TikTok is upgrading its direct messaging capabilities. Users are now able to send voice messages, photos, and videos within DMs, as mentioned by TechCrunch and verified by TikTok to Mashable. Prior to this, only TikTok clips or text could be dispatched. Voice notes can be up to 60 seconds long, while photos and videos can be captured directly or chosen from the camera roll. Users have the option to edit them before sending, as per TechCrunch.

To share a photo, navigate to the messages tab and tap the camera icon in the bottom left or the landscape icon in the bottom right. To record a voice memo, click the microphone icon located at the bottom right. When sending a voice note, the app encourages users to “send voice messages only to trusted friends. Be kind and respectful to keep our community safe.”

The capability to share images in DMs has been a common demand from TikTok users, and as NPR indicated, voice notes have gained popularity among younger audiences. NPR remarked in 2023 that “Texting can muddle meaning, and calls can trigger anxiety. But for many, short voice recordings offer an easier, low-pressure alternative.” Now, TikTok aligns with platforms such as iMessage, Instagram DMs, and WhatsApp in providing this feature.

There are enhanced privacy protocols in place. Images cannot be sent as message requests, a measure TikTok cites for user safety, according to TechCrunch. Message requests are confined to sharing TikTok content, voice notes, and text. DMs are restricted to users over 16, with additional safeguards for users under 18, including the detection and blocking of images that contain nudity, as reported by TechCrunch.