MMS & Rich Media Messaging

MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) lets you send images, documents, and other media alongside your text messages. While standard SMS delivers text only, MMS adds a visual layer that can dramatically increase engagement for promotions, event announcements, and other visual content.

SMS vs MMS

SMS messages contain text only and cost 1 credit per customer. They are fast, lightweight, and universally supported on every phone.

MMS messages include a media attachment — an image, GIF, PDF, video, or customer card — alongside your text. They cost 2 credits per customer. Use MMS when a visual element adds real value to your message. If the message works fine as plain text, save the credit and send SMS.

Rule of thumb: If you are sharing information that benefits from being seen (a flyer, a menu, a coupon, a product photo), use MMS. If you are sending a reminder, alert, or short update, SMS is usually the better choice.

Supported File Types

The platform supports the following media types for MMS messages:

File Size Guidelines

• Images: Keep files under 600 KB for the fastest, most reliable delivery. The platform automatically resizes images to meet carrier limits, but starting with a reasonably sized file ensures the best quality.
• PDFs: Keep under 5 MB for reliable delivery across all carriers.
• Videos: Shorter clips with smaller file sizes deliver more reliably. Carriers may compress or reject very large video files.
• General: The platform handles resizing and compression automatically, so you do not need to manually resize files. However, starting with a smaller file produces better results.

Image Best Practices

• Design for mobile. Your image will be viewed on a phone screen. Use large, readable text and simple layouts.
• Use high contrast. Dark text on a light background (or vice versa) ensures readability in bright sunlight and on older screens.
• Keep text overlay minimal. Too much text on an image makes it hard to read on small screens and may trigger carrier spam filters.
• Avoid transparency. PNG files with transparent backgrounds may render with a white or black background depending on the device. Use a solid background for the most consistent appearance.
• Recommended dimensions: 640 x 960 pixels or similar portrait-oriented ratios work well on most phones. Landscape images are supported but may appear smaller in the message thread.

When to Use MMS

MMS is most effective for content that needs to be seen, not just read:

• Event flyers and invitations — A designed graphic communicates event details at a glance.
• Product images and menus — Show what you are promoting instead of describing it.
• Coupons and special offers — A visual coupon feels more tangible and is easier for staff to verify.
• PDF attachments — Distribute meeting agendas, registration forms, or policy documents.
• Before/after photos — Service-based businesses can showcase results visually.
• Digital business cards — Send a vCard so customers can save your information with one tap.

MMS Campaign Types

The platform offers two main ways to send MMS content:

• Text Flyer — Send a designed image or PDF alongside a text message to a targeted group of customers. This is the most common way to send MMS campaigns.
• Asset Library — Upload and manage your media files in one place. Pull files from the library when composing any MMS message, whether in a campaign or from the Inbox.

You can also send MMS messages one-on-one from the Inbox by attaching a file to any conversation.

Carrier Behavior

Different mobile carriers handle MMS messages in slightly different ways:

• Image compression: Some carriers automatically compress large images before delivering them to the recipient. Starting with a smaller file reduces the chance of noticeable quality loss.
• Display variations: The way an MMS attachment appears can vary between phone models and messaging apps. Always preview your message before sending to a large audience.
• Video handling: Video support varies by carrier and device. Some carriers may convert video files or limit playback. For critical content, consider linking to a hosted video instead.

The platform handles carrier-specific formatting and resizing automatically, so you do not need to create separate files for different carriers.

Tips & Best Practices

• Always preview your message. Send a test message to yourself from the Inbox before launching a campaign with a new media file.
• Keep file sizes reasonable. Smaller files load faster and deliver more reliably across all carriers and devices.
• Test across devices. If possible, preview your MMS on both iPhone and Android to check for display differences.
• Use SMS for time-sensitive alerts. Appointment reminders, urgent notifications, and short updates do not need an image. SMS delivers faster and costs half the credits.
• Include a text-based call to action. Not all devices display images identically. Make sure your message text includes the key information and call to action so it works even if the image does not display.
• Factor MMS credits into your budget. At 2 credits per customer, an MMS campaign to 1,000 customers uses 2,000 credits. Plan accordingly.

Common Questions

Will my GIF animate?

Yes. Animated GIFs play automatically on most modern smartphones. On older devices, the GIF may display as a static image showing the first frame.

Can I send multiple images in one message?

Each MMS message supports one media attachment. To send multiple images, create separate messages or combine your images into a single graphic or PDF.

What happens if my file is too large?

The platform automatically resizes and compresses files to meet carrier limits. If a file cannot be processed, you will see an error during upload. Try reducing the file size or converting to a different format.