TikTok Launches Group Chat Feature to Strengthen Messaging Capabilities
TikTok
TikTok has introduced a new Group Chat feature, allowing users aged 16 and above to create groups of up to 32 people for messaging and sharing videos. Users can only be added to a Group Chat by mutual follows—people they follow and who follow them back. There are also specific guidelines for users under the age of 18, along with safety tools, including options for muting, blocking, and reporting messages or entire chats.
Why It Matters: This update responds to Instagram’s increased emphasis on messaging. Instagram has recently introduced and tested several messaging-related features, such as Broadcast Channels, a Share button on Reels, public Share counts, and Notes for Reels and Feed Posts.
With Group Chat, TikTok seeks to improve its messaging experience, particularly for younger audiences, and to emulate Instagram’s success. This feature gives users a way to share videos and react in real-time, similarly to what often happens when people share Reels content via DMs on Instagram. Although TikTok is popular for video content, its direct messaging has not been as prominent. However, TikTok is gradually addressing this issue through this new feature and previous moves, such as expanding its direct messaging capabilities and hiring roles focused on social features.
If TikTok can make messaging more of a native experience in the app and encourage users to share content they see from the For You Page, it give creators and brands another valuable way to get in front of new audiences.
