TikTok will finally allow sending voice notes, images, and videos in its DMs

TikTok is updating the user experience within its direct messages or DMs in order to enhance the social component of its platform. To accomplish this, in the coming weeks it will begin rolling out a new feature to send voice notes, as well as another feature that will allow users to share photos and videos in individual or group chats.

60-second voice notes and batches of up to 9 files

The new features announced by TikTok are functionalities already present in the messaging sections of other entertainment apps such as Instagram, so it is not surprising that the Chinese social network has decided to implement them. Encouraging interaction within the platform helps increase the amount of time that users spend on social media, as users not only discover content but also share and comment on it with their friends.

According to information TikTok provided to the outlet TechCrunch, voice notes in direct messages will have a maximum duration of 60 seconds. In addition, users will be able to share batches of up to nine images and videos, which they can edit before sending. To do this, they may select files from their gallery or open the camera to take a photo or record a video in real time.

• You may also be interested in: TikTok limits the number of hashtags per post to five

Preventive security measures

The platform has defined a series of security measures to prevent improper use of the new image and video sharing feature. With regard to general measures, the first of these prevents users from sending an image or video as an initial message request.

The second is a notification that will appear when you send an image or video to another person, and will remind you of the importance of protecting your privacy and to exercise caution when deciding to whom you are sending the content.

In addition, TikTok also has specific protection systems for users between 16 and 18 years old that are able to detect images containing nudity and block them. These measures do not apply to individuals under 16 years of age, since those profiles do not have access to DMs. On the other hand, if a user over 18 years of age wishes to have this additional layer of protection, it may be enabled in the configuration settings.

Photo credits: TechCrunch and Canva