A couple of days ago, we learned that Spotify is allowing users to send direct messages (DMs) to each other. While this did not make sense on a platform which is primarily meant to distribute music digitally, another service is now making improvements to their DM functionality, namely TikTok.
In a statement to TechCrunch, TikTok announced that it will allow its users to send voice notes and up to nine images or videos to each other in DMs. This applies to both individual messages and group chats. This makes it quite similar to other social media platforms and Gen Z apps where these functionalities are already available, such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and Snapchat.
There are a few restrictions in place though. Voice messages can only be 60 seconds in length, which means that if you are very talkative, you"ll have to spread out your message across various notes. Additionally, images and videos can"t be sent as the first message, likely to curb the possibility of inappropriate photos being sent to someone who isn"t expecting them.
In the same vein, if you try to send someone a photo or video, TikTok will request you to be mindful of the recipient and protect your own privacy before you proceed. Apart from that, the process of taking photos from the camera or sending images via the camera roll is pretty straightforward just like any other service, and users have the option to edit photos before they are being sent too.
It is important to note that DMs on TikTok are already unavailable for users under 16, but even for teenagers between the ages of 16 and 18, TikTok is adding a safety feature that automatically detects and blocks images containing nudity. Adults over the age of 18 can toggle off this safety capability if they wish.