What is MMS? Plus, 7 Examples of Effective MMS Messaging

Visuals and multimedia hold power. That’s why most marketing messages you see contain visuals and why photo messaging is so popular.

This ability to send visuals and rich content via text is known as MMS messaging. It is popular in business texting because it enables brands to send multimedia content like images, audio files, and videos to their consumers. But what does it stand for, how does it differ from SMS, and how are brands using it? You’ll get answers to those questions and more in this blog.

Jump right to:

• What Is MMS Messaging?
• How Do SMS and MMS differ?
• 7 MMS Messaging Use Cases

<span id=What>What Is MMS Messaging?</span>

MMS — or multimedia messaging service — allows mobile users to send rich content via text message. MMS messages can include photos, videos, audio clips, rich text, and PDFs. Sending and receiving MMS messages requires the use of a mobile device or an MMS-enabled business texting platform.

A Brief History of MMS Messaging

MMS is an extension of SMS messaging, so lets start there. SMS technology was developed by Friedhelm Hillebrand and Bernard Ghillebaert in 1984. 

The very first SMS message was sent on December 3, 1992 by engineer Neil Papworth. SMS messages were first used by carriers to send notifications to users about voicemail messages and billing. Nokia developed the first phone that enabled nontechnical, everyday users to compose SMS text messages.

Texting grew in popularity in the U.S. In 2000, the average cell phone user sent 35 texts per month.

By 2001, mobile communication technology was advancing rapidly in the U.S. The 3G network offered faster data speeds, improved internet access, and new multimedia capabilities. These advancements paved the way for the introduction of MMS in March 2002. Later that year, the first camera phones hit the U.S. market.

MMS provided users with a richer and more engaging texting experience. It enabled people to share photos, videos, web pages, and other multimedia content with their family and friends via text message. For businesses, it provided opportunities to create more visually engaging mobile marketing.

<span id=Differ>How Do SMS & MMS Differ?</span>

MMS was developed as an advanced version of SMS, so there are some stark differences between the two. Here are some SMS vs MMS differences:

• Content Type
  
  • SMS lets users send plain text only.
  • MMS enables users to send rich text, photos, videos, and audio clips.
• Character Limit
  
  • SMS messages are limited to 160 characters.
  • MMS messages can be up to 1,600 characters.
• Delivery Method:
  
  • SMS messages are sent over the cellular network. 
  • Sending MMS messages requires a cellphone data connection.
• Cost to Send:
  
  • SMS messages are less costly than MMS. Businesses typically pay $0.01 to $0.05 per SMS.
  • It costs more to send MMS messages. Businesses typically pay $0.10 to $0.30 per MMS message.

SMS and MMS are both valuable communication channels for businesses. SMS is useful for sending informational texts and notifications, such as order updates, emergency alerts, and opt-in confirmations. MMS comes in handy for sending things like QR codes, mobile coupons, and other visual elements. 

<span id=Uses>7 MMS Messaging Use Cases</span>

Businesses can leverage MMS messaging to drive traffic, boost sales, nurture customer relationships, and provide convenient customer support. Here are seven examples of how MMS can be implemented:

Abandoned Cart Messages

Reconnect with potential customers and drive them to complete their transactions with visually-engaging abandoned cart messages. Include an image of the product they left in the cart, as well as a link back to the checkout page. Try using language that creates a sense of urgency, or offer an incentive (like a discount) to entice them back to their cart.

New Product Launch

Build awareness and excitement for your new product with an MMS message that includes a compelling image or video of the product. Using a visual allows you to quickly create an emotional reaction and show (instead of tell) how the product works.

Promoting a Seasonal Sale

Your big sale deserves all the attention it can get. Create an eye-catching graphic with high-contrast colors and large, bold fonts that can be read without zooming. Sending a graphic along with your message will significantly increase engagement and clicks.

Flash Sale

Did you know 91% of consumers prefer to learn about deals and offers via text message? Promote your next flash sale with an MMS message that includes a snazzy visual. This encourages customers to act quickly to take advantage of a deal.

Event Invites

Kick off your event text messaging campaign with an eye-catching MMS event invite. Include an event flyer, promotional video, or QR code in your MMS message.

Mobile Coupons

Sending mobile coupons via MMS is a surefire way to drive more customers to your business and strengthen their brand loyalty. You can target specific customer segments with personalized offers.

Customer Support

Incorporating MMS into your customer care process can make it faster and more convenient for customers to explain their issues and get resolutions. Your support team can use MMS to provide video explanations, request photos of damaged products, and send return labels or QR codes.

Deliver Multi-Media Texts at Scale With Mozeo

Ready to reach thousands of customers instantly with highly engaging multimedia messages? 

With Mozeo’s powerful MMS platform, your business can:

• Drive increased traffic and purchases with visual marketing campaigns
• Build brand loyalty and earn repeat customers with engaging messages
• Provide elevated customer service by sharing photos

Create an account today and explore Mozeo’s MMS tools for adding images, video, audio, and other types of rich content to your text messages. Sign up and get a demo now.