MMS Picture Messaging Explained GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Email, Messaging, & Video Calls > Texting & Messaging 81 81 people found this article helpful
A Short Guide to MMS Picture Messaging
Text is great, but sometimes you want a picture
By Adam Fendelman Adam Fendelman Writer University of Missouri-Columbia Adam Fendelman is a syndicated technology writer and senior web designer whose focus was on web analytics and web design among other things. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on August 18, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Texting & Messaging Email Texting & Messaging Video Calls What to Know
MMS is a mobile messaging standard that, unlike short message service (SMS), allows you to send pictures, video, and audio. Most service carriers allow for MMS messages of up to 300 KB, although newer standards allow for 600 KB. Multimedia messaging service (MMS) takes short message service (SMS)—the technology that sends short, text-only messages from one phone to another—a step further. MMS allows for longer text messages (SMS has a 160-character limit) and supports pictures, video, and audio. You'll see MMS in action when someone sends you a message as part of a group text or when you receive a picture or video clip in your phone's texting app. Instead of coming in as a normal text, you may get a notification of an incoming MMS message, or you may not get the full message until you're in an area where you have better cellular reception. Tom Werner / Getty Images MMS Requirements and Limitations
Most of the time, a mobile phone receives MMS messages the same way it receives SMS texts. Other times, particularly if the MMS message contains large images or videos, it may require internet access. In such cases, MMS messages may count against your monthly data allowance. MMS technology supports video clips up to 40 seconds in length, ringtones, audio clips, contact cards, and more. Some cellular carriers impose a maximum file size of 300 kilobytes (KB) for MMS messages, although no standard exists by which carriers must abide, and newer MMS tech allows for messages of up to 600 KB. MMS Alternatives
Sending media files and long text messages is easy when you're texting because you don't have to leave the texting app or go through a different menu to send someone a video. Alternatives to MMS exist, such as apps or services built specifically for media and long text messages. These alternatives use the internet (Wi-Fi or cellular data) to send text and media files as data. For example, you can upload photos and videos to an online file-storage service such as Google Photos, an app that works on iOS and Android. With Google Photos, you can upload videos and photos to your Google account, then share them with your friends and family. The popular imaging sharing app Snapchat simplifies sharing photos and short videos between Snapchat users, making it more like texting. The app supports texting over the internet. If you want to send messages longer than 160 characters, consider text messaging apps such as Facebook Messenger. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Email a Text How to Send a Text Message to a Group How to Email a Phone Number 3GP File (What It Is & How to Open One) Everything You Need to Know About iPhone SMS & MMS iPhone Text Messages Not Sending? Here's How to Fix It What Is Google Chat? How to Fix It When WhatsApp Images and Videos Are Not Showing in Gallery Best Free Internet Phone Calls Apps (October 2022) How to Fix Not Getting Text Notifications on iPhone How to Stop Sending Duplicate Text Messages on Android Yahoo Messenger: What Was It & Why Did It Shut Down? How to Set up and Use the Google Duo Chat App 4 Best Free Video Editors for YouTube in 2022 How to Forward a Text Message to Email How to Use Google Chat Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies