TikTok is doubling down on private messaging. The company has rolled out new features that let users send voice notes and share up to nine photos or videos in both one-to-one and group chats. The update marks another step in TikTok’s push to expand its direct messaging (DM) tools and keep users engaging inside the app rather than switching to competitors like WhatsApp or Instagram.
According to TikTok’s support page, the new tools are designed to “enhance Direct Message (DM) to connect with friends and community on TikTok.”
Here’s what’s new:
- Voice notes: Users can now send audio messages directly in chats, offering a more personal and expressive way to communicate.
- Expanded media sharing: Instead of sending one photo or video at a time, users can now share up to nine at once, making conversations richer and more dynamic.
- Privacy and notifications: TikTok continues to give users control over who can message them, whether notifications are enabled, and who can see when they’re active.
Why it matters:
Voice messaging and expanded media sharing aren’t revolutionary on their own—apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram have had them for years. But for TikTok, bringing these capabilities in-house means users have more reasons to stay on the platform rather than moving conversations elsewhere.
TikTok says the changes should foster creativity and improve communication in DMs, whether that’s sharing multiple clips from a night out or using voice notes for faster replies.
Who gets access:
Direct messaging on TikTok is available to registered users aged 16 and older. Parents and guardians can set restrictions through Family Pairing. Users can also fine-tune privacy controls, such as choosing who can send them messages, muting or blocking unwanted contacts, and reporting problematic conversations.
Safety features:
TikTok has layered in safeguards like muting, blocking, and reporting to maintain a safe and respectful environment. The platform stresses that these controls remain central to how DMs function.
What’s next:
The company says this is just the latest in a broader wave of messaging improvements. Over the past year, TikTok has added group chats and custom stickers, signaling its intention to build a more complete messaging ecosystem inside the app.
Bottom line:
TikTok’s new voice notes and expanded media sharing tools won’t surprise users of other messaging apps, but they strengthen the platform’s bid to make DMs a bigger part of the TikTok experience. For a service known primarily for short-form video, the updates show a growing ambition to keep users connected long after the scrolling stops.
