please note: As with ever-changing technology, this article has been most recently updated 02/2025
Considerations when sending MMS
Consider how fast you need the information to get out.
MMS messages are larger file sizes than plain text and take longer to deliver.
When you are sending a time-sensitive text message (ie. "Join us Now!"), it is best to use plain text SMS.
When you have a big announcement or event, a jpg image may be exactly what you want!
Consider the size of your message group.
If you are sending a special announcement - you'll find that MMS is a wonderful tool for groups under 6000 subscribers.
If your messaging group is larger than 6000 subscribers, you may want to consider breaking up your subscription lists into multiple messages to ensure faster throughput and deliverability.
Consider text credit allowance
MMS messages are billed at 2 text credits vs the 1 text credit for a plain text SMS.
Recommended files types for MMS media
Supported File Types: Plain text, GIF/JPG/PNG
Recommended: .jpg format images render faster and are supported on more devices.
.png and .gif files can be sent, but may run into more size restrictions for best throughput.
Recommended file size for static MMS Images*
Send as Attachment: We recommend keeping images files under 80Kb.
Send as Link: We recommend keeping image files under 100Kb.
The image doesn't need to be very big because it's being viewed on a small screen.
Smaller sizes also lend to faster throughput to your subscription list.
We've noticed that Android and iPhones treat preview links differently.
Android devices will show an image preview with your message.
iPhone devices often only show a link that you must click.
Recommended Images Dimension for Static MMS Images
The optimal image size across all devices has an aspect ratio of 9:16.
We recommend 640px by 1138px or 1080px by 1920px.
Image Design Considerations for Static MMS Images
When an MMS image is delivered to a phone there are typically two ways the content is displayed. The content is displayed in the message conversation thread within a message bubble and then when the image bubble is tapped, the content is displayed in a full screen view. When the image is displayed within a message bubble, there are portions of the image cut off from view. It is therefore important that any image be designed with the “content of interest” within a more restricted areas of the image so that it is readable from within the conversation view.
- For Images 640px by 1138px: Avoid adding content of interest on the top 129px and the bottom 89px.
- For Images 1080px by 1920px: Avoid adding content of interest on the top 219px and the bottom 150px
Transparency is not recommended in your image file.
Transparent sections of an image may be rendered, white, black or in the message bubble color. There is no consistency behavior between device client versions.