SMS vs MMS Messaging: What’s The Difference And Which Should You Use For Your Business?  

Wondering which of SMS and MMS suits your business communication needs? Or how to use them effectively? 

Not to worry. We have made a detailed comparison between SMS vs MMS messages. 

By the end of this blog, you’ll understand which is the most suitable for your business and how to go about using them.

So let’s begin! 

What is SMS? 

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Even though you send texts daily, there’s a lot you don’t know about SMS. 

What does SMS stand for?

SMS stands for short messaging service. The SMS is a text-based message. It is what you commonly call text messages.

You probably refer to all kinds of messages as text messages in your daily interaction. That’s a common misconception. 

Unlike MMS messaging, an SMS is a text-based message. This means SMS contains nothing other than text. No pictures, videos, or any multimedia. SMS also has a 160-character limit. 

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If we talk about pricing, messaging is relatively inexpensive. But if we compare SMS vs MMS, the former is the cheapest. 

An SMS costs you only around $0.04. The cheap cost makes SMS affordable enough for any size business.

This brings us to the next important question. What other benefits SMS has compared to MMS? 

What is the major advantage of SMS compared to MMS? 

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You might wonder what makes an SMS appealing and what value it offers your business. Some of the benefits SMS provides you are:

• Short and quick: SMS messages are always short due to the limit of 160 characters. At the same time, the process is easy. You don’t need to worry about writing long details or attaching audio and video files. 
• Greater reach: You have approximately 7.26 billion mobile phone users. You can easily reach many people and expand your client base.
• Pocket friendly: One major difference between the SMS and MMS is the cost. Sending text messages costs only a little. You can spend less to get your message out there.

What are the disadvantages of using SMS? 

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If you are considering using SMS for your business, these are some downsides you might face.

• No multimedia: One clear difference between MMS and SMS. SMS does not support multimedia that can grab your audience’s attention. It may not highlight your product or service.
• Word limit: The 160-character capacity can be a problem. It can prevent you from sending your message to your customers completely in one message.

Is SMS going away?

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No, SMS isn’t going away.

It remains relevant and valuable as a quick messaging tool and as a means for leaving a reminder. 

Even though we people now use it less than before, this is because it restricts the number of characters you can input. Above that, you cannot add images or other multimedia. 

That’s it for SMS. Let’s now explore MMS. 

Also Read: SMS Regulations You Must Know to Send SMS in India

What is MMS? 

You might be asking, ‘What does MMS stand for’? 

MMS stands for Multimedia Messaging Service. An MMS contains an image, GIF, or video to your text message. 

You can look at it as an improvement on the typical SMS message. 

The difference between MMS and SMS is the ability to send multimedia. Such as videos, pictures, audio clips, and GIFs alongside your messages. 

A typical example is a text message with an image or short video attached. 

How much would it cost you to send an MMS? It would cost you around $0.16 to send an MMS, which is 4x the cost of an SMS.

Let’s check out the advantages and disadvantages of SMS.

What is the major advantage of MMS compared to SMS?

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Here are some reasons why you might consider using MMS for your business.

• Visually appealing: Customers prefer messages containing photos or videos. 
• Higher character limit: One major advantage of MMS over SMS is the character count. MMS has a 1600-character restriction. This helps you send long, detailed campaigns that get more leads and sales.

What are some disadvantages of MMS? 

Just like SMS, MMS also has its cons. Here are some factors regarding MMS that you can consider for your business.  

• Message pricing: MMS messages cost more than SMS. If you run your business on a tight budget, you might have to limit how many MMS messages you send.
• Smartphone required: You need a smartphone with cellular data set to receive MMS messages. 
• Costly: You need a professional to create custom images and videos to send via MMS. This can get costly for any business, including yours.   

Is MMS going away?

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The end of MMS is near, if not already here. 

One way to know if this is true is to ask yourself when you last sent an MMS. 

Did you ever receive an amazing photo you couldn’t access due to a specific code? Or was it too stressful and expensive? 

Here’s the thing. You want to avoid a bill shock after uploading a video. Instant messaging apps like Facebook messenger and Whatsapp are strong competitors. They offer the possibility of sharing multimedia files and text even more quickly. That, too, at little to no cost.

SMS vs MMS at a glance 

Here is the great news. You now understand what SMS and MMS are. And now comes the big question. What’s the difference between SMS and MMS?    

Keep reading below to discover the differences between SMS and MMS. 

Should I use SMS or MMS? Best time or situation to use SMS

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SMS and MMS are great message types when used appropriately. This is why you must know exactly when to send an SMS. 

You’ll perform better with an SMS if you urgently need to communicate something short. This refers to  OTP SMS, transactional messages, and quick promotional messages.

Similarly, consider using SMS in situations that require the receiver to see and open the message on time. For example, appointment confirmations, reminders, and adjustments to schedules. 

Since any cell phone can receive an SMS, there is a 98 percent chance that your message will be seen and opened. 

Let’s consider the best time to use MMS as well.

Should I use MMS or SMS? Best time or situation to use MMS

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You can get the best out of SMS and MMS using them correctly. You should use MMS in certain contexts, primarily because of its multimedia feature. 

When you want to amaze your consumers with rich media, MMS is the way to go. MMS messages are very catchy, and those beautiful attachments could be essential. Especially in gaining and sustaining your audience’s attention.

For example, if you want them to see vibrant visuals, logos, or artwork, you should consider using MMS.

MMS works if you wish to personalise the style of the message with certain colours and accents. We cannot overstate that people love beauty.  And hence, this is a strong selling point for your business. 

For example, you might want a different text colour or a stylish text background.

MMS can come in handy when you want to add links to your text or integrate QR codes.

Enjoy a seamless texting experience

You now know the difference between  SMS and MMS messaging. 

For a short pocket-friendly method, you can use SMS. To add multimedia, switch to MMS.  

You can understand better by reading our blog on the best bulk SMS service provider. 

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use bulk SMS platform, then SMSCountry is what you need. 

It is a simple yet dynamic tool to connect with your audience. You get the best bulk SMS plans for your business when you create an account to try SMSCountry for free. 

Yes, it’s that simple!

So hurry up and book a demo before you miss out on the most fantastic offers. 

Frequently asked questions about SMS and MMS?

What happens if an SMS has more than 160 characters?

Here’s the thing. The SMS divides into several shorter messages depending on how long your message is. Many carriers chain these communications messages in the same order people send them.

How popular is SMS? 

SMS is very popular. Every day, more than 6 billion SMS messages people send in the US and about 23 billion worldwide.

Will SMS ever be replaced? 

According to experts, RCS messaging may eventually displace SMS texting as the preferred protocol.

What are file types supported by MMS?

You can send GIF, PNG, JPG/JPEG, MP3, MP4, and animated GIF files over MMS. 

Can I send MMS internationally?

Currently, MMS messages are supported only in a few countries, such as the United States, Australia, and Canada.

Is the cost of MMS more?

MMS messages cost more than SMS messages since MMS requires more effort to encode and deliver.

Does MMS reduce quality?

The SMS / MMS application on your smartphone compresses the photo before sending it to make it smaller and lighter, lowering the image’s quality.

Why would you prefer SMS messages?

SMS messages are simple and sweet.

What is the major disadvantage of SMS compared to MMS?

With an SMS, you are only allowed to send text messages. No images, GIFs, or videos.

Will MMS go over Wi-Fi?

No, MMS messages need a cellular data connection unless you use a third-party app.