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How do I attach an image or YouTube video preview to a text message?

Introduction

TrackStat’s messaging system supports both images (via MMS) and link previews in text messages. This article explains how to attach photos/pictures and how to make YouTube links display as rich previews (thumbnail + title) when texting patients.

Important limitations

  • You can attach an image or include a link, but you cannot embed a clickable image in SMS/MMS (this works only in email).

  • Rich link previews depend on the recipient’s device, carrier, and messaging app.

  • Previews often do not appear for new patients who have not saved your contact.

How to Attach an Image (Photo/Picture) to a Text Message

  1. In the TrackStat message composer, click the paperclip icon.

  2. Choose the image file from your computer.

  3. Click the Upload button.

  4. Save your changes.

  5. Send a test message to yourself to verify the image appears correctly and looks professional.

Tip: Keep the accompanying text concise to avoid exceeding MMS character or file-size limits.

How to Make a YouTube Video Show as a Preview (Thumbnail) in a Text Message

Step 1: Get the correct YouTube link

  1. Go to the YouTube video.

  2. Click Share → Copy the standard URL (example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID).

    • Avoid embed links or shortened youtu.be links, as they may not trigger previews.

Step 2: Verify / Customize the Thumbnail (optional but recommended)

  1. Open the link in a browser to confirm the thumbnail displays.

  2. If needed, go to YouTube Studio → select the video → Details tab → edit the thumbnail and upload a custom image.

Step 3: Insert the Link in TrackStat

  1. In the TrackStat message composer, type your message.

  2. Place the full YouTube link at the end of the message (do not attach any images if you want the preview).

  3. Examples:

  4. Make sure there is a space between the last word of the message and the link.

  5. Use standard SMS (do not attach media if preview is the goal).

Step 4: Test the Message

  1. Send the message to yourself (or another team member).

  2. Check whether a rich preview (thumbnail, title, description) appears.

  3. Verify the text is readable and professional.

Recipient considerations

  • Rich previews work best when the recipient has your number saved as a contact.

  • For new-patient welcome messages, the preview is unlikely to appear because the contact is not saved.

  • Results vary by device (iOS/Android), carrier, and messaging app.

Combined Best Practices & Troubleshooting

  • Test everything – Always send a preview to yourself before sending to patients.

  • Character limits – Keep total message content concise.

  • No clickable images – You cannot make the attached photo itself tappable in SMS/MMS.

  • Preview not showing?

    • Confirm you used the full youtube.com/watch?v= URL.

    • Try sending without an attached image.

    • Test on multiple devices/carriers.

    • Note that some carriers or international numbers do not support rich previews.

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