What are SMS and MMS?
Every one of us sends or receives messages on daily basis and even after that most of us might get confused when you are asked ‘What do you mean by SMS’? Big problem comes when confusion becomes bigger on the difference among SMS and MMS. Although both of the terms actually directs to a type of messages but still both are different. The difference and the actual meaning of both the abbreviations can be understood by the following mentioned definitions, differences etc.
What is SMS?
Let’s understand now what does SMS means. SMS refers to “Short Message Service”. It simply refers to a text message of any type and is the oldest texting method that is frequently in use. It allows you to send or receiving short text messages using some standard protocols. It is still a popular form of communication even after so many communication alternatives present.
What is MMS?
MMS or “Multimedia Messaging Service” as the name suggests includes a message that contains a media either video, audio, image, or slideshow with various pictures up to the time limit of 40 seconds. Most of the modern devices support MMS messaging. But if your device does not have any support for MMS messages then you will receive a message with a URL that will lead you to a browser where you can access that file. It is a new way for conversing with people using mobile devices.
Difference between SMS and MMS
| Difference | SMS | MMS |
| Full Form | Short Message Service | Multimedia Messaging Service |
| Message size | Up to 160 characters | Unlimited |
| Price | SMS is cheaper to send | MMS messages cost you more than a MMS |
| Internet | It doesn’t require any internet connection to be sent | Data package is required to send an MMS as it includes multimedia |
| Protocols | Passed from the base station to another via switchers and servers | It uses TCP/IP protocol to encrypt or decrypt any message. |
You need a deep understanding to know the differences among these two terms. In an MMS message, you are sending or receiving multimedia like image, audio, GIF, video to and from another device. While, an SMS is just a plain text message. SMS messages are transmitted from one device to another by the means of cell towers whereas MMS is completely different as it uses TCP/IP protocol for its transmission which means MMS makes the use of internet connection to get transmitted.
Similarities among SMS and MMS
There can be several similarities between an SMS and MMS, some of those are hereby mentioned.
- Both of the message service allows sending or receiving of message via cellular network.
- Both of them are used for mobile marketing as every user who has a mobile can receive messages.
- They are utilized for sharing content directly to the user with the mobile device.
Benefits of SMS
- An SMS is a short and sweet, direct to the point text written to convey your message. As you can write on 160 characters, you know how to convey your message within few words without much thought.
- SMS is quite cheaper as compared to an MMS.
- You don’t need to own a smartphone in order to send a text message through SMS.
- Your message can reach to a wide base of audience whether they have data package or not, they just need to have a mobile phone and that’s it.
Benefits of MMS
- You can send multimedia including image, video, audio, slideshow, etc. within an MMS along with a plain text.
- There is no such thing like a message limit in MMS.
- MMS messages are more pleasing and appealing as they include multimedia.
- If your receiver has a smartphone then it is better to send an MMS message to him.
How is MMS helpful for any business?
MMS works as a powerful tool for any business communication. You can say that MMS is a younger and beautiful sibling of SMS. It has several benefits to all types of business communication. Based on a survey, it was calculated that most of the text messages are opened and read within some time that is not always possible in the case of any mail or other form of communication.
Several of the people from the survey informed that they are less likely to open a text if it is sent without a media file. Thus including an image, audio or any banner would be beneficial if you want your customer to buy that product. MMS messages build a bond between the customer and seller of the product.
You can send your business location with MMS to your direct customers when you want them to reach your store. With MMS, you can send images or links to the location to make it easy for them to reach you.
You can send and receive screenshots to and from your clients whenever needed either in case of payment or order status.
You can show off your product by sending the image with an MMS mentioning the details or even you can send your clients any coupon, discounts, and deals you are offering with an MMS. Not only this, but you can even wish your regular customers on their special occasions like a wedding or anniversary.
MMS has become a strong and irreplaceable part of most of people’s lives today. Many businesses are using this service as a powerful tool of their marketing campaign. It is for sure that future businesses will definitely use this messaging service for promoting their business to boost the sales of their products and service.
MMS is surely providing you more features than SMS service and you can send your long messages with MMS. Thus the choice is yours, but whichever platforms you choose make sure it is utilized properly to its fullest.