TikTok Introduces Group Chats and Custom Stickers

Overview

• TikTok introduces group chats (up to 32 participants) and custom stickers in direct messages.
• The update aims to transform TikTok from just an entertainment platform into a more comprehensive social media hub.
• Includes muting/blocking tools, message reporting, and limits on group creation and message forwarding, with extra protections for teens.
• TikTok’s updates position it as a competitor to messaging giants like WhatsApp and iMessage.
• House of Marketers insights about the latest TikTok Update.

Recently, TikTok announced a significant update to its platform, introducing new features that elevate the direct messaging experience for users. This update includes the highly anticipated group chat feature and the ability to create custom stickers, signaling TikTok’s continued evolution from a simple entertainment platform to a more robust social interaction hub. 

As the platform becomes increasingly central to users’ daily digital lives, these enhancements are designed to make connecting with friends and sharing content easier and more engaging than ever before.

What Does This Update Mean?

Group Chat Feature

TikTok’s new group chat feature allows users to create conversations with up to 32 participants, making it easier for friends, families, and communities to connect and engage with content together in real-time. 

To create a group chat, simply tap the “Chat” button at the top of your inbox, select “More options,” choose the friends you want to include, and then click “Start group chat.” If you’re joining an existing group chat through an invite, just tap on the invite and click “Join group.” This addition transforms TikTok into a more interactive platform, where users can watch, comment, and react to videos as a group.

The feature includes strict safety measures for teens, such as limiting group chat participation to mutual followers and requiring proactive approval for new joiners in teen-initiated chats.

As the announcement states, “When developing features, we assess how we can build safety into their design, especially for teens. Group Chat, like Direct Messaging, is not available for those ages 13 to 15. To help older teens 16-17 enjoy the benefits of this feature, we’re taking important steps to block communication with strangers.”

Custom Stickers

In addition to group chats, TikTok now offers custom stickers in direct messages. This feature encourages creative expression by allowing users to create and share personalized stickers, adding a fun and personal touch to their conversations.

Custom stickers enable users to infuse their personality into interactions, making conversations more engaging and reflective of individual creativity.

Implications for Users and Businesses

TikTok’s update marks a significant shift in how users can interact on the platform. 

Implications For Users

The introduction of group chats and custom stickers elevates TikTok beyond its roots as a content discovery platform, making it a more integral part of users’ social lives. The group chat feature offers a seamless way for users to connect with friends and family directly within the app. 

Users won’t need to switch between TikTok and external messaging apps, as they can now enjoy a unified experience of watching, commenting, and reacting to videos together in real-time. Custom stickers add an extra layer of personalisation, allowing users to make their interactions more memorable and engaging.

Implications For Businesses

For brands and businesses, TikTok’s new features open up exciting opportunities to engage with audiences in more meaningful ways. Custom stickers provide a new marketing tool, enabling brands to increase visibility and engagement.

• Custom stickers can be used as a marketing tool, allowing brands to create stickers that users can incorporate into their conversations, increasing visibility.
• As users share branded stickers, they naturally amplify the brand’s presence across the platform.
• These features allow brands to craft creative and engaging campaigns that resonate with TikTok’s audience, fostering deeper connections with users.

House of Marketers Insights

As TikTok continues to evolve, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the platform is no longer content with just being the home of viral videos. With its latest updates, TikTok is stepping up its game, positioning itself as a serious competitor in the broader social media landscape. 

Here’s why these changes matter:

• By introducing these new features, TikTok is directly challenging platforms like WhatsApp, iMessage, and Instagram by integrating features that go beyond content sharing and into the realm of social interaction.
• TikTok is continuously exploring new ways to enhance the user experience by enabling creative expression. The introduction of custom stickers is just one example of how the platform supports authentic connections through shared entertainment.
• By adding group chats and custom stickers, TikTok is transforming itself into a comprehensive social platform where users can connect, communicate, and create, all in one place.
• These features are designed to keep users within TikTok’s ecosystem, offering everything they need for social interaction without having to switch to other apps.
• For brands, this shift presents a chance to engage with audiences on a deeper level. The new social features allow for more personalized and creative ways to build and maintain relationships with your community.

Conclusion

TikTok’s latest updates signal a significant shift in the platform’s strategy, evolving it from a space primarily for entertainment to a fully-fledged social hub. By introducing group chats and custom stickers, TikTok is not just keeping up with other social media giants—it’s actively competing with them. These changes offer both users and brands exciting new ways to interact, create, and connect within the platform.

As TikTok continues to expand its social capabilities, now is the perfect time for brands to explore these new opportunities. Don’t miss out on the chance to engage your audience in innovative ways. 

Get in touch with House of Marketers today to learn how we can help you leverage TikTok and other social media channels to create impactful, engaging campaigns that connect with your audience on a deeper level.