TikTok Adds Group Chats, Challenging Messaging Apps

TikTok announced on Monday that it is integrating group conversations into its platform, which is likely to compete with popular messaging services such as Apple’s Messages and Meta’s WhatsApp

Establishing group chats with a maximum of 32 participants now makes it possible to communicate and share content.

Although individuals frequently share TikTok videos in group conversations on messaging apps, TikTok now enables users to do so within its platform. TikTok now allows users to observe, comment, and react in unison.

The most recent addition suggests that TikTok is committed to transforming its platform into a social space where users can converse with their peers rather than merely an entertainment platform where they interact with strangers.

Group conversations are exclusively accessible to users who are at least 15 years old, as is the case with individual messages. According to TikTok, it has implemented additional safety protocols to safeguard adolescents aged 16 to 17.

A mutual follower is the sole individual who can join anyone, including teenagers, in a group chat. If a teenager receives an invitation to participate in a group chat, they cannot do so unless the group includes at least one mutual contact.

Also, TikTok requires teens to evaluate and approve new members when they establish a group chat.

To establish a group conversation, tap the “Chat” button at the top of your inbox and select “More options.” Then, you may select the individuals you wish to include in the group and click “Start group chat.” To participate in an existing group conversation via an invitation, tap on the invitation and select “Join group.”

Custom decals will be implemented in direct messages (DMs) by TikTok. The company regards the feature as a playful conversation option that motivates users to generate and distribute their personalized stickers for the benefit of all users.