It can be hard keeping up with all the features constantly rolling out on TikTok. But one of the most debated features on the platform these days is TikTok’s Nudge feature.
Released in October 2023, Nudging on TikTok brings to mind Facebook circa 2004. Remember when the Poke button was a thing? Now it lives on TikTok. Something simple yet powerful for saying hello. Confused? Here’s everything you need to know about Nudge on TikTok.
What Is the TikTok Nudge Feature?
The Nudge feature lets users grab creators’ attention on the platform they follow. When you send someone a Nudge, it’s as if you are trying to tell a creator that you’re thinking about them, miss their content, or want them to post more. It’s a way to stand out when interacting with a creator who might receive hundreds of comments on their videos or direct messages.
While it was initially created to encourage a creator to go LIVE on the platform, it’s evolved to be more of a way users can simply encourage creators to post new content.
How Does Nudge Work?
There are two ways to Nudge someone on TikTok. The first way, that’s available to all users, is to DM a Nudge to a creator that you follow. It’s simple to do this. Just head to their profile, click the message button on the top left, and once you the hatbox appears, hit the Nudge emoji on the bottom of the screen. This will simply send them that emoji and nothing else.
Once that’s received, it’s understood that you are Nudging them to chat, respond to a previous message you created, or post new content if they’ve been idle for a while on the platform.
The second option is to Nudge someone on their profile screen. This feature is currently only available to some users.
If it’s available, you can go to a creator’s profile, click the bell icon, and then select nudge.
This action sends a creator a notification that they’ve been Nudged. While this was originally created to alert creators that you want them to go live, it can also just be a way to get their attention or let them know you want more content from them.
What Does It Mean To Nudge TikTok Messages?
When you send someone a Nudge via TikTok messages, it gently reminds them that you are saying hello or looking for an answer to a previous message that you sent them. After tapping the Nudge button, a finger-tapping emoji will be sent to them. They will then be notified to check their messages and can decide if they want to respond to your conversation.
While it’s easy to Nudge a creator, it’s not something you want to do often. It can come off as annoying or demanding, especially considering some creators are flooded with messages from their followers daily.
What Does Nudge Mean on a TikTok Repost?
There is another way the Nudge feature can be used on TikTok. If a user reposts someone else’s TikTok video, the platform adds a Nudge button to that reposted content. It usually lives near the username of the person who made that report. When other users click that button, it alerts the original creator that their video has been reposted.
This is available so creators can know when their content is being reposted. It also credits them in the reposted video and allows them to engage with those commenting on the reposted video.
The Mixed Feedback of Nudging
The Nudge feature on TikTok has received feedback from users and creators, and not all of it glowing. Some creators find it helpful to be notified that their followers are looking forward to them replying to a message and appreciate the Nudge. However other users and creators find this an annoying, intrusive, and unneeded feature on the platform. Keep that in mind before you spam creators you don’t know.
Should You Use the Nudge Feature on TikTok?
While scrolling through TikTok and interacting with your favorite creators, use the Nudge feature sparingly and only when necessary. If you sent an essential message to the creator, it could be best practice to follow up the first-time with a second message before then sending a Nudge if they don’t respond.
Overusing the Nudge feature could make a creator you follow so annoyed that they block you, so only use it if necessary. If you’re eager to share something with a creator, consider sending them an email off the platform instead as a secondary way of reaching out and saying hello.
