What’s the change?
TikTok has introduced a new set of options for users to manage who they can receive messages from. The platform now allows users to choose between four settings: Everyone, Suggested Friends, Mutual Followers, and No one. Prior to this update, users could only send DMs to people they had explicitly marked as friends or those recommended by the algorithm.
The change was first reported by The Information. TikTok’s website explains that these options determine who can send messages to each user:
- Everyone: Any user on the platform can send them a message, including mutual followers and people they don’t follow. Messages from mutual friends will appear in their inbox, while messages from non-followers will arrive as Message requests. Users can accept or decline these messages directly through the app.
- Suggested Friends: This option allows recommended friends to send messages. These may include users synced with Facebook, contacts from phone apps, and others marked as “friends” on platforms like Instagram.
- Mutual Followers: If a user opts for this setting, only those they follow back can send them direct messages.
- No one: Choosing this option means the user won’t receive any DMs from anyone on the platform.
TikTok notes that users still have access to their message history when in “Everyone” mode but cannot receive new direct messages unless they switch settings back to a previous configuration or allow messages under another setting.
How it works
Everyone
When set to “Everyone,” any user can send them a DM. Messages from mutual followers and non-followers will appear as regular messages, while those sent by friends will show up as Message requests.
- Messages from mutual followers: Can be accepted or declined directly in the app.
- Messages from non-followers: Arrive as Message requests that need to be accepted within 24 hours.
- Messages from friends: Available for reading but not sendable unless the user has opted into receiving DMs under a different setting.
Suggested Friends
This mode includes messages sent by users marked as “friends” on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and synced contacts via phone apps. It’s designed to provide a curated experience of content shared by people they already know or have interacted with before joining TikTok.
- Messages from friends: Can be accepted or declined directly in the app.
- Messages from non-friends: Arrive as Message requests that need to be accepted within 24 hours.
Mutual Followers
Under this setting, users can only receive DMs from those they follow back on TikTok. It’s a more restrictive option aimed at maintaining authenticity and preventing unwanted messages.
- Messages from mutual followers: Can be accepted or declined directly in the app.
- Messages from non-followers: Arrive as Message requests that need to be accepted within 24 hours.
No one
Choosing this setting blocks all incoming DMs, allowing users to focus solely on interactions they initiate rather than responding to others.
Why does TikTok offer these options?
TikTok is continuously evolving its features to provide a more personalized and controlled experience for its users. The new DM settings reflect the platform’s commitment to enhancing user privacy and autonomy in managing their digital interaction with others. By offering granular control over who can send messages, TikTok empowers users to maintain boundaries while still allowing them to engage with content they find interesting or relevant.
How to install the change
- Open the TikTok app and log in to your account.
- Navigate to the settings section (usually found in the profile menu or within the app’s main menu).
- Look for the option related to direct messaging or DM settings.
- Select one of the four available options: Everyone, Suggested Friends, Mutual Followers, or No one.
Note: The exact location of this setting may vary depending on your device and region. If you can’t find it, contact TikTok support for assistance.
Conclusion
TikTok’s expansion of DM settings is a thoughtful move to balance user privacy with the desire for meaningful interactions. By offering these options, the platform empowers users to maintain control over their digital communication while still allowing them to engage with content they care about. Whether you opt to receive messages from everyone, only friends, mutual followers, or no one at all, TikTok’s new settings give you flexibility and autonomy in managing your online interactions.
