Best Practices for Sending Static MMS Images

MMS content deliverability properties

File size

MMS messages are routed through Carrier Gateways (MMSC) to reach mobile subscribers. Each gateway has a maximum message size, which varies across carriers. The file size depends on the destination mobile device and the carrier network. We provide an MMS content transcoding service for our Short Code product to help optimize the size of MMS content. This service automatically resizes content based on mobile device and carrier gateway limitations, reducing deliverability issues when sending content that is too large for the recipient's network.

Dimensions

Most mobile display content in a portrait orientation, making it essential to optimize content for a vertical layout. MMS images should be sized in portrait or square dimensions, as many users are not used to viewing full-screen images. MMS videos may be formatted in a widescreen or portrait format, depending on the content. Widescreen mode is standard for television or movie clips, while portrait mode effectively uses space, and shows a larger video area, in message threads, making it easier to watch and add readable text.

Content of interest area

MMS messages are sent to the destination mobile device's messaging app and displayed in a preview bubble. The preview bubble may cut off parts of the image or video content, and some apps may overlay controls. To maintain interest, position relevant content in the areas displayed in the preview bubble that is displayed prior to opening the message and displaying the content on a full screen.

Best Practices for Sending Static MMS Images

Recommended File Size for Static MMS Images

In MMS messaging, it's crucial to consider image file size and image dimensions to improve deliverability rate. A smaller file size, such as 500Kb, can increase the rate of delivery. MMS image dimensions are typically measured by pixels, which are small dots or squares that affect resolution on a screen. It’s important to consider the trade-off between file size, quality, and delivery speed when sending multimedia content via MMS.

Our recommendations for file size depend on whether or not you plan to use transcoding:

• No Transcoding : We recommend keeping static MMS images files under 500Kb, and no larger than 740Kb
• Sinch Transcoding : We recommend keeping static MMS images files under 1Mb

Recommended Images Dimension for Static MMS Images

The optimal image size across all devices has an aspect ratio of 9:16. We recommend 1080px by 1920px.

Image Design Considerations for Static MMS Images

When an MMS image is delivered to a phone there are typically two ways the content is displayed. The content is displayed in the message conversation thread within a message bubble and then when the image bubble is tapped, the content is displayed in a full screen view. When when the image is displayed within a message bubble, there are portions of the image cut off from view. It's therefore important that any image be designed with the “content of interest” within a more restricted areas of the image so that it's readable from within the conversation view.

• For Images 480 by 480 : Avoid adding content of interest in the top 39px, right 39px, bottom 39px, and left 44px of the gif
• For Images 1080px by 1920px : Avoid adding content of interest on the top 250px and the bottom 250px.

Additional best practices for Static MMS Images

• Image files are best in a .jpg format. This format tends to render faster and are supported on more devices than .png files.
• If you use a .png file, exclude transparency. Transparency will be filled in with color outside of your control by the recipient’s device.
• On current iOS devices, when a static image is opened in a preview mode, it shows a top and bottom navigation bar, which covers a small portion of the top and bottom of the image. When a user touches the image in a preview mode, the top and bottom navigation bars are removed, allowing the user to see the full image. Take the content of interest areas mentioned above into consideration.
• It’s important to consider the trade-off between file size, quality, and delivery speed when sending multimedia content via MMS. Before sending a message, we recommend you send a test MMS to yourself to ensure the quality of the image.

Learn more about Sinch MMS.