TikTok is expanding beyond video entertainment by introducing new messaging tools. Users will now be able to send 60-second voice notes and share up to nine images or videos at once in one-on-one and group chats.
This update marks a significant step for TikTok as it positions itself as a full-fledged social network, not just a video-sharing platform. With the addition of voice notes and photo sharing, the app is aligning its messaging experience with competitors like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Apple’s Messages. According to TikTok, the features will be rolling out globally over the next few weeks.
Details of the New Features
- Voice Notes: Users can now record and send audio messages up to 60 seconds long in direct messages. This feature reflects a growing trend among Gen Z, who increasingly prefer voice notes over typing.
- Photo and Video Sharing: The update also allows users to share up to nine images or videos in a chat, whether captured directly with the camera or selected from the phone’s gallery. Editing tools are also available before sending.
- Safety: TikTok has added a safety restriction: first-time message requests cannot include photos or videos from the sender’s camera. They can only share content that is already on TikTok, which helps prevent unsolicited media sharing.
By enhancing its messaging capabilities, TikTok is signaling its ambition to become a more comprehensive social network, aiming to increase user engagement and keep conversations within the app.
