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Picture and Video Messaging

Overview

  1. What is Multimedia Messaging?

    Multimedia Messaging allows you to do all of the following:

    • Send picture and video messages that include sound.
    • Send messages to multiple people at once.
    • Attach an address to your message. The address could be your location, or a point of interest, like a store or restaurant.
    • Attach a vCard.

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  2. What is picture and video messaging?

    Picture messaging is a feature that allows you to send pictures from your device to other compatible devices and email addresses. You can also dress up the picture messages you send by adding text, sounds you record on your device and / or additional slides to the message. You can also receive photos on your picture messaging device.

    Video messaging is a feature that allows you to record your own 30-second video on your device and send it to other compatible devices and email addresses. You can also add text to a video message before you send it.

    Note: Video messaging devices are also picture-messaging-capable. Therefore, you can also capture photos and send and receive picture messages. However, not all picture messaging devices have video-capture capabilities.

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  3. How can I get picture and video messaging?

    To use picture messaging, you need to have a picture messaging device and be provisioned for picture and video messaging service.

    To use video messaging, you need to have a video messaging device and be provisioned for picture and video messaging service. When you are provisioned for picture and video messaging service, you are able to send and receive picture and video messages.

    Note: All video messaging devices can send and receive picture messages, but not all picture messaging devices will have video capability.

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  4. What is my picture and video messaging email address?

    Your email address is your mobile number followed by @vzwpix.com.

    For example: 9991234567@vzwpix.com

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  5. Will I be able to use picture and video messaging right away?

    Yes, if your device is capable of picture and video messaging, you can send and receive picture and video messages right away.

    However, if you do not have a device capable of picture and video messaging but are able to receive text messages, you can still be sent picture or video messages. You will not be able to view the picture or video on your device. Instead you will receive a text message telling you how to view the picture message online at the online photo album, using a computer with an Internet connection.

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  6. What is the maximum picture resolution I can take using the camera on my device?

    The maximum picture resolution will vary based on the type of device you have. Please refer to your device's user guide for information on adjusting the resolution.

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  7. Will I be able to receive a picture or video message if I don't have a picture and video messaging device?

    Yes, if you do not have a device capable of picture and video messaging but are able to receive text messages, you can still be sent picture or video messages. You will not be able to view the picture or video on your device. Instead you will receive a text message telling you how to view the picture message online at the online photo album, using a computer with an Internet connection.

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  8. Will I be able to receive a picture message if I have a video messaging device?

    Yes, provided you are provisioned for picture and video messaging. Video messaging devices can send and receive picture messages as well.

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  9. Can I send and receive picture and video messages with someone on another domestic mobile network?

    Yes, you can send and receive picture and video messages with the following wireless carriers:

    Alaska Communications
    Systems    		 Chariton Valley Iowa Wireless Simmetry PCS
    (TMP)
    Alaska Wireless Chinook Wireless
    (MTPCS)    		 Leaco Rural
    Telephone Co.    		 South Central
    Communications
    Alltel Cincinnati Bell
    Wireless    		 Long Lines Sprint Nextel
    All West Copper Valley
    Wireless    		 Metro PCS SRT Communications
    AT&T Cricket Wireless MobiPCS SunCom Wireless
    Bluegrass Cellular Dobson Mojave Wireless SureWest Wireless
    Boost Mobile Eagle Telephone /
    Snake River PCS    		 NEP Wireless Syringa Wireless
    Cambridge Edge Wireless Nex-Tech
    Wireless    		 T-Mobile
    Carolina West Epic PCS nTelos UBET Communications
    CC Communications Farmer's Mutual
    Telephone Co.    		 Nucla / Naturita
    Telephone Co.    		 Union Tel
    Cell One
    East Texas    		 Farmers Wireless Pace Cellular /
    Kaplan    		 US Cellular
    Cell One
    San Luis Obispo    		 Hargray Pioneer Wireless Viaero Wireless
    Cellular one of
    E. Central Illinois    		 Helio Wireless Pocket
    Communications    		 Virgin Mobile USA
    Cellular One of
    N.E. Arizona    		 IMMIX Wireless Rural Cellular West Central Wireless
    Cellular One of
    N.E. Pennsylvania    		 Inland Cellular Silver Star PCS XIT Communications

    Note: With regard to video messages, AT&T will only accept video messages with file sizes of 100 KB or less. If this size is exceeded, AT&T will deliver the message, but not the video attachment. Verizon Wireless devices are capable of recording videos up to 30 seconds in length with a file size of 200 KB. Before sending your video message to an AT&T customer, check the size of the video to make sure it is 100 KB or less. All video messages sent from AT&T customers to Verizon Wireless customers will be delivered.

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  10. Can I combine both pictures and videos within a message?

    Yes. However the ability to combine both pictures and videos within a message will vary based on the device type.

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  11. What is International Picture & Video Messaging?

    With International Picture & Video Messaging, you can send and receive picture and video messages with wireless subscribers from any of the carriers listed in our International carrier list. 

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  12. Can I send picture and video messages from my Alltel device?

    Yes, you may send pictures and videos directly from your device.

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Saving Messages

  1. If I send or receive a picture and video message, how can I save a copy for myself?

    All you have to do is send a copy to your online photo album.

    1. Compose a picture and / or video message.
    2. Select Options or Menu (varies by device model).
    3. Select Online Album or To PIX Place.
    4. Select Send to send the message to the online photo album.

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  2. My Smartphone does not have an online photo album option. How do I save a copy for myself?

    1. Compose a picture or video message.
    2. In the To field, enter the following number: 438749 (Get Pix).
    3. Select Send to send the message to the online photo album at PIX Place.

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  3. How many pictures and videos can I save on my device?

    It depends on how big the pictures and videos are and how much storage space is available on your device. To free up space, it's a good idea to upload your pictures and videos to your online photo album.

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  4. Do picture and video messages in my device's inbox expire?

    No, messages you receive on your device remain in your inbox until you delete them.

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Sending and Receiving Messages

  1. Can I send a picture message to someone without a picture messaging device?

    Yes, as long as they have a digital device and have enabled receipt of text messages. Recipients without a picture messaging device will receive a text message telling them how to view a picture message online, using a computer with an Internet connection.

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  2. Can I send a video message to someone without a video messaging device?

    Yes, but the experience will vary depending on what type of device the recipient has. You can also send a video message to an email address. Apple® QuickTime® Player version 6.5 or higher is required to play videos sent to email.

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  3. Can I send pictures and videos to an e-mail address?

    Yes. Simplytype the email address into the To field of your device’s messaging application.

    Note: Picture and video messages addressed to Vtext.com email addresses (e.g., 5555551234@vtext.com) will display as standard text messages. The 160-character limit will apply, and photos, sounds, other graphics or videos will not display. We do not recommend sending picture and video messages to Vtext addresses.

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  4. Can I send picture and video messages to my friend's non-Verizon Wireless device?

    Yes, you can send and receive picture and video messages with wireless subscribers from any of the carriers included in our US carrier list and our International carrier list.

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  5. How do I send international picture and video messages?

    To send an international picture or video message:

    1. Locate the country and the carrier of the mobile number to which you want to send the message.
    2. In the To field on your device, enter the international dial code, then the country code, and finally the international mobile number.
    3. Attach a photo and select Send.

    Note: Refer to the international carrier list for dial code information.

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  6. Can I save a picture or video I have taken on my device to my online photo album?

    Yes, all you have to do is send a copy to your online photo album.

    1. From My Pictures or My Videos, select the photo you want to save.
    2. Select Options or Menu (varies by device model).
    3. Select Photo or Video.
    4. Select Send.  
    5. Press the Add key.
    6. Select OnlineAlbum or To PIX Place or enter the short code 438749.
    7. Select Send to send the message.
    8. The picture or video will appear in the My Media – Uploads folder in your online photo album.

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  7. How much does it cost to send or receive a domestic picture or video message?

    Picture and Video Messages - Pay as you go: It costs $0.25 per recipient to send a message (including sounds and text) and $0.25 to receive a message. It takes about one minute or less to send a picture message with a single photo or graphic and up to 1,000 text characters (actual time varies by message size). It takes about two minutes or less to send a video message (actual time varies by message size).

    Picture and Video Monthly Plans: If you subscribe to a messaging plan that includes a monthly picture and video message allowance, each picture or video message sent and received will be deducted. If you exceed your picture and video monthly allowance, excess picture messages and video messages sent and received will cost $0.20 per message.

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  8. How much does it cost to send or receive picture and video messages to or from an international mobile number?

    It costs $0.50 per recipient to send an international picture or video message and $0.25 to receive a message.

    Note: Sending and receiving picture or video messages from Canadian carrier mobile addresses is considered the same as a domestic picture or video message. Each message will apply to your existing messaging allowance, or if you are on a pay as you go messaging plan, it will cost $0.25 per message per recipient.

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  9. Will I get charged extra while sending or receiving a picture or video message while roaming internationally?

    Yes, you will receive an extra charge while roaming internationally. When sending or receiving a picture or video message domestically, there isn’t a data transport charge. The message itself is either $0.25 or deducts from any applicable messaging package. While traveling internationally, the following data transport charges apply on top of the message charge when sending or receiving picture and video messages:

    Data Roaming Rates

    • Canada - $0.002 per KB
    • Mexico - $0.005 per KB
    • All others - $0.02 per KB
    Average Message Size by Device Megapixel Rating
    • VGA (0.3 megapixel) camera devices - 80 KB
    • 1.2 and 1.3 megapixel devices - 150 KB
    • 2 megapixel devices - 225 KB
    • 3 megapixel devices - 425 KB
    • 5 megapixel devices - 750 KB
    • Video Messages - 200 KB to 350 KB maximum 

    For example, a 2 megapixel picture message would be 225 KB times the above rates, equaling approximate charges of $0.45 in Canada, $1.13 in Mexico and $4.50 in all others.

    Notes:

    • These are approximate average picture capture sizes. Creating a slide show or adding sound and text to the picture message can grow the file size larger to a maximum of 500 KB for devices that have less than a 5 megapixel camera and up to 1.2 MB for 5 megapixel devices.
    • To reduce the size of the message, you can reduce the resolution of the pictures before capturing, or in the case of a video message, shorten the record time.
    To see the countries where you can roam and send picture and video messages, refer to the Data Roaming Charges page.

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  10. Can I send picture and video messages to more than one person at a time?

    Yes, you only pay one fee $0.25 per message per recipient regardless of how many recipients you send it to (up to 10 recipients). For example, if you send a picture or video message to three recipients in one message, the charge would be $0.75 (three recipients multiplied by $0.25).

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  11. Can I take and send pictures and videos anywhere in the country?

    You can take a picture or record a video anywhere you are, even outside of the United States. However, you can only send and receive picture and video messages when you are within our National Enhanced Services Rate and Coverage Area.

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  12. What size are the pictures and videos I send, and can I change the size?

    The file size of pictures taken with your device will vary based on the picture resolution and quality settings within the device. Refer to your device’s user guide for more information on these settings. Some devices, with cameras 2 megapixels and larger, may automatically reduce the file size of large videos down to the maximum 500 KB limit before sending.

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  13. Can I still send normal text messages with a picture and video messaging device?

    Yes, you can still send text messages from picture and video messaging devices. Charges for text messages are based on your text messaging plan.

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  14. If my device is turned off, will I still receive picture and video messages?

    Yes, if your device is turned off, you will still receive messages. If your device is not receiving service (e.g., you're on an airplane or driving through a tunnel), your picture and video messages will be stored for up to five (5) days. As long as you turn on your device within that time period while in the National Enhanced Services Rate and Coverage Area, your messages will be forwarded to your device.

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  15. How many text characters can be entered into a picture or video message?

    The maximum number of characters that can be entered into a picture or video message is 400 (a space counts as one character) per slide and up to nine slides.

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  16. Can I control how and when I receive picture or video messages on my device?

    Your picture and video messaging device is configured to automatically download and display new picture and video messages. You may configure your device to notify you when a new picture or video message is received (prompt mode).

    When in prompt mode, before a new picture or video message is downloaded to your device, you will receive a non-billable notification. The notification will include the sender's email address or mobile number and give you the option of downloading the message, delaying download until a later time, or rejecting the message. If you reject the message, it will not be downloaded, and you will not be charged for it. For instructions on how to configure your device to prompt mode, please refer to your device’s user manual.

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  17. Can I add a voice memo to any picture message?

    Yes, if you send your picture message to a Verizon Wireless picture messaging device or email address, the recipient will be able to hear your memo as part of the slide to which it was added.

    Voice memos cannot be added to video messages. The only sound that can be added is the sound that is captured during the video recording.

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