How to Enable and Use Direct Messages on TikTok

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Find out what and how you can DM friends on TikTok
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TikTok, like many social networking platforms, has a feature called direct messaging that allows you to communicate with your friends on the platform. This wikiHow will show you how to send a direct message on the platform. You can only message your friends.

What can you send in a TikTok DM?

TikTok has a direct messaging feature that allows you to send messages, TikTok videos, gifs, and stickers to your friends. You cannot send photos or any other media that does not come from TikTok’s platform. For safety reasons, you can only DM users you are friends with.

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Enabling DMs

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    This will show you your profile page.
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    This will open your settings.
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    You cannot send messages to people unless they are following you back.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Finding Friends

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    This will show you your profile page.
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    This will bring up a page of people you may know.
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    This will follow (or request to follow) your friend's account.
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    In order to send a message, they need to be following you. Once they follow you, you will be able to message them.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Sending and Receiving

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    This icon has a speech bubble.
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    This icon looks like an office tray.
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    An automated message will read "I am [Display name], glad to be your friend".
    • If you deleted the chat, then tap on the +, then enter the username of the friend to message, then select it.
    • You can also send messages to your friend by tapping on Message on their profile page.
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    This will allow you to type a message.
    • You can also send GIFs courtesy of GIPHY and custom emoji. Tap on the smile button to access them.
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    This will send the message to your friend.
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Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Knowing the Limitations

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    For everyone's protection, DMs can only be sent to friends.
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    Sent messages are saved in the phone's memory and are protected with end-to-end encryption. You cannot unsend a message, so be careful what you send.
    • Deleting a message or conversation only deletes it from your phone's memory and does not delete it for your friend.
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    You can only send links to TikTok videos, TikTok live streams, TikTok audios, TikTok hashtags, and TikTok accounts. No other content can be sent.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I send pictures?
    Aasim
    Top Answerer
    Unfortunately, you cannot send images unless they are part of TikTok (such as GIPHY images).
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 38 Helpful 61
  • Question
    Why can I "not send messages due to this user's privacy settings"?
    Aasim
    Top Answerer
    The user either blocked you (which you can tell if you cannot follow the user's account) or disabled the sending of direct messages (DMs).
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 15 Helpful 19
  • Question
    Does it cost money to message on TikTok?
    💮Lexi💮
    Community Answer
    No, nothing for messaging on TikTok costs money. But in order to message, you must have a valid phone number.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 13 Helpful 31
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      Tips

      • If your friend is sending you harassing messages, choose Report .
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      • To prevent a friend from messaging you in the chat, tap on the chat, then choose Block . This will also prevent them from viewing your videos or following you.
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