TikTok expands messaging with voice memos and photo sharing

TikTok is continuing its steady march into the social networking arena, this time by giving its direct messaging feature a major upgrade. The popular short-form video platform confirmed that users worldwide will soon be able to exchange not only text, but also voice notes and photos through private messages. The rollout is expected to take place gradually over the next few weeks, reaching all eligible accounts.

The move reflects TikTok’s growing ambitions to be more than just a video-sharing hub. In recent years, the app has sought to build itself into a broader social platform where users not only watch clips but also interact more meaningfully with friends. By introducing voice memos and image sharing, TikTok is positioning its messaging service to compete more directly with established platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and even WhatsApp.

Not everyone, however, will gain immediate access. TikTok spokesperson JaShel Jones clarified in a statement that direct messaging remains restricted to accounts belonging to users aged 16 and older. That means these new features—voice notes and image sharing—will only be available to those who already have DM access. In other words, the upgrade is significant, but it does not alter the platform’s age restrictions.

For those who do qualify, the new tools offer a familiar but welcome expansion. Voice messages are recorded by pressing and holding the microphone button within a chat. There is a catch: once the user releases the button, the recording is instantly sent to the recipient. That means a slip of the finger could result in an unintended message landing in someone’s inbox. The workaround is simple—swipe upward or to the left while holding the microphone button if you want to cancel before sending.

TikTok has also placed some limits on the length and volume of media that can be shared. Voice notes and videos are capped at one minute in duration, ensuring that messages remain short and digestible. This restriction aligns with TikTok’s broader identity as a platform built on bite-sized content. Similarly, users can only send up to nine photos or videos in a single batch, a measure that likely helps prevent inboxes from being overloaded.

Despite these constraints, the expansion marks an important evolution for TikTok. For years, the app’s messaging feature has been considered secondary—functional, but not central to the TikTok experience. Many users relied on other apps for sharing content or having extended conversations. Now, with the addition of richer media options, TikTok is signaling that it wants people to spend more time engaging directly within its ecosystem.