Sending Media Messages with MMS and RCS
TL;DR:
- MMS works across all devices and networks – use it for broad reach with images, videos, and audio
- RCS offers better customisation and branding but has limited device support
- Compress all media files to keep messages loading quickly on mobile
- Test your media on different devices before sending to larger audiences
- Choose GIFs for simple animations and PNGs for clear images with transparency
When you want to send images, videos, or audio clips via text, you have two main options: MMS and RCS. Each has its strengths depending on what you're trying to achieve.
MMS vs RCS: Which Should You Use?
MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) is your reliable workhorse. It works on virtually every phone and network, making it perfect when you need guaranteed delivery. The trade-off is basic formatting and smaller file size limits.
RCS (Rich Communication Services) is the newer option with better features. You get more control over how messages look, larger file limits, and the ability to add brand elements like logos. The downside? Not all phones support it yet, and it can fall back to basic SMS if the recipient's device isn't compatible.
For most business messaging, MMS remains the safer choice until RCS adoption becomes more widespread.
Optimising Your Media Files
Mobile networks have strict limits on file sizes, so preparation is key:
Compress everything. Use tools like Photoshop for images or Handbrake for videos. Aim to reduce file sizes by 50-70% without obvious quality loss.
Pick the right format. GIFs work well for short animations under 3 seconds. PNGs give you crisp images with transparent backgrounds. For photos, JPEG usually provides the best balance of quality and file size.
Test on multiple devices. What looks great on your smartphone might appear pixelated or fail to load on older devices. Send test messages to different phone models before launching broader campaigns.
File Size Guidelines
Keep MMS attachments under 1MB total. Some carriers allow up to 5MB, but many still cap at 300KB. For RCS, you can usually go up to 100MB, but smaller files still load faster and use less of your recipient's data allowance.
Videos should be under 30 seconds for MMS. Longer content works better as a link to a web-hosted file rather than a direct attachment.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Don't assume your media will display the same way across all devices. Android and iPhone handle MMS differently, and older phones may not show images at all.
Avoid sending high-resolution photos straight from your camera. These files are typically 3-8MB each and will either fail to send or arrive heavily compressed by the network.
Check your aspect ratios. Square images often work better than wide landscape shots, which can appear tiny on phone screens.
FAQs
What's the maximum file size for MMS messages?
Most carriers limit MMS to 1MB total, though some allow up to 5MB. Files larger than the limit will either fail to send or be compressed automatically by your network.
Can I send the same media file via both MMS and RCS?
Yes, but you may want to create different versions. RCS supports larger files and better quality, so you could send a higher-resolution version via RCS and a compressed version via MMS.
Why do my images look blurry when recipients receive them?
This usually happens when files exceed carrier limits and get compressed automatically. Pre-compress your images to maintain control over quality.
Do all phones support RCS messaging?
No, RCS support varies by device, carrier, and region. Many Android phones support it, but iPhone users won't receive RCS messages unless both sender and recipient use compatible messaging apps.
Jargon Buster
MMS: Multimedia Messaging Service – the standard way to send images, videos, and audio via text message across all phone networks
RCS: Rich Communication Services – an upgraded messaging system offering better media support and formatting, but with limited device compatibility
File Compression: Reducing a file's size to make it faster to send and receive, usually with minimal impact on visual quality
Aspect Ratio: The width-to-height proportion of an image or video, affecting how it displays on different screen sizes
Wrap-up
Media messages can significantly boost engagement, but only if they actually reach your audience and display properly. MMS gives you the widest reach, while RCS offers better presentation for compatible devices. Regardless of which you choose, always compress your files and test across different devices. The extra preparation time pays off in better delivery rates and user experience.
Learn about QuickSMS: https://www.quicksms.com/