TikTok introduces two new functions
The TikTok platform aims to improve the user experience with two new functions. There are strict rules for group chats, which the community has been longing for
The new group chats are only available to young people to a limited extent.
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The short video platform TikTok is introducing new functions for its direct messages. Group chats and stickers have been added. However, the functions are limited for younger users.
With group chats, TikTok is fulfilling a long-awaited wish from its community. Up to 32 people can join a group which, according to TikTok, can watch videos together, comment on them and react to them in real time. This makes interaction more dynamic and connected, says the platform.
Group chat only for users aged 16 and over
However, just like the direct messages, the group chat is only available to users aged 16 and over. TikTok also restricts the functions for this target group of under-18s. In particular, the service wants to prevent communication with strangers. Specifically, this means that only people who follow each other can add each other to group chats – TikTok refers to this as friends. If someone under 18 receives an invitation via a link, they can only join the group if at least one person from their own TikTok circle of friends is already a member of the group. Teenagers must also first confirm their membership manually. If teenagers create a group themselves, other people can only join if they are confirmed manually, the company explains.
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TikTok also makes it possible to mute and block other people or report messages and chats. The number of groups a person can create is limited, as is the number of possible message forwards.
Another new feature TikTok offers its community is stickers. Users can create and upload stickers themselves so that everyone can use them. However, if you don't want to get creative yourself, you can also use existing stickers.
TikTok recently shut down its TikTok Lite rewards program permanently in Europe. With the reward program, which was previously only available in France and Spain, the platform rewarded users for interactions with virtual currency that they could exchange for real vouchers. The EU Commission saw a risk of addiction and intervened to protect minors.
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