What is an MMS API?

An MMS API (multimedia messaging service - application programming interface) is a set of programming instructions that allow software, websites, CRMs, and applications to interact with MMS-compliant messaging servers. This can include sending and receiving picture messages, GIFs, audio, video, and more.

Developers can build visual messaging features into their applications using an MMS API. This can be useful for businesses that want to send marketing messages to their customers or for anyone who wants to communicate with others via text message in a more creative way.

What Is MMS?

MMS stands for Multimedia Messaging Service and is an extension of the core Short Message Service (SMS), or SMS protocol. This essentially means that it's a way to send text messages that include multimedia content, such as pictures and videos. Put more simply: When you text your friend about the restaurant you just tried, that's SMS. But when you send a picture of the meal? That's MMS.

Why Integrate an MMS API into Your Business?

A multimedia message service naturally complements other marketing strategies you may already have in place. When you send a picture or other media, you not only increase the chances of customer engagement, but you also create a unique experience that builds your business's brand. Here are some more reasons.

There are over 5 billion unique mobile users globally, & over 273 million people are actively using their smartphone at any given time. 84% of these consumers have already received a text message from a business or organization, & that number is steadily growing.

In 2018 alone, there were over 2 trillion SMS and MMS messages exchanged— that's 5.5 billion text messages per day and over 63,000 texts per second! It's no wonder that so many businesses are taking advantage of MMS marketing to grow their business.

SMS & MMS text messaging dominates peer-to-peer communication, and is also becoming increasingly important in business-to-consumer communication. So, if you're looking to boost your marketing power, an MMS messaging service is it!

MMS is Perfect For:

MMS messaging naturally complements other marketing strategies you may already have in place. When you send a picture or other media, you not only increase the chances of customer engagement, you also create a unique experience that builds your business's brand.

Common MMS API Use Cases

The most common types of messages smartphone users receive from businesses are appointment reminders (86%), coupons or discounts (67%), service notifications (55%), customer service follow-ups (55%) and sweepstakes and/or contests (34%).

Customers also reported that SMS and MMS messages were their preferred method of communication for appointment reminders, service notifications, and promotions compared to other information mediums like voice broadcast or emails. The possibilities are endless.

  • Business and contact cards
  • Deals and promotions
  • News and updates
  • Image-based polls and surveys
  • Ticket and booking confirmations
  • Important documents and files
  • Mobile coupons and QR codes
  • Customer support

MMS Messaging Rules & Compliance

Several agencies regulate the messaging world. The 1991 Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) was the first legislation passed that regulated the use of phones, but since then other organizations have been formed to better protect customers. These include the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and Mobile Marketing Association (MMA).

Each serves a different purpose and has different rules. Specific rules and regulations also depend on whether you're using a short code or a long code to send MMS messages. It's a lot to take in, so below we've just included the general guidelines you'll need to follow to stay in compliance. If you ever have any questions about MMS marketing rules and compliance, our helpful team of specialists are always here to answer them for you.

a text message with a happy face

Consent

Before sending any messages to users, they must first give consent to receive marketing-based messages. Conversely, subscribers must also be able to rescind permission at any time. Your first message should include this important opt-in and opt-out information.

three text message templates sitting besides one another

Content

All content must promote a positive user experience, meaning that no businesses can send messages that contain unapproved or illicit content, such as hate speech, lewd images, profanity, and illegal drug endorsements. Messages to minors are subject to further restrictions.

a text message with words in it and a pencil beside it that's writing the words'

Keywords

Businesses must respond to universally recognized keywords such as STOP and HELP. If a subscriber opts-out of your service by texting STOP, you can't send further messages. If a user texts HELP, you must send a compliant response, even if they're not a subscriber.

Why Use Esendex’s MMS API?

Fast Speeds & Deliverability

Our MMS API has fast throughput, dependable security, & smooth connections always deliver your messages the first time around. With a tier 1 network our MMS service has an incredibly strong framework with a 99.9% guaranteed uptime MMS gateway.

Free 24/7 Emergency Support

Almost all MMS API providers make you pay for after-hours support, but Esendex isn't your average provider. You can expect fast response times, fast troubleshooting, and easy-to-read documentation 24/7 all year round. And guess what? You won't pay a penny.

Message Confirmation

Our MMS API Gateway supports SMS confirmation, so you'll always know when your messages are successfully delivered and viewed. And since each MMS message can have up to 2 MB of content, you can rest assured that you're delivering engaging content.

SEND MASS MMS TEXTS

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Explore Our MMS API Blog

The Esendex blog has the latest content for all of your multimedia messaging needs.

A man in a suite reaching out his hand sending multimedia text messages from nowhere
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