To add an image to a text message:
Text messaging (SMS/MMS) is a widely used communication method, but it has specific capabilities and limitations when it comes to sending multimedia and links. Below, we outline key points to help you understand what is supported and how to troubleshoot common issues.
click on the paperclip icon
choose the file
click the Upload button
Save your changes!
Also make sure to send yourself a preview of the message to make sure it looks good!
How to have your Youtube link show as a preview
Step 1: Get the YouTube Video Link
1. Go to the YouTube video you want to share.
2. Click the Share button below the video.
3. Copy the standard YouTube URL, which should look like:
(Avoid embed or shortened links like https://youtu.be/VIDEO_ID, as they may not trigger previews.)
Step 2: Verify the Thumbnail
1. Check the Thumbnail:
• Open the URL in a browser and confirm the thumbnail appears properly.
• If the thumbnail doesn’t look right or needs to be customized:
• Go to your YouTube Studio.
• Select the video and edit its Thumbnail under the Details tab.
• Upload a custom image if needed.
2. Preview the Link:
• Test the link in platforms like WhatsApp or iMessage to confirm the preview (title, thumbnail, description) appears as expected.
Step 3: Insert the Link into a Text Message
1. Decide on the Placement:
• Place the link at the beginning or end of your text message.
Example:
Check out our latest tips for back pain relief: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID
Or:
Want to feel better today? Visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID
2. Use a Standard SMS (Not MMS):
• Paste the link into the text message directly without attaching images or other media.
• Keep the text concise to avoid exceeding SMS character limits.
Step 4: Test the Message
If you want to check whether a video link will generate a rich preview (a clickable thumbnail or description) in a text message, you can test this functionality on your device. The appearance of a link preview depends on your device and carrier. To test:
Send a test text message containing the video link to your own phone.
Check if a rich preview is generated when you receive the message.
This method allows you to verify how the link will appear to recipients. Note that not all links or carriers support rich previews.
1. Send a Test:
• Send the message to yourself or a colleague to ensure:
• The link generates a preview with a thumbnail.
• The text is readable and looks professional.
2. Recipient’s Phone Requirements:
• Ensure the recipient has rich messaging enabled and your contact saved in their phone, as some devices/apps prioritize previews for saved contacts. If you want this to work as a new patient welcome message, your prospective patient probably won't have your contact information saved, so it will not preview.
By following these steps, you can maximize the chances of your YouTube link generating a thumbnail preview in a standard text message. Let me know if you need further clarification!
Note: In SMS, you can’t embed a link inside an image to make the image clickable like you can in emails.
When sending multimedia via text messages, there are some important limitations to keep in mind:
Clickable Images: It is not possible to embed a clickable (tappable) image in an SMS or MMS message. While you can include an image or a link in the message, the image itself cannot be made clickable. This functionality is only supported in email.
Rich Previews: As mentioned earlier, the generation of rich previews for links depends on the compatibility of the link, device, and carrier.