Exciting TikTok DMs Update Adds Voice and Image Sharing

Key Points

• Exciting TikTok DMs Update Adds Voice and Image Sharing
• Users can now send voice notes up to 60 seconds in DMs
• Share up to 9 photos or videos per conversation
• Strong privacy protections for users under 18
• Global rollout of new features begins this week

TikTok is taking its messaging features to the next level. With the latest TikTok DMs update, users can now send voice notes and share up to nine images or videos in both private and group chats.

These new tools make it easier than ever for users to express themselves and communicate naturally within the app.

Oh my god I can send pictures in TikTok dms now #ItsOver pic.twitter.com/O8Zps7R3jP

— Akao✧⍣ (@N1troakao) August 26, 2025

The addition of voice messaging reflects a shift in how younger users, especially Gen Z, prefer to communicate. Instead of typing out long texts, users can now hold a button and send up to 60 seconds of audio, letting their tone and personality come through more clearly.

This change places TikTok in direct competition with more traditional messaging apps like WhatsApp, Instagram DMs, and iMessage, all of which already offer voice messaging.

But unlike those apps, TikTok is blending its unique video-first identity with richer chat features, creating a hybrid experience that feels fresh and familiar.

Source: Tiktok

Media Sharing with a Focus on Privacy

The TikTok DMs update also introduces the ability to share photos and videos directly in chats, something users have long requested. Whether snapping a quick selfie or uploading a saved video from your gallery, the new feature supports seamless visual sharing.

Each message can now include up to nine media files, whether photos or videos, making it easy to share full moments, not just quick snapshots.

tiktok adding sending photos to dms oh hell yeah pic.twitter.com/IvNOpuMl1F

— ً (@puptadori) August 25, 2025

Users can either shoot content within the app or pick something from their device. TikTok also allows some light editing before sending, giving users more control over how their media looks.

However, TikTok has made it clear that user safety comes first. If someone sends you a message for the first time, they cannot include a photo or video unless that content already exists on TikTok. This helps reduce the risk of receiving inappropriate or unsolicited media from strangers.

What’s more, TikTok uses automated systems to detect and block nudity in images shared between users aged 16 to 18. If flagged, the message is blocked before it’s even seen, and the sender cannot resend it. Users aged 18 and older have the option to toggle this filter on or off in their privacy settings.

TikTok上のDMでボイスメモや写真を次の数週間以内で送れるようになる。

16歳以上のアカウントが対象となるが、全世界で対応するはず。https://t.co/cEzn1gndrU pic.twitter.com/fY6hjDYJTm

— Tetsuro Miyatake (@tmiyatake1) August 30, 2025

This feature is especially important as social apps continue to expand their communication tools. As seen with other platforms like Instagram, adding robust messaging always brings privacy concerns, and TikTok seems ready to address those early.

For additional insights on how tech companies are expanding user benefits and privacy protections, check out our coverage on Google Pixel’s Care Plus plan cutting screen repair costs to $0.

Building a More Social TikTok Experience

The TikTok DMs update is part of the platform’s ongoing effort to grow from an entertainment app into a full social network. TikTok started this shift last year by launching group chats that support up to 32 people in a single conversation.

That move alone made it easier for friends and communities to stay connected within the app.

Earlier this year, TikTok also rolled out Creator Chat Rooms, designed to give influencers a dedicated space to interact with their followers. These chat rooms offer a mix of casual conversation, community engagement, and exclusive access, turning creators into mini-community managers.

Now, with the new TikTok DMs update, voice and media sharing are furthering that mission. Instead of relying on outside apps for personal communication, users can now do it all within TikTok itself: watch videos, message friends, create content, and chat in groups.

The new features are already rolling out globally, with some users gaining access this week. Others will see the update arrive in the coming days, so it’s worth checking your app store for any pending updates.

This is also part of a wider tech trend where major platforms are racing to become all-in-one ecosystems. We’ve seen similar moves from Microsoft, which recently released the Windows 11 25H2 update that improves multitasking, privacy controls, and personalization options, another sign of how software is evolving to meet deeper user needs.

TikTok’s strategy is clear: create stickier user experiences. By giving people reasons to stay longer, engage deeper, and communicate more, TikTok strengthens its position, not just as a short-form video app, but as a serious player in the messaging space.

If this approach works, TikTok may soon rival traditional social media platforms, not just in content creation but in how we talk, share, and stay connected online.