If you’re a TikTok fan, you’re going to like this.
TikTok has begun rolling out new direct messaging features including group chats with support for up to 32 people. The chats allow users aged 16 and over to share and comment on TikTok videos with friends and family members without having to open a separate messaging app like WhatsApp or Messenger.
Users can start a group chat by tapping a “Chat” button at the top of the TikTok inbox and select the names of participants they wish to include, or they can tap “Start Group Chat” when sharing a post with several people.
TikTok has stated that the feature is designed around safety for teenage users, and taken steps to block communication with strangers. Like regular direct messages, group chats are not available to users aged between 13 and 15. Users in the 16-17 age bracket can only join a group chat if at least one mutual friend is included. If they create a group chat, they have to review and manually approve anyone new who joins.
ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, has stated that the new group chat feature “isn’t currently available everywhere,” but its support page does not provide further details as to when it will see a more widespread rollout.
Finally, TikTok is also bringing stickers to direct messages, allowing users to communicate with each other more visually. Users can now create and upload custom stickers to the platform for anyone to use.
If you’ve tried the new features, please let us know what you make of them in the comments.