Title: MMS vs SMS URL: https://www.infobip.com/guides/mms/the-difference-between-mms-and-sms MMS MARKETING GUIDE / CHAPTER 2 # MMS vs. SMS: How do they differ? Discover the differences between the two mobile messaging channels and how they can enhance your communication strategy when paired together. [ What is MMS marketing? ](/guides/mms) [ All chapters ](#chapters) [ MMS marketing examples ](/guides/mms/examples) ## What's the difference between SMS and MMS? ####### SMS Short Message Service (SMS), or a text, is exactly that – a short message made of only text. It allows you to send and receive messages of maximum 160 characters and over a mobile network.  ####### MMS Multimedia Message Service (MMS) is the next level of SMS. It uses multimedia like images and videos, along with text making for richer communication between users. ## A side-by-side comparison of SMS and MMS SMSMMS160 character limitHigher limit than SMS- dependent on providerSend text onlySend text, videos, imagesInexpensiveMore expensive than SMSAny mobile phone can receive SMSNot all mobile phones can receive MMSIdeal for immediate communication (ie. reminders, announcements, updates, 2FA)Ideal for creative messages (ie. promotions, coupons, QR codes) ## Pros and cons of SMS and MMS SMS and MMS are both mobile messaging channels but carry their own advantages and weaknesses that are important to note:  SMSMMS**Pros**Available on all devices Reliable delivery Simple to use Cost Effective Send multimedia messages Compatible on a wide range of phones Enriches communication High character limit**Cons**Character limit of 160 characters No multimedia Prone to spam and scam attacksExpensive Limited file size Higher chance of undelivered messages ## Best use cases for SMS vs. MMS So using both channels together, depending on the use case, can improve customer engagement, loyalty and responsiveness to your marketing messages. Take a look at ideal use cases for SMS and MMS: ## SMS USE CASES Authentication ## Verify and authenticate users SMS two-factor authentication (2FA) is a simple and reliable way to verify user identity and reduce the risk of hackers getting access to your customers' accounts. [ Read more about SMS 2FA ](/sms/2fa) Transactional messages ## Send transactional SMS Transactional SMS messages allows you to keep your customers updated on important information like account activity, order confirmations, booking confirmations, password reset confirmations, and so on. [ Read more about transactional SMS ](/sms/transactional-sms) Reminders ## Promptly remind customers with SMS Sending reminders on SMS is ideal because of the reliability of delivery. Remind customers of upcoming appointments, delivery reminders, overdue payment reminders, and so on. [ Read more about SMS reminders ](/sms/reminders) Notifications ## Quickly update and alert customers with SMS Sending notifications over SMS is ideal for informing customers about changes to schedules or orders, [emergency alerts](/blog/guide-to-mass-text-alert-systems), or any other time-sensitive events they need to know about. [ Read more about SMS notifications ](/sms/notifications) Promotional ## SMS for promotional marketing Promotional SMS ensure that your customers see your marketing campaigns and advertisements through a reliable channel. Send discount codes, promotional offers, upcoming sales and so on over SMS. [ Read more about promotional SMS ](/sms/promotional-sms) ## MMS USE CASES Temporary credit card ## Temporary credit card Customers can easily text a designated number, verify their identity, and receive a QR code in return over MMS. This QR code serves as either a single-use or time-restricted card, primed for scanning at the check-out counter. [ Explore more MMS use cases ](/mms/use-cases) Delivery ## Provide proof of delivery Using MMS, delivery couriers can easily send an image to validate that the customer's package has been delivered and where they can find their package. [ Explore more MMS use cases ](/mms/use-cases) Insurance ## Speed up the insurance claim process Customers can accelerate the process of submitting a claim by instantly sending images needed to complete a claim to their insurance provider after an accident for example. [ Explore more MMS use cases ](/mms/use-cases) Product registration ## Register products with MMS Engage with customers after purchase over MMS and allow them to send their bar code to start their product registration process. [ Explore more MMS use cases ](/mms/use-cases) ## MMS and SMS: The perfect marketing combo When we look at the bigger picture, we shouldn’t be limited to thinking that it’s always SMS vs. MMS.  In fact, because of their differences and individual pros and cons, using both channels in combination can make your communication and marketing efforts much more effective.  In an effective omnichannel communication strategy you don’t have to choose between the two, but can use both, leveraging each’s best features depending on the context.  This has been highlighted by a number of our clients in the healthcare sector who use the SMS and MMS channels very effectively to fulfill prescriptions, for example for contact lenses:  ![](https://cdn-web.infobip.com/uploads/2023/07/Infobip_MMS-vs-SMS_800x600px_v2-01.png) Customer initiated MMS ## The customer takes a picture of their prescription and sends it to their medical provider via MMS ![](https://cdn-web.infobip.com/uploads/2023/07/Infobip_MMS-vs-SMS_800x600px_v2-02.png) Continue conversation via SMS ## Two-way conversation can resume over the cost-effective SMS channel once the image is received ![](https://cdn-web.infobip.com/uploads/2023/07/Infobip_MMS-vs-SMS_800x600px_v2-03-2.png) Redirect additional requests ## If needed, email addresses and URLs can be sent via SMS for any additional requests ![](https://cdn-web.infobip.com/uploads/2023/07/Infobip_MMS-vs-SMS_800x600px_v2-04.png) Beneficial results ## Customer has a frictionless experience and the business gets maximum ROI and satisfied customers ####### Continue reading our MMS marketing guide ## Build customer relationships over every possible channel Deliver true omnichannel experiences on the most robust platform. [ Read chapter 1: Introduction: What is MMS marketing?](/guides/mms) Currently reading - Chapter 2: MMS vs SMS: differences [ Read chapter 3: MMS marketing examples & tips ](/guides/mms/examples)[ Read chapter 4: How to choose an MMS provider](/guides/mms/choose-a-provider)