TikTok has rolled out new features for its direct messages, allowing users to send voice notes up to a minute long. In addition to that, the platform has enhanced the way you can share photos and videos, whether you’re chatting one-on-one or in group conversations.

Starting with audio messages, TikTok now lets users record voice clips up to one minute long. To do this, simply press and hold the microphone icon next to the text box in the chat composer.

The interface makes it easy to record and send voice messages, but watch out—once you let go of the microphone button, your audio will be sent immediately.

According to TikTok, when you’re recording a voice message, you have a few options: you can simply release the record button to send it right away, swipe across to cancel and delete the recording, or swipe up to lock the recording. Locking lets you keep recording hands-free, and once you’re done, you can either hit Send to share it or Delete to discard it.

Instead of sending your voice message the moment you release the button, TikTok offers an alternative where you can lock the recording to continue hands-free. Plus, if you change your mind, you have up to three minutes after sending to delete the message.

This feature makes it easier to add a personal touch or reply quickly in DMs, giving you more flexibility in how you connect with others.

These updates bring TikTok’s direct messaging closer to what you’d find in other popular chat apps, which is helpful as more users rely on private messages to connect. On top of that, TikTok now lets you send up to nine photos or videos in a single message, either by choosing them from your camera roll or by taking new ones directly within the app.

This is yet another step toward aligning TikTok’s messaging features with those offered by other platforms, and with messaging becoming an increasingly popular way to stay connected, it’s a smart move.

TikTok has introduced an important safety measure that prevents users from sending images or videos as their very first message request. Additionally, direct messaging is completely disabled for users under the age of 16. Together, these rules aim to curb potential misuse and keep the platform safer.

While these updates might seem minor, they reflect features that most people now expect from messaging tools. They fit well with changing user habits, and TikTok has been steadily expanding its messaging capabilities to keep up. Over the last year, the app added group chats, broadcast channels for brand accounts, and the ability to send DMs during live streams.

With these latest improvements, TikTok is giving users more ways to connect and interact, which could lead to even greater engagement within the app.

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