TikTok, the popular video-sharing platform, is expanding its features to compete with major messaging services like Meta’s WhatsApp and Apple’s Messages.
The company announced on Monday that it is introducing group chats to its platform. TikTok users can now create group chats with up to 32 participants, allowing them to chat and share content together.
However, the new group chat feature comes with age restrictions. Users aged 13 to 15 will not have access to this feature, while those aged 16 to 17 will be able to use it but with certain limitations. Teens in this age group can only be added to a group chat by friends they mutually follow. Additionally, if a link to join a group chat is sent to a teen, they will only be able to join if one of their friends is already a member of that group.
To enhance user control, TikTok will offer tools to mute and block members within any chat group. Users will also have the option to report individual messages or entire groups if they violate the platform’s policies.
In addition to group chats, TikTok is introducing stickers for direct messages.
