TikTok has made a change to the way its direct messages work, allowing users to DM anyone for the first time.
Previously, TikTok only allowed direct messages to people whom they had marked as friends or recommended, but now all that has changed.
TikTok has begun emailing users to inform them of the change, with The Information reporting that the new direct message settings were actually rolled out in November. However, the rollout was a limited one and only applicable to some users.
Now, it is rolling out to all TikTok users.
On Tuesday, TikTok sent an email to some users to highlight changes it made in November to expand its private messaging settings, according to an email reviewed by The Information. Users who want to receive DMs can now choose to receive messages from everyone, as well as recommended friends (such as synced phone contacts or Facebook friends), or mutually followed friends (those who follow each other).
For now users have the option to enable this new, more open messaging feature. But it’s also possible that the option will go away as TikTok struggles to become more like Instagram and compete with it on every level.
The ability to send direct messages to everyone can be another vehicle for hate and abuse, one particular reason we hope TikTok continues to provide the ability to disable it.
You may also like to check out:
You can follow us TwitterOr Instagram, and even like our Facebook page to keep yourself updated on all the latest from Microsoft, Google, Apple, and the web.