MMS messages may contain static images, GIFs, or MP4 video content. 56% of consumers say they’re more likely to engage with text messages from a brand if they include GIFs, images, or emojis, compared to copy-only messages. This is especially true when messages include complementary information, like an image of the featured product. Regardless, we recommend runningA/B tests in your campaigns and journeys to learn what kinds of messages perform best for your brand.
What size should my image or video be?
Aim to keep the file size of static images, GIFs, and videos around 200 KB. MMS messages can include files up to 500 KB, but keep in mind that file size can affect MMS speed and deliverability.
What file types should I use for MMS images and videos?
We recommend the following file types:
| Media type | File format |
|---|---|
| Static image | JPG or PNG |
| Animated image | GIF |
| Native video | MP4 |
Should I use images in JPG or PNG format?
When choosing between images in JPG and PNG formats, consider what you’re using the image for:
- Choose JPG for photographs or images with a lot of colors. JPG files are compressed and file sizes tend to be smaller than PNG images, which helps speed up message sending and image loading. Keep in mind that quality can vary between different devices, because JPG images are compressed.
- Choose PNG for images where high quality and transparent backgrounds are important.
We generally recommend JPG images to speed up message sending and image loading.
What aspect ratios can I use?
You can use any aspect ratio for your media. We recommend using the same aspect ratio for all of your media to make it easier to manage and prepare multimedia content. The tables below recommend some different aspect ratios along with pros and cons for each.
Static images
| Aspect ratio | Exportation | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 375 x 375 (square) | 2x | Easiest to accurately format | Size is limited to the maximum message width. |
| 375 x 500 (portrait) | 2x | Appears larger than other aspect ratios in an MMS | Must include a margin or spacing on the outside to ensure that the thumbnail doesn't crop the image. |
| 500 x 375 (landscape) | 2x | You can incorporate an image or video screenshot that's currently formatted with landscape proportions. | Most devices default to portrait orientation, which causes them to shrink landscape images to fit the narrow width.
Must include a margin or spacing on the outside to ensure that the thumbnail doesn't crop the image. |
| 750 x 750 (square) | 1x | Easiest to accurately format | Size is limited to the maximum message width. |
| 750 x 1000 (portrait) | 1x | Appears larger than other aspect ratios in an MMS | Must include a margin or spacing on the outside to ensure that the thumbnail doesn't crop the image. |
| 1000 x 750 (landscape) | 1x | You can incorporate an image or video screenshot that's currently formatted with landscape proportions. | Most devices default to portrait orientation, which causes them to shrink landscape images to fit the narrow width.
Must include a margin or spacing on the outside to ensure that the thumbnail doesn't crop the image. |
In the screenshots below, the square media appears largest, although the landscape and portrait images are bigger. This is because the phone resized the portrait and landscape images to fit within the dimensions of the text messaging app. The same applies to video content.
Videos and GIFs
To ensure that important elements of your GIFs and videos aren’t cropped, avoid placing them near the edges. In the table below, avoid putting important elements within the “Cropping risk” zones for each aspect ratio.
| Aspect ratio | Cropping risk | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 480 x 480 (square) | Top: 39px
Bottom: 39px Left: 43px Right: 39px |
Easiest to accurately format. | All content is included in the image
Size is limited to the maximum message width. |
| 480 x 640 (landscape or portrait) | Top: 65px
Bottom: 58px Left: 39 px Right: 39 px |
You can use this to resize and reformat the ratio of existing video content (e.g., social media posts) below 500KB. | May accidentally crop video content. |
| 480 x 720 (landscape or portrait) | Top: 39px
Bottom: 39px Left: 44px Right: 39px |
You can use this to resize and reformat the ratio of existing video content (e.g., social media posts) below 500KB. | May accidentally crop video content. |
What are some best practices for using GIFs in messages?
Follow these best practices when using GIFs in messages:
- Keep animations short: Short GIFs have smaller file sizes and are more likely to be watched completely.
- Simplify your animations: Use straightforward, looping animations like holiday banners, product highlights, or memes.
- Optimize with Photoshop
- Use the "Perspective" setting.
- When exporting, select "Save for Web".
- Avoid "Diffusion" in the “Transparency” settings.
- Reduce file size: Convert your GIF to a video format, remove every other frame, and set the frame delay to 0.8 seconds.
How do I compress MP4 videos?
To compress MP4 videos while keeping file sizes under 500KB, we suggest using tools like FreeConvert File Converter or Veed.io Video Compressor. Remember that compression may reduce video and audio quality, so it's best not to compress very long videos.
How long should my video be?
Aim to keep your videos under 10 seconds. Longer videos may need extra compression, which can reduce their audio and visual quality.
What are best practices for creating or editing media for messages?
We recommend these best practices when creating or editing media for messages:
- Ensure high color contrast: Ensure a distinct separation between the background and foreground elements to prevent images from appearing blurry or monochromatic.
- Avoid similar gradients: Gradients too close in color can blend into a solid color, reducing detail.
- Use solid backgrounds: Use solid backgrounds, since transparent ones can appear as random solid colors in messages.
- Eliminate borders: Avoid using borders. On iOS devices, borders can appear shifted to the right due to the design of the message bubbles.
- Limit opacity transitions: Be cautious with opacity changes in GIFs or videos, as they can introduce unexpected colors and increase file size.
These guidelines help ensure your media is visually effective and displays properly across different devices.