What is an MMS? Easily explained
The terms SMS and MMS not only sound similar, they also have something to do with each other. We show you what an MMS is and how you send it yourself.
MMS - what is it?
- The abbreviation MMS stands for Multimedia Messaging Service, a further development of the well-known SMS. Only text messages can be sent via SMS, and pictures, videos and documents are also sent via MMS.
- These messages are not sent via the mobile network like SMS, but via the mobile data network. This results in higher costs of around 10 to 20 cents. The MMS can also be seen as the little daughter of email.
- If you write a normal SMS and add a video or picture, the SMS automatically becomes an MMS. You may have to enter the correct data in the settings of your cell phone beforehand. In many cases, however, these are already configured using the SIM card.
- Now that you know what an MMS is, the age of MMS is long gone. Services like WhatsApp and iMessage made sending pictures and videos faster and, above all, cheaper. See the next paragraph for more information.
Why is it hardly worth sending MMS?
- In theory, very large files can also be sent via MMS, but in Germany the size of an MMS is uniformly restricted by network operators.
- Thus, an MMS can be a maximum of 300 kByte, around 0.3 MByte. If you take a photo with your smartphone, it will be around 1 to 3 MB in size. You can still send it via MMS.
- When a message is sent, it ends up in the MMSC, the multimedia messaging center. Here the message is adapted and forwarded by the mobile operator for the recipient. However, the image at the receiver is only around 300 kByte in size and is therefore rather blurred.
- Services such as WhatsApp and iMessage also send pictures and videos, as well as other content. At best, however, you are in a WiFi network, so that shipping is free for you. An MMS is now only worthwhile on classic cell phones.
In the next practical tip, we will show you how WhatsApp works.