TikTok intensifies DM capabilities with additional social functionalities.

TikTok, the popular video-sharing app, is making strides to become a daily destination for conversations, following in the footsteps of tech giants like Meta. The platform is rolling out a suite of new messaging features, transforming the TikTok inbox to feel more akin to other social media apps.

One of the key additions is the ability for users to send voice notes, a feature already popular on apps such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and iMessage. To share a voice note, users simply press and hold the microphone icon in a chat, releasing it when they've finished or locking the recording for continuous recording.

The new messaging features are not just an add-on; they are becoming integral to TikTok's app identity. The updates also include a media sharing feature, making it easier for users to express their thoughts and feelings privately without the need for public posting. TikTok users can now share up to nine photos or videos in both one-on-one and group chats.

For users under the age of 16, Direct Messages (DMs) are disabled entirely. The company controlling these updates is TikTok itself, with a global rollout of the update, including the ability to send images and voice messages in DMs, expected within the coming weeks and already partially available.

Users can only share TikTok content until a connection is established, and they cannot send personal photos or videos in a first message request. The app also provides reminders about privacy risks before users send something personal, offering a degree of protection.

Adult users can toggle the filter for explicit images on or off, while users aged 16 to 18 receive automatic protection against explicit images. After sending a voice note, users have a short window of three minutes to delete it.

Additionally, users can take pictures and videos right in the chat or choose them from their camera roll with editing options before sending. The new features aim to enhance the user experience, making private conversations on TikTok more engaging and interactive.