MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) lets a text message carry more than words: photos, screenshots, and other media. It is the same idea as sending a picture from your personal phone, but from your business number.
SMS vs MMS
| SMS (text) | MMS (multimedia) | |
|---|---|---|
| Plain text | Yes | Yes |
| Images and media | No | Yes |
| Best for | Quick replies, reminders | Photos, proof, visual how-tos |
| Reaches | Mobile phones | Mobile phones only (not landlines) |
MMS is great when a picture saves a paragraph, for example sending a photo of a part, a map to your location, or a screenshot that shows a customer exactly what to tap.
What you need
- An MMS-capable number. Many local numbers support MMS, and toll-free numbers can too. Check a number's abilities on the Phone Numbers page.
- A mobile recipient. Landlines cannot receive MMS, so an MMS to a landline will not go through.
Receiving picture messages
When a customer sends you a picture, it arrives inside the conversation in the Messages area, right alongside their text. Incoming picture messages can also be forwarded to your email so you get the image even when you are away from the portal.
Sending picture messages
From a number that supports MMS, you can include an image with your message. Keep a few things in mind so it arrives cleanly:
- Keep files small. Smaller images send faster and are less likely to be shrunk along the way. A photo saved for web, rather than a full-resolution original, is ideal.
- Use common formats. Standard photo formats such as JPG and PNG are the safest choice.
- Mobile networks may compress images. The carrier that delivers your message can reduce an image's quality or size. Sending a smaller, clean original gives the best result on the other end.
Business examples
- Appointment confirmation with a map. "You are booked for Tuesday at 2:00 PM. Here is a map to our door." plus a map image.
- Product or proof photo. "Here is the finished install, ready for your review." plus a photo.
- Visual instructions. "Hold the circled button for five seconds to reset." plus a marked-up screenshot.
Troubleshooting
My picture message did not arrive. Confirm the recipient is on a mobile phone (not a landline), that your sending number supports MMS, and that the image is a common format and a reasonable size.
The image looks lower quality than what I sent. Mobile networks often compress media in transit. Start from a smaller, clean file rather than a very large original.
I want to send to a landline. Landlines cannot receive MMS. Send the details as a plain text (SMS) instead, or share a link the recipient can open.
Read next
- Business Text Messaging: Getting Started
- SMS Consent, STOP, and Opt-Outs