TikTok Adds Voice Notes and Photo Sharing to DMs with New Safety Features
TikTok is introducing new tools that allow users to interact more naturally through direct messages. The company confirmed that people can now send voice notes and share up to nine images or videos at once in both one-to-one and group chats. These additions push TikTok closer to being a full communication hub rather than just a platform for video sharing.
Voice notes can be up to 60 seconds long, making conversations feel more personal. Other platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Apple’s Messages already offer this feature, so TikTok is catching up with established norms. Since many younger users prefer audio communication, the update is likely to gain traction. According to TikTok, the rollout will occur gradually in the coming weeks.
Safety and Privacy Protections
Sharing photos and videos comes with built-in safeguards. Users can take a new photo or video directly or select one from their camera roll, with the option to edit before sending. However, first-time message requests cannot include personal photos or videos; only TikTok content can be shared initially. This rule is meant to reduce the risk of harmful or unwanted messages.
TikTok also provides reminders to encourage safe sharing practices. Additionally, the platform uses automated systems to detect and block nude images. If detected, the sender cannot deliver the photo, and the receiver never sees it. These protections are always on for teens between 16 and 18, while adults can choose to enable or disable them in their settings. Direct messages remain completely unavailable for users under 16.
Building a Broader Messaging Platform
The latest changes reflect TikTok’s broader effort to expand beyond entertainment. Group chats launched last year, enabling conversations with up to 32 participants. More recently, Creator Chat Rooms gave influencers and their followers a new space to connect. By adding voice notes and image sharing, TikTok is aligning itself with popular communication standards while offering users richer ways to connect with one another.
