Sending MMS with Node.js, Express, and MessageBird - code-examples -

Frequently Asked Questions

Use the MessageBird API and Node.js SDK with Express to create an API endpoint that accepts recipient details, message body, and media URL. This endpoint interacts with the MessageBird API to dispatch MMS messages. The detailed setup and code are provided in the guide.
The MessageBird Node.js SDK simplifies interaction with the MessageBird REST API for sending messages, making it easier to integrate MMS functionality into Node.js applications. It handles the complexities of API calls and responses.
Dotenv loads environment variables from a .env file, which keeps sensitive credentials like your MessageBird API key out of your codebase. This improves security and makes it easier to manage different configurations.
Ngrok or localtunnel are useful when you need to test webhooks locally, particularly if you extend your application to receive messages. While not strictly necessary for *sending* MMS, these tools become important for two-way communication or receiving delivery reports.
Create a Node.js project, install Express, the MessageBird SDK, and dotenv. Configure environment variables for your API key and originator number, initialize the SDK, and build an Express route to handle MMS sending.
The `/send-mms` endpoint is a POST route in your Express app that receives requests to send MMS. It handles incoming recipient, message body, and media URL data, validates it, then uses the MessageBird API to send the MMS message accordingly.
Recipient phone numbers must be in E.164 format. This international standard ensures consistent formatting and includes the country code with a leading plus sign. Example: +12025550144.
The `mediaUrl` parameter in MessageBird must be publicly accessible without authentication. This is necessary for MessageBird's servers to directly fetch the media file and include it in the MMS message sent to recipients.
The MessageBird Node.js SDK provides error objects in callbacks. Inspect the `err.errors` array for details. Handle specific error codes (e.g., invalid recipient, insufficient balance) appropriately in your app.
Log in to your MessageBird Dashboard, navigate to the Developers section, and click the API access tab. Generate a *Live* key (not a test key) for sending real messages and keep it secure.
An originator is the "from" address for your MMS messages. It can be a purchased phone number or an approved alphanumeric sender ID. Purchase or configure one in your MessageBird Dashboard under Numbers, ensuring it is MMS-enabled.
Use the `express-rate-limit` middleware to protect your `/send-mms` endpoint from excessive requests. Configure parameters like `windowMs` and `max` to define the rate limit window and maximum requests allowed per window.
No, `mediaUrl` must be publicly accessible by the MessageBird servers. Localhost URLs are only accessible within your local network and therefore won't work for sending MMS with MessageBird.
Common problems include incorrect access keys or originator numbers, invalid recipient formats, inaccessible media URLs, and carrier-specific limitations. Carefully check these configurations and refer to the troubleshooting section for solutions.