Tiktok is offering users a new way to interact with others via direct messaging (DMS), the company told TechCrunch on Friday. Users will be able to send voice notes and share up to nine images or videos in one-to-one group chats on the platform.
With these new features, Tiktok positions itself as more than just an entertainment platform, aiming to be a place where users can interact regularly, not just send Tiktok videos. Additionally, with new features, Tiktok's messaging experience brings experiences that are in line with that of other popular social apps and services.
Audio notes allow users to record and send audio messages up to 60 seconds. The launch of this feature offers the ability for services such as WhatsApp, Instagram and Apple messaging to send audio notes to others via DMS.
It makes sense for Tiktok to add audio notes to DMs. Especially because many people, especially Gen Z, accept a form of communication.
The feature will be rolled out over the next few weeks, says Tiktok.
When it comes to sharing photos and videos, users can take photos and videos with their cameras or choose one from their camera roll to share them with others. You can also edit the content before submitting it.
For the safety of users, people cannot send images or videos as their first message request. For example, if someone sends a message to you for the first time, they cannot send a photo or video of themselves. They can already share content on Tiktok.
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Additionally, when someone chooses to send a photo or video, Tiktok is reminded to protect their privacy and be aware of who they are sending that content to.
Tiktok's DMS is not available to users under the age of 16, but the company has added protection to users between the ages of 16 and 18. Tiktok, for example, features an automated system for detecting and blocking images containing nude. This means that the sender blocks sending nude images, and the receiver does not display any images at all.
Users over the age of 18 can choose to toggle this safety feature in the App Settings.
Tiktok sees new features as ways to express themselves and connect with others in ways that users are already used to.
This move happens as Tiktok is working on building messaging products. Last year, the platform launched group chats, allowing users to chat with up to 32 people at once. Tiktok recently launched a creator's chat room. This is a dedicated space for creators and their followers to connect and interact with each other.