> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://plivo.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# MMS

> MMS support, media types, file size limits, and delivery troubleshooting

Frequently asked questions about MMS messaging, supported media types, size limits, and delivery.

***

## What is MMS?

MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) allows sending images, videos, and audio in addition to text.

**Availability:** US and Canada only

***

## Is MMS supported by all carriers in the US and Canada?

### Major Carriers

* AT\&T, Verizon, T-Mobile (US)
* Rogers, Bell, Fido, Telus, Wind Canada

### Minor Carriers

365 Wireless, Alaska Communication System (ACS), Alltel Wireless, Bluegrass Cellular, Boost Mobile, and others.

***

## How much does it cost to send and receive MMS messages?

| Direction | Cost per Message |
| - | - |
| Outbound | \$0.0160 |
| Inbound | \$0.0080 |

Volume discounts available—contact [Plivo Sales](https://www.plivo.com/contact/sales/).

***

## Why was my SMS delivered as an MMS?

During peak traffic, Plivo's routing algorithm may occasionally send an SMS as an MMS to clear the queue faster and speed up delivery. To the recipient, the message looks like a regular long text SMS. You are billed only the standard SMS rate and the corresponding SMS carrier surcharge. Plivo covers the additional MMS costs and the associated carrier surcharge. For any concerns, please raise a support ticket with our team.

***

## What types of multimedia content does Plivo accept?

| Category | Formats |
| - | - |
| **Image** | JPEG, PNG, GIF |
| **Video** | MP4, 3GP, MOV |
| **Audio** | MP3, WAV, AMR |

See [full list](https://plivo.com/docs/faq/messaging/mms.md) of accepted content types.

***

## What are the size limitations for sending messages with text and images?

| Limit | Value |
| - | - |
| Total message size | 5 MB |
| Maximum attachments | 10 files |
| Text content | 1,600 characters (\~4.8 KB) |
| Recommended image size | \< 600 KB |

**Note:** Plivo does not resize images. Messages exceeding 5 MB fail with error code 120.

***

## Will Plivo automatically resize my images for MMS messaging?

No. Plivo does not resize images. You must ensure total message size is under 5 MB before sending.

***

## What MMS content types does Plivo support?

Media URLs must return valid `Content-Type` and `Content-Length` headers. URLs without these headers are rejected.

***

## How do I send MMS via API?

```bash theme={null}
curl -X POST "https://api.plivo.com/v1/Account/{auth_id}/Message/" \
  -u "{auth_id}:{auth_token}" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "src": "14151234567",
    "dst": "14157654321",
    "type": "mms",
    "text": "Check out this image!",
    "media_urls": ["https://example.com/image.jpg"]
  }'
```

***

## How do I send MMS via Powerpack?

Replace `src` with `powerpack_uuid`:

```json theme={null}
{
  "powerpack_uuid": "your-powerpack-uuid",
  "dst": "14157654321",
  "type": "mms",
  "media_urls": ["https://example.com/image.jpg"]
}
```

***

## How does Plivo manage delivery order of multiple media files via one MMS message?

Send up to 10 files in one message:

```json theme={null}
{
  "media_urls": [
    "https://example.com/image1.jpg",
    "https://example.com/image2.jpg",
    "https://example.com/image3.jpg"
  ]
}
```

**Note:** Media file order is not guaranteed at delivery.

***

## How can I upload media to an MMS message?

### Via Console

1. Navigate to **Messaging > MMS Media Upload**
2. Upload files
3. Use returned `media_id` in API requests

### Via API

Use the [Media API](https://www.plivo.com/docs/messaging/api/media/) to upload and manage files.

### Hosted Media

Host media on any cloud storage (S3, GCS, etc.) and provide the URL in `media_urls`.

***

## How long does Plivo store MMS media files?

| Feature | Details |
| - | - |
| Storage duration | Up to 1 year |
| URL type | Publicly accessible |
| Extension | Case-by-case basis |

Media files sent or received are stored in your account with unique URLs.

***

## How can I retrieve Plivo MMS media files?

**Via SDK:** Use the list media method

**Via API:** Use the [Media API](https://www.plivo.com/docs/messaging/api/media/)

***

## How do I receive MMS messages?

1. Set `message_url` on your Plivo application
2. Assign MMS-enabled number to application
3. Plivo POSTs inbound MMS to your URL

### Inbound Parameters

In addition to standard SMS parameters:

| Parameter | Description |
| - | - |
| `Type` | "mms" for multimedia messages |
| `Media0`, `Media1`, ... | URLs of attached media files |

***

## What do the different MMS delivery statuses mean?

| Status | Meaning |
| - | - |
| **queued** | Message accepted, waiting to send |
| **sent** | Sent to carrier |
| **delivered** | Confirmed delivery to recipient |
| **undelivered** | Failed to deliver |
| **failed** | Error occurred |

View status in Message Detail Records or via delivery callbacks.

***

## Can I send and receive MMS on my toll-free phone number?

Yes. Toll-free numbers support MMS in the US and Canada.

**Features:**

* Videos up to 40 seconds
* Audio files
* Animated GIFs
* Images and slideshows
* Automatic message queuing

***

## What are the MMS rate limits?

### Account Level

| Limit | Value |
| - | - |
| Default MMS MPS | 0.25 |
| API concurrency | 100 simultaneous requests |

### Per Number

Long code numbers have individual throughput limits.

***

## What happens to MMS messages sent to unsupported destinations?

MMS to countries or devices without MMS support returns HTTP 400 error.

***

## What happens to MMS messages sent from unsupported phone numbers?

HTTP 400 error is returned. Use an MMS-enabled number.

***

## Does Plivo do anything with the metadata associated with digital pictures?

* Metadata (date, time, location) is usually stripped by sending carrier
* If carrier preserves metadata, Plivo passes it through
* No modification of received metadata

***

## Related Resources

* [Messaging API Overview](https://plivo.com/docs/faq/messaging/messaging-api.md)
* [SMS](https://plivo.com/docs/faq/messaging/sms.md)
* [MMS API Reference](https://www.plivo.com/docs/messaging/api/message/)
* [Media API Reference](https://www.plivo.com/docs/messaging/api/media/)
