> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.recart.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.recart.com/sms/add-images-to-sms-messages.md).

# Add Images to SMS Messages

Use this guide to add images and GIFs to your SMS messages so you can send visually engaging, branded communications to your subscribers.

### Table of Contents

* [How It Works](#howitworks)
* [Supported File Types & Size Requirements](#supportfile)
* [Image Orientation & Dimensions](#imageexample)
* [Character Limit for MMS Messages](#CHaracterlimit)
* [Best Practices](#bestpractices)
* [What's Next](#whatsmnext)

### How It Works

When you add an image or GIF to a text message, it automatically converts to an **MMS message**. You can add images directly in the campaign or flow editor.

1. Open the **Campaign** or **Flow** editor.
2. Click **+ Add more** and select **Image/GIF**.
3. Add your image in one of two ways:
   1. **Drag and drop** your file into the upload box.
   2. Click **Product images** to pull images directly from your Shopify store. You can search by product name.
4. To replace or remove an image, hover over the image element in the editor and use the controls that appear.

![IM1a](https://2167119381-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F2I45aTZ733MBi8Vps3Ib%2Fuploads%2FDEEOCmaksPxhr76u8uv0%2Fadd-images-to-sms-messages-1.jpg?alt=media)

**Note:** Each message can contain a maximum of one text element and one image element. To include additional images, add a separate message block.

![IM2](https://2167119381-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F2I45aTZ733MBi8Vps3Ib%2Fuploads%2FN33mq0CuP9gUsBubBOhS%2Fadd-images-to-sms-messages-2.jpg?alt=media)

![IM3](https://2167119381-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F2I45aTZ733MBi8Vps3Ib%2Fuploads%2FxsDtMDBLyMsaQVnaCJTQ%2Fadd-images-to-sms-messages-3.jpg?alt=media)

### Supported File Types & Size Requirements

| Type  | Supported Formats                                  | Max Size |
| ----- | -------------------------------------------------- | -------- |
| Image | JPG, JPEG, PNG, WebP (converted to JPEG on upload) | 25 MB    |
| GIF   | GIF (no sound supported)                           | 500 KB   |

Keep image files as small as possible — **200 KB or under is recommended** for best delivery speed. Exceeding the size limits will prevent the file from uploading or cause the message to fail delivery.

### Image Orientation & Dimensions

[![](https://2167119381-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F2I45aTZ733MBi8Vps3Ib%2Fuploads%2FNidd8Pfxj2DN3phqHbCS%2Fadd-images-to-sms-messages-4.png?alt=media)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/469989146/9750ee0e7aceba2db6cb0398/Screenshot+2022-02-22+at+20.13.53.png)

Images that exceed the recommended dimensions may be cropped on the recipient's device, requiring them to tap to expand.

### Character Limit for MMS Messages

When a message is converted to MMS (by adding an image or GIF), the character limit increases from the standard SMS limit to **1,000 characters**.

If you need more text, add a separate message block — either a plain SMS or another MMS with an image.

### Best Practices

**Required:**

* Stay within the 500 KB GIF size limit. Larger files will fail to upload or deliver.

**Recommended:**

* Use square (1:1) or vertical (9:16) images — these display best across most mobile devices.
* Keep images under 200 KB to improve delivery speed.
* Use short GIF animations. Long GIFs are often skipped before they finish playing.
* Keep GIF content simple — product shots, collection banners, or promotional graphics work best.
* Stick to a consistent image size once you find what works for your brand.

![Recart\_Add\_Images\_](https://2167119381-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F2I45aTZ733MBi8Vps3Ib%2Fuploads%2FhWvQZeUJCHLuYomwiEWq%2Fadd-images-to-sms-messages-5.gif?alt=media)

**Avoid:**

* Adding images or GIFs to **welcome flows or time-sensitive messages.** MMS delivery can be delayed by several hours compared to standard SMS.
* Sending landscape images unless necessary — they are less optimized for mobile viewports.

### What's Next

Once you've added images to your messages, you can:

* [Create an SMS Campaign](#)
* [Build a Flow with multiple message blocks](#)

If you have questions, contact our **Customer Support** team — we're happy to help.


---

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