TikTok Adds Voice Note, Photo, and Video Features to DMs, Rivaling WhatsApp and Instagram

TikTok continues to compete with Instagram (photo: doc.pexels)

JAKARTA – TikTok is increasingly serious about making its platform a digital hangout. The popular social media app has officially launched a new Direct Message (DM) feature that allows users to send voice notes, photos, and videos. This feature can be used in both one-on-one and group conversations.

The company says users can send up to nine photos or videos at a time, and voice notes can be up to 60 seconds long. However, for security reasons, this DM feature is only available to users aged 16 and over.

TikTok has also implemented an automated system that will detect and block nudity for users aged 16 to 18. For users over 18, this filter feature can be turned on or off through the app's settings.

Interestingly, TikTok does not allow users to send photos or videos as the first message. They can only send content if there has been a previous interaction. Users can also edit photos or videos before sending.

This move makes TikTok increasingly similar to other messaging apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and iMessage, which have long had voice note features. Communication via voice messages is said to be growing in popularity, especially among Gen Z.

TikTok stated that this new DM feature will be rolled out gradually over the next few weeks. The company hopes this feature will make its platform more than just a place to watch entertaining videos, but also a space for regular social interaction.

Last year, TikTok launched a group chat feature with a capacity of up to 32 people, as well as Creator Chat Rooms to connect creators with their followers. Now, with the addition of voice notes, photos, and videos in DMs, TikTok is clearly increasingly challenging the dominance of other popular messaging apps.