What Is MMS Messaging? Here's A Comprehensive Guide

What is MMS messaging? Multimedia Message Service (MMS), takes your SMS (also known as Short Messaging Service) up to a notch. MMS allows you to create messages past the limit of 160 characters given for SMS. Plus, it supports images, videos, and audio.

You can check out MMS once a person sends you a message as part of a group of three or more people. Or, you can see it when someone sends you a text message that has pictures, videos, or audios in it. Instead of actually receiving a normal text message, once you have gotten an MMS message, your phone will notify you that you have been given this type of message.

Sometimes, you can’t open the full message. You only get it when you’re in a location wherein service providers have excellent coverage.

The beginning of MMS’ first commercial deployment was in March 2002. This was done by Telenor in Norway. Sometimes, MMS is also called picture messaging.

Limitations And Requirements Of MMSAlternatives To MMSSMS Vs. MMS: The Difference Between The TwoHow To Create The Perfect MMSIn Conclusion

People Also ReadDefinitive Guide: Recover Deleted Text Messages Free on Android5 Steps to Recover Your Deleted Text Messages from Android Phone

Limitations And Requirements Of MMS

MMS is usually received through the cell phone similar to an SMS. However, it sometimes needs access to the Internet. If your phone has access to the Internet using data, some might actually be used for MMS messages.

There are carriers that actually impose limits on file size included in MMS messages. Usually, this limit is at 300KB. However, this isn’t an actual requirement. Carriers don’t abide by certain imposed standards on size limits. However, sometimes, you might notice that you can’t send an MMS message once the included audio, video, or image is too large in size.

There is a mobile device which compresses the files in order to meet the 300 KB requirements. That’s why you don’t have to worry about it unless you’re really putting in a very large file within the MMS message you want to send.

Alternatives To MMS

Sometimes, sending media and very long SMS is easier when you only have to open one application. This is because you don’t need to open another app, log into another account, or use a different menu just to send images or videos.

But, there is an MMS alternative that uses applications built to be able to send long messages and media files. These substitutes for MMS utilize the Internet to send data. They work if you are connected to a Wi-Fi network or if you use a data plan. Plus, they are of different forms.

Some come in the form of online storage services. With this alternative, you can upload your files (e.g., photos, videos, and audio) through the Internet. In this way, you can share them with your family, friends, and even co-workers. For instance, Google Photos is an application that can be used on both Android and iOS devices. It lets you upload your files to that of your Google account and then share them with a person you wish to give it to.

Snapchat is another popular platform for sharing images. It simplifies the photo-sharing process and makes it similar to sending text messages. Using Snapchat, you can send and receive photos and short clips of videos to anybody. This application also supports text messaging using the Internet.

If you want to send text messages that are more than 160 characters, you can use messaging apps like Messenger, WhatsApp, WeChat, and Viber. These are popular platforms all over the world and they are used to communicate with other people. They support video calls too.

SMS Vs. MMS: The Difference Between The Two

SMS was created in the 1980s and it was defined in 1985 GSM standards. It is one of the oldest forms of texting technologies. It is also the most widespread and most frequently used form of messaging. MMS was built upon a similar technology to that of SMS. However, it can be used to send out multimedia content. It is a technology used for sending pictures. However, it can also be used to send and receive audio, video, and phone contacts.

Both SMS and MMS messages can be sent through a cellular network. Thus, it is necessary to have a wireless plan from your preferred cellular carrier in order to get started. Typically, SMS messages are limited to a size of 160 characters. If a particular message exceeds this length, it is divided into multiple sections of 160 characters max each.

Different from SMS, MMS messages do not have imposed standard limits. However, the max size for each MMS message depends on the device and the network carrier. Usually, 300 KB is the max size most carriers will handle.

How To Create The Perfect MMS

Here are the tips on how to create a great MMS:

1. Make a great, strong title.
2. Create a body copy that is compelling and easy to understand.
3. Choose between animated GIFs or static images. The preference is up to you.
4. Design or craft the perfect animated GIF or static image. You have to choose the right dimensions and determine the file size. Fonts and colors can be chosen as well.
5. Optimize your file. You can do this by implementing the following:

• Remove gradients within images.
• Reduce the number of colors within images.
• Save your image as a JPEG file instead of using a PNG file.
• For animated GIFs, you should lower the number of frames implemented per second.
• For animated GIFS, simplify it by reducing the number of moving objects. You can also reduce the number of color changes.

6. Finally, test your MMS before sending it. Ensure the following:

• Ensure that the multimedia file is displayed correctly. Make sure it has legible text as well.
• Make sure the URL links point to the correct landing page or website.
• Make sure there are no spelling or grammatical mistakes.
• Take a look at the overall feel of the MMS message.

In Conclusion

MMS are different from SMS in that they allow you to send pictures, audio, and video files over a cellular network. In addition, it is longer compared to SMS messages. However, it usually has a file size limit of 300KB. You can learn more about what is MMS messaging and their differences with SMS using this guide above. In addition, learn how to craft a great MMS through the tips given here.