TikTok has expanded its private messaging features, introducing voice notes and the ability to share up to nine photos or videos at once in both individual and group chats. The update marks another significant step in the platform’s strategy to enhance its Direct Messaging (DM) tools and keep users engaged within the app, instead of shifting conversations to rivals like WhatsApp, Instagram, or Telegram.
According to TikTok’s support page, the new tools are designed to “enhance Direct Message (DM) to connect with friends and community on TikTok.”
What’s New on TikTok Direct Messaging
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Voice notes: Users can now send audio messages directly in DMs, allowing for more personal and expressive communication.
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Expanded media sharing: Instead of sending one photo or video at a time, users can now share up to nine simultaneously, making chats more engaging and dynamic.
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Privacy and notifications: Users still have control over who can contact them, when notifications appear, and who can see their activity status.
Why It Matters
While voice messaging and multi-media sharing are long-standing features on platforms such as WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram, TikTok’s decision to introduce them in-app underscores its determination to build a comprehensive messaging ecosystem. By offering these tools natively, TikTok is giving users fewer reasons to leave the app to continue conversations elsewhere.
TikTok says the updates aim to foster creativity and improve communication—from sharing multiple clips from an event to sending quick, personal voice replies.
Who Can Use TikTok’s Messaging Features
Direct messaging on TikTok is available to registered users aged 16 and above. Parents and guardians can manage younger users’ activity through Family Pairing. Privacy settings allow users to control who can message them, as well as block, mute, or report unwanted contacts.
Safety First
Safety remains a priority for TikTok. The platform highlights that safeguards such as muting, blocking, and reporting remain core to DM functionality, helping maintain a safe and respectful space for interaction.
What’s Next for TikTok DMs
This update follows a year of steady improvements, including the introduction of group chats and custom stickers. TikTok has signalled that more enhancements are on the way as it works towards a richer, more connected in-app messaging experience.
Bottom Line
TikTok’s new voice notes and expanded media sharing may not break new ground compared to established messaging apps, but they represent an important evolution for the platform. For an app best known for short-form video, these upgrades highlight TikTok’s ambition to keep users engaged beyond scrolling, making direct messaging a bigger part of the TikTok experience.
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