with your business needs.

• Basic Plan: A pay-as-you-go option ideal for individuals and small teams. It costs €0.03 per verification plus the message price. This plan includes code generation, basic fraud protection, and access to analytics.
• Start Up Plan: Priced at €100 per month plus message price, this plan is for scaling organizations. It includes everything in the Basic plan, plus a custom Sender ID, dedicated Slack support, and the Watch antispam feature. It features tiered pricing that decreases as verification volume increases.
• Enterprise Plan: A custom solution for large-scale operations with critical security and performance needs. It includes everything in the Start Up plan, plus a 99.95% SLA, advanced support, and post-payment options. Pricing is tailored to specific requirements.