SMS vs MMS Messaging: All the Differences You Need to Know

What is SMS?

SMS is the most common way that phones communicate with one another, particularly if they are only sending texts from device to device. If you have a text message that you need to send to someone else, and it does not contain an image or video, you will probably send it using an SMS system.

There are not a lot of requirements if you want to send an SMS message to somebody else. As long as you have a cell phone signal, or as long as you have an internet connection, you should be able to send an SMS message.

Depending on the provider you use, there could be character length limits if you want to send an SMS message to someone. A lot of providers limit you to 160 characters. If you need to send a longer message to someone, you may need to break it up into multiple messages. Some cell phone providers might remove the length restriction as long as you are connected to the internet.

What is MMS messaging?

MMS messaging was built using the same technology as SMS messages, but it allows you to send different types of files from device to device.

If you need to attach a file to a text message, it will no longer be considered an SMS message. Instead, you'll be sending it as an MMS message. There are plenty of examples of files that could change your SMS message to an MMS message, such as pictures, videos, emojis, and file attachments.

The biggest implication of sending an MMS message is that the file will be larger. That means that it could take you longer to send the message out.

In the past, some cell phone providers charged SMS and MMS messages differently, but that is highly unusual in the current environment.

Is SMS or MMS better?

When you are looking at SMS vs MMS, you might be wondering which one is better. The answer depends on your situation.

If you simply want to communicate information with somebody else, then you may want to use an SMS message. It is shorter, easier to send, and more straightforward for someone to interpret.

However, if you have additional content that you want to include, you may be better off using an MMS message. For example, you may want to include an image or video, which means that you need to switch to an MMS service.

Because the right answer for one person is not necessarily going to be the right answer for someone else, it is helpful to take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of each option.

SMS pros

There are several significant benefits of using SMS messages as a marketing tactic. Some of the biggest advantages include:

• Faster send times: The first benefit of using an SMS message is that it is much faster than sending an MMS message. Because the file size is usually smaller, you should have an easier time reaching your target market. If you are looking for a fast marketing tactic that can help you disseminate information quickly, you should use an SMS message.
• Cheaper: Using an SMS message is also significantly less expensive. Because the file size is much smaller, you should not have to spend as much money to distribute SMS messages to your target market. It could make it easier for you to keep your marketing campaigns under budget.
• High open rate: When compared to other marketing methods, SMS messages have a much higher open rate. People usually have their phones in their pockets, and when they see a text message, they are very likely to open it and read it. This could help you increase your conversion rate and develop a strong relationship with your target market.
• Easier to read: Furthermore, many people have a much easier time reading an SMS message because it does not contain any emojis, images, or videos. If you want to make it as easy as possible for your target market to interpret what you are sending them, you should use SMS messaging.

These are a few of the many benefits of using SMS messages. But, at the same time, you need to think about the drawbacks.

SMS cons

There are a few drawbacks that you need to keep in mind regarding SMS messages. They include:

Length limit: You do have to deal with the fact that there will be a length limit on the messages you send. For example, your messages might be limited to 160 characters or less. That means that you may have a difficult time getting in all the information that you want to share.

Content limit: Furthermore, there are a lot of content limitations. For example, you might not be able to include images or videos when you send your messages to other people. This could make it hard for you to communicate your information the right way.

Harder to get permission: People also tend to be more stingy when it comes to giving out their cell phone numbers. If you want to communicate using SMS messages with your target market, you will need to be creative if you want to convince your customers to share their phone numbers with you.

You should think about the benefits and drawbacks of SMS vs MMS before you decide which one is right for your needs.

MMS pros

If you are curious about SMS vs MMS meaning, you also need to think about the benefits of MMS messaging.

There are several significant advantages you can enjoy, such as:

• Different types of content: You can include different types of content if you want to send MMS messages to someone, including images, videos, and emojis. All of this gives you more creative reign if you want to make a positive impact on your target market.
• No length limits: If you decide to send an MMS message, you don't have to worry about length limits either. That means you are free to include about as much information as you want. You don't have to be too stingy with the number of characters you use if you decide to send MMS messages.
• More personable: MMS messages are typically seen as more personable. You don't have to worry about intimidating your target market with a wall of text, so you may have an easier time developing relationships with your customers.

There are plenty of benefits if you decide to use MMS messaging as a part of your marketing campaign.

MMS cons

On the other hand, there are a few drawbacks you need to keep in mind as well. They include:

• Larger file size: Because MMS messages are significantly larger than SMS messages, it may take you longer to get your messages out to your target market.
• More expensive: Running an MMS marketing campaign can also be more expensive. Because you need to send larger files to your target market, it is typically more costly.
• Reliability concerns: You should also think about reliability issues as well. Even though just about every phone can handle SMS messages, not every phone can handle MMS messages.

Think carefully about what marketing tactic is best for your needs.

SMS vs MMS: Which is right for you?

Because SMS is very simple, there are several specific examples where you may want to use it. Appointment reminders, time-sensitive alerts, company updates, and purchase confirmations are great ways for you to operate SMS marketing in your business.

On the other hand, there are situations where MMS messaging is better. For example, if you want to share a video walkthrough, troubleshoot a support issue, or provide a photo of an alternate item, you may want to use MMS messaging to communicate with your customers.

Stay in touch with your customers

Social media, digital ads, email, and messaging services are great ways for you to stay in touch with your customer. You may want to consider using the texting integration with Mailchimp. With access to an SMS integration, you will have an easier time disseminating important information to your customers and clients.

And with EZ texting, you can save a significant amount of time and money while also keeping your customers in the loop regarding important information. If you want to get the most out of SMS and MMS messaging, you need to put the right tools to work for you. Consider reaching out to an expert who can help you.

Key Takeaways

• SMS messages are limited to 160 characters but are faster, cheaper, and have a higher open rate.
• MMS messages can include images, videos, and emojis, with no length limits but typically have larger file sizes and are more expensive.
• SMS is ideal for sending appointment reminders, time-sensitive alerts, company updates, and purchase confirmations.
• MMS is suitable for sharing video walkthroughs, troubleshooting support issues, or providing photos of alternate items.