What is the difference between SMS and MMS?

SMS is a plain text message, limited to 160 characters per segment before it splits. MMS is a multimedia message that can carry an image, GIF, or longer text (up to around 1,600 characters). MMS costs more to send because it is a richer message.

Should a church send SMS or MMS?

Use SMS for most messages: reminders, service times, prayer follow-ups, and links. Use MMS when an image genuinely adds value, like an event flyer or a photo, and you are willing to pay the higher per-message cost. A link to an image in an SMS is often cheaper than sending MMS.

Does MMS cost more than SMS?

Yes. Carriers charge more per MMS than per SMS segment, so a picture message sent to a large list adds up quickly. For routine messages, plain SMS with a short link is the economical choice.

Do emojis make a text cost more?

They can. A single emoji switches the message from GSM-7 to Unicode encoding, which drops the per-segment limit from 160 characters to 70. That can push a message into extra segments and raise its cost, even though it is still SMS.

Reference

SMS vs. MMS for churches

SMS is a text-only message. MMS adds pictures and longer copy, and costs more. Here is when each one is worth sending, and how the cost actually works so a picture message does not surprise your budget.

Last reviewed July 2026.

SMS (text only)

Up to 160 characters per segment (70 if it contains an emoji or special character).
Cheapest per message.
Perfect for reminders, links, prayer follow-ups, and quick updates.

MMS (with media)

Carries an image, GIF, or up to roughly 1,600 characters.
Costs more per message than SMS.
Worth it for event flyers, photos, and announcements where the image is the point.

When to send which

Default to SMS. If you want people to see an image, ask whether a short link to the image would do the job for a fraction of the cost. Save MMS for the handful of moments where the picture itself carries the message, like a printed event flyer you want people to glance at without clicking. Want to see the math on a specific message? Try the character counter or the cost calculator.

Common questions

What is the difference between SMS and MMS?: SMS is a plain text message, limited to 160 characters per segment before it splits. MMS is a multimedia message that can carry an image, GIF, or longer text (up to around 1,600 characters). MMS costs more to send because it is a richer message.
Should a church send SMS or MMS?: Use SMS for most messages: reminders, service times, prayer follow-ups, and links. Use MMS when an image genuinely adds value, like an event flyer or a photo, and you are willing to pay the higher per-message cost. A link to an image in an SMS is often cheaper than sending MMS.
Does MMS cost more than SMS?: Yes. Carriers charge more per MMS than per SMS segment, so a picture message sent to a large list adds up quickly. For routine messages, plain SMS with a short link is the economical choice.
Do emojis make a text cost more?: They can. A single emoji switches the message from GSM-7 to Unicode encoding, which drops the per-segment limit from 160 characters to 70. That can push a message into extra segments and raise its cost, even though it is still SMS.

Send both, without the guesswork

Vesperbell supports SMS and MMS and shows you the segment count and cost before you send. Read the glossary or the texting FAQ.