TikTok announced to TechCrunch on Friday that it is rolling out new interaction tools for its direct message (DM) feature, allowing users to send voice notes and share up to nine images or videos at once in both one - on - one and group chats.
With these additions, TikTok is expanding its role beyond being a mere entertainment platform. It aims to become a space where users engage in regular, diverse conversations, rather than just sharing TikTok videos with each other. Moreover, the new features bring TikTok’s messaging functionality more in line with that of other widely used social apps and services, which have long offered similar capabilities.
The voice note feature lets users record and send audio messages with a maximum length of 60 seconds. This move comes as voice notes have grown in popularity, especially among Gen Z, who increasingly prefer the format for casual communication. Notably, platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Apple’s Messages have already offered voice note functionality in their DMs, making TikTok’s addition a catch - up to industry standards. TikTok stated that the voice note feature will be gradually available to all users over the next few weeks.
When it comes to sharing photos and videos via DMs, users have two options: they can either capture new content using their device’s camera or select existing files from their camera roll. Before sending, they also have the ability to edit the content to suit their preferences.
To prioritize user safety, TikTok has implemented several guardrails. For example, users cannot send images or videos as their first message when initiating a new conversation. If someone sends you a message request for the first time, they can only share content that is already available on TikTok—they cannot send newly taken photos or videos directly. Additionally, whenever a user chooses to send a photo or video via DM, TikTok displays a reminder to help them protect their privacy and be cautious about who receives the content.
TikTok’s DM feature is already unavailable to users under 16 years old. For users aged 16 to 18, the platform is adding extra protections, such as automated systems designed to detect and block images containing nudity. If such an image is detected, the sender will be prevented from sending it, and the recipient will never see the content. Users over 18 have the option to enable or disable this safety feature in their app settings.
TikTok views these new DM features as a way to let users express themselves and connect with others in familiar, natural ways. The update is part of the platform’s ongoing efforts to enhance its messaging product. Last year, TikTok launched group chats, allowing users to communicate with up to 32 people simultaneously. More recently, it introduced Creator Chat Rooms—a dedicated space that lets content creators interact directly with their followers.