After what feels like a lifetime of waiting, TikTok has launched group chats. The tool, which was announced on August 12, allows users to add 32 people into one chat. As with most group chats, you’ll be able to invite users, and users will be able to invite you.
There is one rule though: you can only invite mutually-followed friends. It’s also worth noting that if you have your TikTok settings so you can’t receive DMs, you won’t be able to see invitations to join group chats.
“Creative expression is truly limitless on TikTok,” a representative of TikTok wrote in a website post. “We’re always looking for new ways to enrich the TikTok experience and bring that mantra to life for our global community, and we will continue to introduce features that help you discover shared entertainment through authentic connections.”
How to start a TikTok group chat
There are two ways to start a group chat. One way is to press the + sign on your TikTok inbox and create a new chat. Then, pick the users you want to be part of the chat and press “select group chat.”
The second way is by pressing the new “create group chat with friends” feature when you select multiple people to share a TikTok with.
Per TikTok’s website post, users must be at least 15 years old to use the group chat feature. But even then, at ages 16 and 17, there are restrictions as to how teens can interact with group chats. They will not be able to join a group chat unless there’s at least one mutual in said group chat, and they have to make a “proactive decision” to join the conversation.
Meanwhile, if a teenager is the one to make the group chat, they will need to review and approve every single new member of the chat.
