TikTok’s DMs are growing up: voice notes and photo sharing arrive 🎙️💬

Cliquez ici pour lire en français

TikTok has long been the go-to app for quick-hit entertainment, but its private messaging feature just got a major upgrade. The platform is rolling out voice notes up to 60 seconds and the ability to share up to nine photos or videos at once in conversations. It’s a clear sign that TikTok wants its DMs to feel less like an afterthought and more like a real alternative to WhatsApp or Instagram, while still keeping the playful energy that defines the app.

Voice notes: conversations at the speed of speech 🎙️

The headline feature is voice notes. Instead of hammering out text, users can now send one-minute audio clips in both one-on-one chats and group threads.

Source : TikTok

It’s a simple, familiar feature — but one that’s especially appealing to younger users, who often prefer speaking naturally over typing. With this move, TikTok is betting that more people will stick around to chat inside its ecosystem rather than bouncing to another app.

Sharing photos and videos: faster, easier, safer📸🔒

Sending media in TikTok DMs has also been streamlined. You can either capture content directly in the app or pull from your gallery, with support for up to nine items in a single batch. Quick edits are possible before sending, giving conversations a personal touch.

TikTok is also layering in safeguards. Media can’t be sent as the very first message to a new contact, reducing unwanted spam. Teenagers aged 16 to 18 get an automatic filter that blocks images containing nudity, while adults can toggle that filter on if they choose. It’s a clear nod to growing concerns around safety and responsible sharing on social platforms.

A more social, connected TikTok 📲✨

These updates aren’t just minor tweaks — they’re part of a broader strategy. TikTok wants to evolve from being purely a video platform into a more rounded social hub where users not only watch but also talk, share, and build connections in real time.

Between voice notes, easy media sharing, and experiments with fan-creator chat rooms, TikTok is positioning itself as a hybrid social space that blends entertainment with communication.

Messaging as TikTok’s next big play 📈

With voice notes and multimedia sharing, TikTok’s private messaging is finally catching up to the expectations of today’s hyper-connected generation. The app is no longer just about being seen — it’s about being experienced and shared in the moment.

If this strategy works, TikTok could become more than a scroll-and-watch destination. It could also be where the conversation happens.

So, would you ditch WhatsApp or Instagram DMs to chat on TikTok instead? The debate is open.