Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is more powerful than you may realize. MMS offers improved engagement rates over text-only messages, also known as SMS. MMS is a fantastic tool for grabbing attention, allowing you to incorporate visual and audio elements in your messaging.
However, most people don’t know there are many different file types you can send via MMS. This article will ensure you are aware of the several MMS file types for increased engagement.
The Power of MMS
People are eight times more likely to click on links in an MMS than in an SMS message. Why? As we mentioned in a previous blog, our brains are wired to process pictures and videos much faster than plain text. When you add an image or video, your message immediately becomes more engaging and attention-grabbing. This translates directly to a better connection with your audience and ensures your message has the maximum possible impact.
By using MMS’s various file types, you can make your message more lively, engaging, and truly effective.
MMS and Your Texting Service Provider
With the increasing popularity of organizations using text as a communication tool, MMS is the next frontier of great communication. However, not all texting service providers give you the ability to deliver MMS the way you would like. MMS can come with additional fees for setup, delivering videos via links rather than actual embedded video in the message, and only allowing limited file types.
The texting software provider you choose should offer you MMS included in your selected plan and should provide a comprehensive list of file types for you to choose from.
In the Powered By Text App, MMS is included without additional setup fees. But also, did you know you’re not limited to just sending photos and videos? When you need the ability to communicate the message you desire without limitations, our software gives you the option for sending various file types, ensuring your message resonates precisely with your audience for maximum impact.
Five MMS File Types You Can Use
PDFs enable you to deliver important documents directly to your audience, eliminating the need to send them elsewhere. When sharing important PDFs, file size is key for successful delivery.
*Pro tip: If you’re sending from a short code, the recommended limit is 960 KB. For a 10-digit number, aim for 750 KB or less, and if using a Toll-free number, keep your PDF to 520 KB or smaller. This ensures your documents reach their destination.
GIF
GIFs can be a quick way to show several images, like a slideshow or a short clip of a video that will grab attention with looping replays. In the example of Operation Smile, they communicated the impact they were making in children’s lives, using before-and-after GIFs, to their loyal supporters, and their donation ROI using this strategy was massive!
*Pro tip: You’re not limited to square shapes. Consider using vertical sizes like 2×3 or even 9×16 for a great look on mobile phones.
AUDIO
Did you record a great audio clip? Deliver it via MMS with an MP3 file! Share audio from a recent event, your leadership talking about important updates, or a personal message from an audience member.
*Pro tip: For the best quality and length balance, we suggest keeping your clips around 60 seconds at 96kbps in stereo. Similar to other files, make sure your MP3 fits the general size limits: 960KB for short codes, 750KB for 10-digit numbers, and 520 KB for toll-free numbers. You can make longer files by reducing the quality slightly.
IMAGE
Share impactful images of your amazing work in JPEG or PNG format. Visual storytelling shows your audience how their support is making a real difference!
*Pro tip: When selecting or creating images, keep mobile viewing in mind! For optimal display on phones, aim for vertical aspect ratios such as 2:3, 5:7, or even 9:16. For JPGs, you can go up to 2,000 x 2,000 pixels. If you need transparency, PNGs support up to 950 x 950 pixels. Remember, image quality settings for JPGs and transparency for PNGs can influence how large you can go while maintaining file size efficiency. GIF files are also supported.
VIDEO
With attention spans shrinking, short-form video is the preferred medium people want to consume, with the rise of social media reels, YouTube shorts, and other platforms. Use MP4 files to share a shortened clip from a long-form video as a springboard to the longer content, or create a personalized message from your team using our MMS Recorder.
*Pro tip: For mobile-friendly videos, consider a vertical aspect ratio (9:16), similar to images. We recommend MP4 Files up to 25 seconds long, using the H.264 or H.265 codec. Aim for a resolution of 1024×576 at 29.97 fps, with AAC audio (48 kbps, 48 kHz, Stereo). Set your bitrate to CBR, targeting 0.15 Mbps. Tools like Apple Compressor (using presets like “Prepare for HTTP Live Streaming – Cellular High”) are great starting points for achieving these settings.
Quick Tips for Sending Your Files
- If sending via short code, the recommended file size limit is 960 KB
- If sending via a 10-digit number, the recommended file size limit is 750 KB
- If sending via a Toll-free number, the recommended file size limit is 520 KB
- File names should be 20 characters or less
- File names should only contain basic letters and numbers
- File names should not contain any special characters
- Examples: + # & % ^ \ / : * ? ” < > | –
Need help with MMS?
Our expert team of texting strategists are ready to help you use MMS to maximize your engagement!
