New TikTok group chat enables in-app collaboration
A long-awaited TikTok group chat feature has been announced, meaning you can collaborate with your creative crew in one place.
TikTok revealed a new group chat feature in its app on Monday, along with some other updates. If you’re a fan of the social platform who would prefer to share their favorite videos or ideas without heading to Messenger or WhatsApp, this will come as great news.
TikTok is a driver of both entertainment and community, and has become a platform responsible for making the careers of many an artist and creative. It is the firm home of viral trends, and serves as a space for globe-spanning communities. Far beyond just scrolling through funny short videos, TikTok has helped independent artists to great success, just look at Ashnikko or Lil Nas X.
What’s all this got to do with the new TikTok group chat update? Well, if you’re an artist who uses the platform to share their music, or even as a collaborative workplace, then having everything you need in one place is always handy. Now, let’s look into the new update.
What is the new TikTok group chat feature?
We’re sure this one needs little explanation, but the group chat feature on TikTok enables users to create groups in their DMs of up to 32 users.
The feature is available to users aged 16 and over, and lets users connect with friends and followers without switching platforms. Starting a group chat in TikTok couldn’t be simpler. Just head to the Inbox button, tap Chat, and select which users you would like to include in the group. Once you’ve done this, hit Start group chat, and that’s it.
As previously mentioned, there is a limit of 32 users per group chat and you must be aged over 16 to be able to access the feature. Another key detail of this feature is that you can only be invited to group chats by users you follow back. This means you can avoid being dragged into large conversational pools of adoring fans that you have never spoken to or seen before. Additionally, if you have set your profile so that nobody can directly message you, then you won’t be able to be invited to group chats either.
Key Features and Safety Measures
There are some rules for teenage TikTok users under the age of 18 when it comes to the new group chat feature. Users falling into this category may only join a group chat if the group contains at least one mutual friend. Once invited, teen users are also required to make a proactive decision to join the group.
Additionally, when a TikTok user under the age of 18 creates a group chat, they will be required to review and approve new members of the group.
Further safety measures have been included in the update, to ensure the security and comfort of users. Members of a TikTok group chat will have the option to use muting or blocking tools, as well as report messages if they feel it’s necessary.
The number of groups a user can create, as well as the number of times a message can be forwarded has also been limited. These are all great features to ensure that, whether interacting with fans or working with friends, a safe and fun environment is created.
How to leverage TikTok group chats as an artist
Now, we talked a bit earlier about how TikTok has helped artists create a name for themselves and reached the ears of millions of people. A group chat update may seem simple, but it can have a big impact for independent artists. Discover how this feature, just one of many, can help you to promote your music on TikTok.
Community Building
- Use group chats to create exclusive fan groups: Invite your most devoted fans to your inner circle, rewarding loyalty and bringing like-minds together.
- Forge deeper connections with your audience: Get to know your audience, and allow them to get to know you better, helping to build strong, lasting connections.
- Share exclusive updates or footage: Create a space to drop brand-new or behind the scenes content, float ideas, and build anticipation.
Collaborative Creativity
- Engage with other artists: If you work in a team, or have a collective of supportive fellow artists, you can now hype each other up without leaving the app.
- Brainstorm ideas and share feedback: Share your thoughts, ideas and opinions on fellow artists’ content in one easy place.
Promotional Opportunities
- Organize listening parties: If you’re dropping new content, invite fans to listen together with you in real-time, and create an exciting event in the app.
- Create focus groups: Gather opinions and read the room, by teasing new content and work while asking the input of those who love your music most.