As if we don’t waste enough time on TikTok already, the social media app is giving us another reason to keep it open on our phones. On Monday, TikTok announced two big updates to direct messaging on the platform: group chats and stickers.
It was already possible to direct message other users on TikTok, but now group chats allow you to start conversations with multiple users at once. The new feature lets you create or join groups of up to 32 people. Everyone in a group can chat in real time, share videos, and comment on those TikTok videos.
As with direct messages, group chats are not available for users between the ages of 13 and 15. Older teens (16-17) can use group chats, but there are restrictions. Here’s how TikTok will block communication with strangers through group chats:
- Anyone, including teenagers, can only be added to a group chat by their friends (people they follow and who follow them back).
- When a teen is sent a link to join a group conversation, they can only join the group if there is at least one mutual friend in the group. If they are eligible to join, they must make a proactive decision to join.
- By default, when a teen creates a group conversation, we need to ask them to review and approve new participants.
To give each user more control over group chats, TikTok will provide everyone with access to mute and block tools. It will also be possible to report individual messages or entire groups if they violate the platform’s policies.
In addition, TikTok brings stickers for direct messages. You can create and upload your own stickers to share with everyone on TikTok, or simply find your favorites and use them to react to the messages and videos your friends send you in direct messages.
If you want to learn more about these features, visit TikTok’s support site.
