TikTok is a popular social media platform that allows users to create and share short videos. Since launching in 2016, TikTok has grown exponentially in popularity, with over 1 billion monthly active users as of 2023 (Tiktok Popularity Statistics 2023).
One of the key features of TikTok is the ability to message other users directly. Messaging allows you to have private conversations with friends, collaborate on videos, and connect with creators. By default, TikTok’s messaging settings only allow mutual followers to message each other. However, users have the option to change these settings to control who can message them on TikTok.
Why Change Messaging Settings?
As TikTok has become one of the most used social platforms, enabling direct messaging in your settings allows for more direct engagement and conversation with your followers and friends. Messaging capabilities facilitate personal connections between creators and their audience in a more intimate way than just commenting publicly (Source). Open messaging provides the opportunity to build real relationships through one-on-one communication. This enables conversations that feel more natural and comfortable for some users.
For young people especially, messaging features allow them to develop social skills in a low-pressure environment. Having direct messaging can help users learn how to initiate conversations and interact positively online (Source). Enabling direct messaging makes it easy for followers and friends to reach out directly with questions, comments, or just to chat. Overall, it facilitates more personal connections between users on the platform.
Default Messaging Settings
TikTok’s default messaging settings are quite restrictive. By default, you can only receive direct messages from accounts you are following who also follow you back. This is known as having “mutual followers” with someone. So if you follow someone but they don’t follow you back, they won’t be able to message you.
TikTok set up their messaging this way to limit unsolicited messages. This prevents random accounts from messaging you out of the blue. While this provides more privacy and security, it also limits who can reach out to you on TikTok via direct messaging.
The default settings apply to both iPhone and Android users. Unless you change it in your settings, you will only be able to message with mutual followers on either device.
This restrictive messaging is good in some ways, but can also prevent you from messaging people you may want to talk to. Fortunately, TikTok allows you to easily change the messaging settings if desired.
How to Change to Allow Everyone
Here are the steps to change your TikTok messaging settings to allow everyone to send you direct messages:
- Open the TikTok app and go to your profile page.
- Tap the three horizontal line icon in the top right corner to open the menu.
- Select “Settings and privacy” from the menu.
- Tap “Privacy” from the settings menu.
- Select “Direct messages” from the privacy settings.
- Under “Who can send you Direct Messages”, tap on “No one”.
- From the pop-up menu, choose “Everyone”.
TikTok will now allow any user to send you direct messages. Keep in mind that opening your DMs to everyone may lead to an increase in unwanted messages. You can always block or report users who are abusive.
For more detailed steps, refer to this guide: https://www.adweek.com/media/tiktok-how-to-receive-direct-messages-from-everyone/
How to Change to Friends Only
To allow only your friends to message you on TikTok:
- Open the TikTok app and go to your profile page.
- Tap the three dots in the top right corner to open the menu.
- Select “Settings and privacy.”
- Go to “Privacy and safety.”
- Under “Interactions,” tap “Direct messages.”
- Toggle “Who can send you Direct Messages” to “Friends.”
Now only users you follow, who also follow you back, will be able to send you direct messages on TikTok (source). Other users will not have the option to message you. This prevents unwanted messages from strangers.
Blocking Users
If you want to prevent specific users from messaging you on TikTok, you can block them. This will prevent them from commenting on your videos, duetting with you, or sending you direct messages.
To block a user on TikTok:
- Go to that user’s profile page.
- Tap the three dots icon in the upper right corner.
- Select “Block” from the menu.
You can also block users when you receive a comment or message from them. Tap and hold on their message, then choose “Block” from the popup menu.
Blocking is permanent unless you choose to unblock the user later on. You can unblock users from your account settings under “Privacy and safety.”
If someone you’ve blocked tries to message you, they will receive an error saying you don’t accept messages from them. Your account and messages will remain invisible to blocked users.
For more information, see TikTok’s support article on blocking users on TikTok.
Reporting Abuse
Unfortunately, sometimes users may receive abusive, harassing, or inappropriate messages on TikTok. If this happens, you can report the message directly to TikTok by following these steps:
1. Open the message from your inbox in the TikTok app.
2. Tap and hold on the offensive message to open the menu.
3. Tap “Report” and select the reason that best describes why you’re reporting the message (e.g. “It’s harassing me”).
You can also report an entire account for frequent abusive messaging. To do this:
1. Visit the profile of the account sending unwanted messages.
2. Tap the three dots icon in the upper right corner.
3. Select “Report” and choose “Report user” > “It’s posting inappropriate content” from the options.
TikTok reviews all reported content and accounts and will remove anything that violates their community guidelines. You can learn more about reporting messages on TikTok’s Help Center website (https://support.tiktok.com/en/safety-hc/report-a-problem/report-a-direct-message).
Managing Notifications
You can customize your notification settings for messages on TikTok. This allows you to control if, when and how you are notified about new messages.
To adjust your messaging notifications on iOS:
- Go to your profile and tap the 3 dot menu in the top right.
- Select “Settings and privacy”.
- Tap “Notifications”.
- Under “Messages”, toggle notifications on or off for “New messages” and “Group invitations”.
On Android:
- Tap your profile picture in the bottom right.
- Tap the 3 lines in the top right and choose “Settings and privacy”.
- Select “Notifications”.
- Under “Messages”, customize notifications for new messages and group invites.
You can choose to receive notifications for new messages right away, after 3 minutes, after 15 minutes or never. This gives you control over when you are notified about incoming messages.
Additionally, you can enable or disable sound and vibration alerts for new messages. Muting notifications allows you to stay focused when needed.
Other TikTok Privacy Settings
In addition to messaging settings, TikTok has other privacy settings to control how your content is shared and who can interact with you. Some key settings to review include:
Account privacy – Set your profile to private so only approved followers can view your videos. You can also limit video downloads and reactions.
Comments – Choose who can comment on your videos, filter certain words, turn commenting off, or limit to friends only.
Liked videos – Keep your liked videos private so only you can see the content you enjoyed.
Suggest your account – Prevent TikTok from recommending your account to others who may want to follow you.
Live streaming – Go live only for followers, friends, or no one. You can also disable sharing and receiving virtual gifts.
Understandably, figuring out all of TikTok’s privacy controls can take time. But adjusting these settings based on your comfort level allows you to shape your experience on the platform.
Conclusion
In summary, there are a few different options for customizing your messaging settings on TikTok. The default is set to not allow messaging from anyone. To change this, go to your profile, tap the three dots in the top right, choose Settings and privacy, then Privacy. Here you can change who can send you Direct Messages to Everyone, Friends Only, or No One.
It’s a good idea to block or report any users who send harassing messages. You can also control your notifications for messages so you’re not disturbed by them. Overall, spending some time customizing your TikTok messaging and privacy settings to your comfort level allows you to get the most out of the platform.
