How To Message Someone On TikTok

When most people think about messaging apps, they probably think of WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Telegram. TikTok, of course, is much better known for its short, compelling videos, as well as the many viral trends that it’s sparked — but quite a few users don’t realize you can send direct messages (DMs) on TikTok, too.

DMs have been available since the social media platform launched in Western nations in the late 2010s, and the app has been constantly improving TikTok messaging and adding new features to it. The latest changes, in 2024, introduced group chat functionality and allowed TikTok users to use stickers (ones available in the app and ones that users create) in chats.

How do you initiate or respond to a message on TikTok? It’s simple.

Using TikTok’s Chat Function

We’ll discuss the easiest part first. If a friend has sent you a DM, you’ll see a notification showing on the “Inbox” icon at the bottom of your screen. Tap the icon, and you can open, read, and respond to the DM directly from your inbox.

There are multiple ways you can send a DM.

• Open your inbox, and if you’ve messaged with someone recently, find their name on the list and tap it. The old chat will open and you can type directly into it to send a new message. To some peoples’ annoyance, TikTok now offers AI-generated message suggestions as well.
• You can also tap the “Chat” button or the “Search” icon (the magnifying glass) at the top of your inbox and search for the person you want to chat with.
• Another option is to visit the TikTok profile of the person you want to message. If you follow each other, just click on the “Message” button above their post icons.
• If you’ve found a TikTok post, effect, or sound that you want to share with a friend, just hit “Share” (the arrow icon) on the screen. When a pop-up window opens, tap the name/profile picture(s) of the person (or people) you want to share with, add a message if you’d like, and hit “Send.”

Don’t get frustrated; direct messaging isn’t always available.

You can’t message anyone under 16 (and they can’t message you). You can’t message someone who has the “No one” setting activated for DMs (if your chat function is set to “No one,” you can’t receive messages either). And if you’re trying to message someone who doesn’t follow you, you have to do it from their profile page and they have to accept your request.

Finally, here’s how to start a group chat on TikTok: Click the “Chat” button on your inbox page, select the friends you want to invite, and hit “Start group chat.” Only mutual follows (you follow them and they follow you) can join your chat, and if someone’s chats are set to “No one,” they won’t see your invitation.