TikTok wants to offer more than just short-form videos where you scroll infinitely. The popular social media app now offers new ways to interact with your friends and family. TikTok gets a DM feature that allows users to send voice notes and up to nine pictures or videos, the company told TechCrunch . This is a neat addition to hang out with your friends. Recently, music streaming platform Spotify also added the DM feature .
You can now send DMs on TikTok with voice notes, videos, and pictures
Users can send voice notes, pictures, and videos to one-on-one chats and to groups. The audio messages/voice notes can be up to 60 seconds long. This is already present on apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Apple’s Messages via DMs. This is also a feature that’s seeing significant growth for communication in recent times, particularly among Gen Z users.
As for photos and videos via DM, TikTok allows users to capture an image/video or select one from their gallery for sharing with others. There’s an option to edit the content before sending it to friends. For safety, TikTok won’t allow users to send an image or video as their initial message request. This means they can only share what’s already available on TikTok.
The DM feature will roll out over the next few weeks
Interestingly, TikTok DMs are unavailable to users under the age of 16, as per The Verge, citing a TikTok spokesperson. It is adding protection features for users between 16 and 18 years age. For instance, the automated system that’s in place will detect and block images containing nudity. For the 18+ age group, they can choose to toggle this feature on from the app settings. TikTok will remind users to protect their privacy and be mindful of who they’re sharing a photo or video with.
TikTok says the DM feature for voice notes, pictures, and videos will roll out over the next few weeks. The social media platform aims to “position itself as more than just an entertainment platform.” It wants it to become a place where users interact regularly beyond just sharing random TikTok videos.
These new features put TikTok in line with other popular social media apps. TikTok, last year, launched the group chats feature , where you can chat with up to 32 people. Then there’s the Creator Chat Rooms, which is a space for creators and their followers to connect.
