TikTok Expands Social Features With New Group Chats And Stickers

On August 12, TikTok introduced new group chat features, allowing users to create conversations with up to 32 people. Available to users aged 16 and older, this update aims to streamline social interactions by letting users share TikToks directly with friends within the app, according to The Verge.

In their post, TikTok states that to ensure the safety of younger users, it has implemented specific measures for the Group Chat feature. Users aged 13 to 15 will not have access to Group Chat. Additionally, to ensure that older teens aged 16 to 17 can use this feature safely, TikTok has implemented several safeguards.

Firstly, only friends—users who follow each other—can add someone to a Group Chat. Furthermore, if a teen receives an invitation link to join a group, they can only join if at least one member of the group is a mutual friend. Even then, they must actively choose to join. Additionally, when a teen creates a group conversation, TikTok requires them to review and approve any new participants by default.

Stickers will also be added to Direct Messages. According to the TikTok post, this feature allows users to create and share custom visual elements within their chats. 

Along with Stickers, TikTok is introducing a Group Chat feature that allows users to create and join group conversations with up to 32 people. This feature aims to facilitate a shared viewing experience, enabling users to watch, comment on, and react to videos together in real time.

As reported by The Verge, to start a group chat, select the Inbox button, tap on Chat, choose the friends you want to include, and then hit “Start group chat.” However, there are some restrictions: you can only join a group chat if you’re invited by users you follow back. Additionally, if you have disabled messaging from everyone on the platform, you won’t receive any invites.

According to TechCrunch, this latest addition shows that TikTok is aiming to make its platform more social and conversational with friends, rather than just an entertainment space for interacting with strangers.