ultimateimp – TikTok is expanding its functionality beyond short-form video by introducing new features to its messaging system. The platform confirmed to TechCrunch that users will soon be able to send voice notes, images, and videos within direct messages and group chats. These updates will roll out in the coming weeks.
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The new messaging tools mark a clear shift for TikTok as it evolves into a more full-featured communication app. Users can send voice notes up to one minute long, aligning with a trend seen across apps like WhatsApp and Instagram. The update also includes the ability to share up to nine images or videos at once. Either from the camera roll or taken on the spot.
However, TikTok has set clear limits. Users will not be allowed to send images or videos as the first message in a conversation. This restriction aims to prevent unsolicited media and improve safety on the platform. These controls join existing requirements such as the minimum age of 16 to access direct messaging features.
Last year, TikTok introduced group chats supporting up to 32 participants. These latest additions build on that framework and continue to push the platform closer to the functionality of more established messaging apps. TikTok’s new features could help retain users who might otherwise switch to other platforms for richer communication.
Safety Features and Competitive Strategy Behind TikTok’s Messaging Updates
TikTok’s new messaging tools are part of a broader push to enhance user experience while maintaining strong safety standards. The platform has designed the updates to encourage interaction without compromising user privacy, especially among younger users.
One of the standout safety features is an automated content detection system. Users aged 16 to 18 will have sensitive content—such as nudity in images—automatically flagged and blocked in chats. Those over 18 can choose to enable or disable this feature based on their preferences.
TikTok’s decision to limit image and video sharing in first-time messages also reinforces its commitment to reducing spam and unsolicited content. These updates make TikTok more competitive with platforms like Snapchat and Messenger, both of which have long offered voice and media messaging.
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In April, TikTok added a new Footnotes feature, similar to Community Notes on X (formerly Twitter), to improve content transparency and context. These recent changes suggest TikTok is not only enhancing entertainment value but also investing in community-building and trust.
As TikTok continues to evolve, these messaging upgrades may play a key role in increasing user engagement. By providing tools that support more meaningful and personal interactions, TikTok aims to become a central hub for both content creation and communication.
The rollout of these features over the coming weeks will reveal how users respond and whether TikTok can successfully compete in the crowded messaging space.
