For a change, I can write about the video-sharing platform TikTok for reasons other than just because the app is in trouble. Although the app is still facing a possible ban in the US, it is still one of the most popular social apps (while it’s still available).
And to keep its many users happy, TikTok has just revamped the app’s direct messaging feature. As shared in an official announcement from TikTok, you’ll find a number of new “user-requested” features, optimizations, and larger group chats with support for even more users.
The biggest change is that TikTok is introducing group chats that support up to 32 people. This feature is available to users aged 16 and above. To start a group chat, you can tap the “Chat” button at the top of your TikTok inbox and select your desired chat friends. Alternatively, you can click “Start Group Chat” when you share a post with multiple people. It’s super easy.
TikTok promises that it has safety built into these group chats, especially for teens. Users ages 13 to 15 are out of luck and cannot access this feature. People ages 16 to 17 can only join a group chat if they have at least one mutual friend in it. If they decide to create a group, they will have to manually approve all new members.
What else is new in the latest TikTok update?
TikTok is also introducing stickers for direct messages. It’s a feature that the social platform is definitely a little late to the game with. Users can create custom stickers and upload them to the platform, adding a touch of creativity and flair to their chats.
Before you rush out to start your TikTok group chat or create some fancy stickers, a quick note. ByteDance, the company behind TikTok, has pointed out that the group chat feature is “currently not available everywhere,” so you may have to wait a little longer for the changes to roll out.
This comes after TikTok was recently forced to start labeling AI images and videos. The app took the step, a first on a social media platform, to “promote AI transparency and competency.”
