When using Aesthetix CRM for text blasts, you can choose between SMS and MMS messaging. Understanding the difference and following best practices ensures your messages are delivered effectively and look their best.

Difference Between SMS and MMS

While SMS (Short Message Service) supports only plain text and emojis, MMS (Multimedia Message Service) allows you to include images or GIFs, making your text blasts more engaging.

SMS (1 segment):
- Character limit: 160 characters
- Media: Plain text only, no images or GIFs
- Deliverability: Reaches any mobile device
MMS:
- Character limit: 1600 characters plus media attachment
- Media: Supports one image or GIF per message (up to 700KB)
- Deliverability: Requires a smartphone that can receive media content

Regardless of whether you’re using SMS or MMS, marketing consent rules are the same. If your client has consented to receive SMS marketing, this also applies to MMS. Be sure to review consent guidelines when setting up campaigns.

Supported Media Types and File Sizes

Aesthetix CRM supports the following formats for MMS:

JPG, JPEG
PNG
GIF

All files must be under 700KB to ensure delivery without distortion. Larger files may not reach recipients. If necessary, you can use tools like Photoshop or third-party websites (e.g., ezgif.com) to compress media.

PNG vs. JPEG

PNGs: Retain image quality without becoming blurry and support transparency (though it’s not recommended for MMS).
JPEGs: Can be resized easily but lose quality with each edit, potentially appearing blurry.

Tips for File Size and Image Ratios

To avoid issues with distortion or cropping, follow these recommended image sizes and aspect ratios:

Square (1:1): 480x480, 600x600 px
Portrait (9:16): 480x640, 1080x1920 px
Landscape (16:9): 500x375, 1920x1080 px

Portrait-sized media typically looks best on mobile devices, but square formats are also reliable.

Best Practices for MMS

To ensure your media content is clear and looks professional, follow these guidelines:

Do:
- Use high contrast in both colors and gradients to keep the image clear.
- Keep messages concise. While MMS offers more characters, simpler messages usually perform better.
Don’t:
- Avoid transparent backgrounds, as they may not display well.
- Steer clear of borders on images, which can appear misaligned on some devices.
- Refrain from using opacity transitions in GIFs, as they may result in odd color appearances and larger file sizes.

By adhering to these practices, you’ll enhance the quality of your text blasts and ensure better engagement with your audience through Aesthetix CRM.