TikTok plans to launch group chat feature this year, moving closer to social media

According to a Reuters report yesterday, the short video platform TikTok may launch a group chat function this year, thereby shaping TikTok into a "social interaction application" to compete head-on with social media such as Facebook. However, TikTok's Chinese version app Douyin has already launched this function as early as 2019.

TikTok’s group chat feature can extend users’ usage time while helping develop the platform’s expanding live streaming and e-commerce businesses, making it easier for KOLs and KOCs to connect with their fans.

According to people familiar with the matter, ByteDance had internal discussions on the development of the group chat function in 2020, but it was shelved after the hostile policies of Trump and the Indian government. Therefore, after Biden suspended the TikTok ban, TikTok finally had the time and energy to plan its future development. It is reported that the official release time and location of the group chat function are still under evaluation, but people familiar with the matter revealed that it should be launched this year.

TikTok's strategy is similar to that of social media giants such as Facebook and WeChat developing short video functions. They are all moving closer to each other, hoping to curb the growth rate of their opponents while building a defensive position for their own future development.

If TikTok , which is popular among young users, can effectively execute these social media expansion strategies , it may pose a real threat to Facebook's social media dominance and become the preferred application for social interaction among young people . Facebook and Instagram will not sit idly by .

TikTok still has a long way to go to achieve the above achievements . Simply launching a group chat function is certainly not enough . Establishing a clearer revenue sharing plan with content creators will be a key step for TikTok to move towards a new journey .

How will TikTok's social layout develop in the future ? Let's wait and see!

TikTok

Group chat function