San Francisco/Beijing (TASSAWAR NEWS)– Popular video-sharing platform TikTok has announced major updates to its messaging features, signaling its ambition to compete directly with WhatsApp and Instagram in the social communication space.
For months, TikTok has been working on improving direct messages (DMs) to encourage users to spend more time chatting and sharing rather than just scrolling their feed. Now, the app is rolling out powerful new features that put it head-to-head with established messaging giants.
New Features Coming to TikTok DMs
- Voice Notes: Users will now be able to send audio messages up to 60 seconds long, similar to WhatsApp’s voice note feature.
- Media Sharing: TikTok will allow sharing of up to 9 photos or videos at once, either directly from the camera or the phone’s gallery.
- Editing Tools: Media files will include editing options before sending, enhancing creative sharing.
Safety for Younger Users
TikTok has emphasized user protection, especially for minors:
- No DMs for users under 16.
- Content protection for ages 16–18, with automatic safeguards against inappropriate material.
- Chat filter control for adults (18+), giving them the choice to turn filters on or off.
Global Rollout
The company confirmed that these features will be released in phases worldwide over the coming weeks, making TikTok a stronger player in the global messaging market.
Tech analysts suggest that TikTok’s push into messaging could significantly disrupt the dominance of Meta’s apps (WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram) by combining short-form video culture with real-time communication tools.
