TikTok brings unique features to the table, allowing users to share and enjoy a vast array of creative content. One such feature that gained substantial attention was the Group Chat, which had a fleeting existence in May 2021 before mysteriously vanishing from the platform. The lack of an official announcement leaves users wondering if they can still create group chats on TikTok. This article unveils the current state of TikTok's group chat feature, shedding light on how to test its availability and providing alternatives for sharing your favorite TikToks with friends.
TikTok's Group Chat: A Brief Overview
TikTok's Group Chat feature, initially rolled out in May 2021, allowed users to share content with groups of friends simultaneously. However, this feature was only universally accessible for a month before disappearing mysteriously. TikTok has not made an official statement regarding the status of group messaging, which leaves room for speculation. The feature could be under testing with a small subset of users, preparing for a larger-scale launch.
Checking Group Chat Availability: A Step-by-Step Guide
To determine if the group chat feature is available on your account, follow these steps:
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Find a video to share: Choose a video that you wish to share with multiple individuals.
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Access the Share link: Tap on the Share link, represented by a curved-arrow icon near the bottom-right corner of the video. Tapping this will open the 'Send To' menu.
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Select friends for the chat: Within the 'Send To' menu, you'll see the profile pictures of several of your TikTok friends at the top. Tap the profile photo of each friend you wish to add to the chat.
Remember that if the group chat feature is active for your account, sending a video to two or more friends will result in a single group message in your inbox. If you see this, congratulations! You can create group chats on TikTok.
The Future of TikTok Group Chats
While TikTok group chats were briefly accessible to users in 2021, most users no longer have this feature. TikTok hasn't announced the fate of group chats, so it's uncertain if the feature is gone for good. However, considering the availability of group chats on competitor apps like Instagram and Snapchat, it's plausible that group chats will make a comeback on TikTok in a future update.
Keep TikTok updated to ensure you'll get group chat access when it returns. Ensure you've activated automatic updates on your Android, iPhone, or iPad to always have the latest TikTok features. Some users may still be able to create group chats on TikTok. The only way to find out is to give it a try.
Alternative Ways to Share TikToks with Friends
While the existence of TikTok's group chat feature remains uncertain, users can still share TikTok videos in other group chats. These include group text messages and group Instagram Direct Messages (DMs). So, while you wait for TikTok to bring back the group chat feature, you can leverage these alternatives to share your favorite TikToks with your friends.
In conclusion, while TikTok's group chat feature's status remains a mystery, users can still connect and share their favorite videos with friends through alternative methods. Let's keep our eyes peeled for updates from TikTok on this intriguing feature.