TikTok is moving beyond dances and memes by introducing new messaging tools that bring the app closer to platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram. Users can now send voice notes and share up to nine photos or videos at once in direct messages, with added safety measures designed to protect teenagers.
The update signals TikTok’s broader push to evolve from an entertainment hub into a full-fledged social platform. Among the new features available in direct messages:
- Voice notes up to 60 seconds long.
- Media sharing, with the ability to send up to nine photos or videos in a single message and edit them before sending.
For Gen Z, these tools mirror familiar ways of staying connected, making their arrival on TikTok almost inevitable.
To balance convenience with safety, TikTok has introduced several restrictions:
- The first message in a chat cannot be a photo or video; it must come from TikTok content.
- Users aged 16–18 are automatically protected by filters that block sexually explicit images.
- Adults over 18 can adjust these safety settings manually.
- Direct messages remain unavailable for users under 16.
These measures fit into TikTok’s ongoing strategy to expand its messaging ecosystem. Earlier updates included group chats for up to 32 participants and Creator Chat Rooms, which allow influencers to connect directly with their audiences.
By strengthening its communication tools, TikTok is positioning itself not only as a showcase for short videos but also as a social network where users spend more time engaging in conversations.
