TikTok, a short-form video sharing app, has introduced new features that allow users to send voice notes and share up to nine images or videos in direct messages (DMs).
Now, users can send voice notes up to 60 seconds long and share up to nine photos or videos in a single message. These updates are rolling out to users gradually and will work in both private and group chats. People can take new pictures or videos through the app or choose from their phone’s gallery to send to each other.
With these changes, TikTok is aiming to do more than just short videos. The app now wants to be a place where people can talk and share just like they do on Instagram, Snapchat, or WhatsApp. Voice notes are a particular younger user’s choice over text messages since they feel more natural and personal than plain text.
TikTok has also added safety measures. Direct messages are only available for users aged 16 and above. For teens aged 16 to 17, the app blocks images with nudity so they can’t be sent or received.
Adults can decide whether to turn this filter on or off. Also, to prevent spam or unwanted contact, TikTok doesn’t allow photos or videos to be the very first message unless they are already posted on the platform.
With this step, TikTok is moving closer to becoming a full social platform where people can not only watch videos but also connect and communicate more easily with their friends and communities.
