SMS and MMS are the two types of text messages you can send from Textr Team. They differ in one fundamental way: an SMS is plain text that can include a link, while an MMS is a picture message where the image itself is the content. This article explains the technical differences between the two, how each one works in Textr Team (supported formats, file size, sending behavior), what each costs per message, and which type fits common business scenarios.
The Core Difference Between SMS and MMS
SMS (Short Message Service) is the original text message format. A single SMS segment carries up to 160 characters of plain text. It cannot contain images, video, or audio, but it can contain a URL, which makes it suitable for sending someone to an order page, a booking form, or your website.
MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) is built on the same technology but carries media. In business texting, an MMS is a picture message: the image is the content, and anything you want to show, such as text, a QR code, a coupon, or a product photo, is placed inside the image before sending.
Note: Carriers may filter SMS that contain links, especially public URL shorteners or messages sent from an unregistered number. To reduce the risk of blocking, complete the required registration for your number (The Campaign Registry for US local numbers, Toll-Free Verification for US/CA toll-free numbers) and use full, reputable URLs instead of shorteners.
SMS vs. MMS at a Glance
| Feature | SMS | MMS |
|---|---|---|
| Content | Plain text, emoji, and links | An image is the content; text or a QR code goes inside the image |
| Media support | None | Images; video and audio are not supported in Textr Team |
| Message length | 160 characters per segment; 70 per segment with emoji or special characters | None |
| Phone compatibility | Every mobile phone receives SMS | Nearly all modern phones receive MMS; some very old feature phones may not display the media |
| Cost per message | Lower | Higher |
| Typical use | Alerts, reminders, two-way support, messages with a link | Product photos, promotional cards, QR codes, receipts |
How SMS and MMS Work in Textr Team
Both message types are sent from the Messages tab, on the web and in the mobile app. The table below shows the differences that matter in daily use.
| Item | SMS | MMS |
|---|---|---|
| Sending steps | Messages > New, type the text, press Send | In the composer, click the image icon and select a PNG or JPG file |
| Supported content | Text, emoji, links | PNG and JPG images only; video and audio files are not supported |
| Recommended file size | Not applicable | Keep images under 1MB for the best delivery rate; carrier limits vary |
| Sending behavior | Sends when you press Send | Selecting an image file sends the message immediately, with no confirmation step |
| Number support | All Textr Team numbers | US/CA numbers only (local and toll-free) |
| Bulk sending | Supported (TCR/Toll-free Verification required) | Not supported |
Warning: Picking an image file sends the MMS immediately, without a confirmation step. Make sure the To: field is correct and you selected the right image before choosing the file.
For step-by-step sending instructions, see Start Texting and How to Send Picture Messages (MMS). Sent and received messages appear in each conversation. For monthly logs, see How to View SMS/MMS History, or use the Photo filter in Messages to find image threads.
What SMS and MMS Cost on Textr Team
Textr Team uses pay-as-you-go pricing. Each number has a fixed monthly fee, and every message is billed separately. Messages that fail to send are not charged. Current US and Canada message rates:
| Message | Route | Price per message (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| SMS, outbound | US/CA local number to US/Canada | $0.025 |
| SMS, outbound | US/CA toll-free number to US/Canada | $0.03 |
| SMS, inbound | Any sender to your US/CA number | $0.025 |
| MMS, outbound | US/CA number (local or toll-free) to US/Canada | $0.06 |
| MMS, inbound | Any sender to your US/CA local number | $0.05 |
| MMS, inbound | Any sender to your US/CA toll-free number | $0.06 |
An SMS longer than one segment is billed per segment. For example, a 320-character text is charged as two segments. New subscriptions include no allowance and are billed at the rates above from the first message.
See the full rate table for other destinations and Textr Team cost guide, and the pricing page for number monthly fees.
Which Type Fits Which Scenario
Because an SMS is plain text that reaches every phone, it fits short, time-sensitive, transactional messages. Because an MMS is a picture, it fits messages where the visual is the point.
Common SMS scenarios
- Appointment reminders
- Order confirmations
- Delivery and tracking updates
- Time-sensitive alerts
- Two-way customer support conversations
- Messages that send the recipient to a link, such as an order status page or a booking form
Common MMS scenarios
- Product photos
- Promotional banners, coupons, or cards with a QR code inside the image
- Receipts, invoices, or screenshots
- Holiday and birthday greeting cards
- Any message that needs a designed layout or brand visuals
A QR code can only travel inside an MMS image; an SMS cannot display a scannable code. A practical pattern is to use SMS for transactional traffic, and reserve MMS for campaigns and moments where an image carries the message.
Frequently Asked Questions
More questions are covered in Frequently Asked Questions About Sending SMS and MMS. If you have further questions about SMS or MMS on your account, contact our support team.