TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms in recent years, especially among teenagers and young adults.
One of the key features of TikTok is the ability to connect with other users through direct messaging.
However, in order to message someone on TikTok who doesn’t already follow you, you first have to send them a message request.
In this blog post, we’ll take an in-depth look at how TikTok message requests work, who can send and receive them, the process for sending and accepting requests, what happens when a request is accepted, tips for sending effective requests, and more.
Whether you’re new to TikTok and trying to figure out how to connect with other users or are just looking to utilize messaging more effectively, this guide will cover everything you need to know about sending and receiving TikTok message requests.
Who Can Send and Receive Message Requests?
First, let’s go over the basics of who can send and receive TikTok message requests in the first place:
Sending Message Requests
- Any user can send a message request to another user, even if they don’t currently follow each other. There are no restrictions on who can send requests.
- You can only send a request to a user who has messaging enabled. If a user has disabled messaging in their account settings, you won’t be able to send them a request.
- There are some limits on how many requests a user can send per day, likely to prevent spamming. The exact number of requests allowed per day isn’t publicly known.
However, there are some instances where your message won’t be delivered at all. Instead, you’ll receive the notice that “Messages cannot be sent since this user isn’t following you.”
Receiving Message Requests
- By default, any user can receive message requests from anyone.
- Users have the option to limit message requests to “People You Follow” only in their account privacy settings. This prevents requests from strangers.
- Accounts for users under 16 cannot receive any message requests due to COPPA regulations.
So in summary, most standard TikTok users can freely send and receive message requests to connect with new people on the platform. Controls exist to limit potential harassment for younger users and public figures.
The TikTok Message Request Process
Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to actually send and accept TikTok message requests between users. Here is an overview of the full process:
How to Send a Message Request on TikTok
- Find the profile of the user you want to message. You can search for their username or encounter their videos on your For You feed.
- Tap the “Message” button on their profile. Don’t worry if this button is grayed out!
- You’ll be prompted to send them a message request. Write a brief introduction message.
- Tap “Send” to deliver your request. The user will receive a notification of your request.
And that’s it! The message request has now been sent and it’s up to the receiving user to accept it. Now let’s look at the process on the receiving end:
How to Check Message Requests on TikTok
Here’s what you need to know about how to see your message requests on TikTok, whether you’re using an iPhone or Android.
- When you receive a new message request, you’ll get an in-app notification. This will also show up as a red dot on your Messages tab.
- To view your pending requests, go to your Messages and tap the Requests folder. This shows all open requests.
- Tap into the request you want to accept and preview the intro message. Their username and profile photo will be displayed.
- If you want to connect with the user, tap “Accept.” This opens messaging between your accounts.
- If you don’t want to accept, tap “Delete” to remove the request. The user will not be notified if you delete their request.
And that covers the full process! Once both sides have accepted a message request, normal messaging can begin between the users. Let’s talk more about messaging next.
Messaging After Accepting a Request
What happens once you accept a message request from another TikTok user? Here are some key things to know:
- Accepting a request immediately opens up messaging between your accounts. You can start exchanging messages right after accepting.
- The user who sent the request will receive a notification that you’ve accepted. They’ll know they can start messaging you.
- Your messaging with the user will remain even if you unfollow each other later. Messaging does not depend on following.
- Likewise, if you block the user, your message history remains, but they can no longer message you again.
- You can report harassing messages to TikTok. This can get a user banned from messaging.
- You can delete message requests after accepting them. This doesn’t block further messaging.
- There are no limits on how many users you can message with at once.
So feel free to accept requests and start chatting away! Just be wary of potential harassment and make use of blocking and reporting tools if needed.
Tips for Sending Effective Message Requests
Now that you know how the TikTok messaging request system works, let’s go over some tips to send more effective requests and get them accepted:
Personalize Your Message
Don’t send generic messages like “Hey!” Introduce yourself and reference something specific about their videos to show you actually watched them.
Keep It Short
Get right to the point in 2-3 sentences. You can have a full conversation after they accept. Don’t bombard them upfront.
Ask Open-Ended Questions
Give them something easy to respond to, like asking about their creative process or video ideas. Don’t just say “hi!”
Compliment Their Work
We all like compliments! Praise their editing skills or humor rather than physical appearance.
Follow Their Account
Users are more likely to accept requests from followers. Show you want to engage more.
Be Patient
Don’t send multiple requests if they don’t respond quickly. Give them time. And don’t take it personally if they ignore the request.
Check Their Following Count
Smaller creators are more likely to be open to requests than huge accounts flooded with them.
Common Confusions Around TikTok Messaging
TikTok messaging and requests come with their own unique quirks that can confuse newcomers. Here are some common points of confusion explained:
- Why can’t I message some people? You can only message users who have messaging enabled and aren’t under 16 or verified. TikTok restricts messaging for younger users and public figures.
- Do we have to follow each other to message? Nope! Messaging is completely separate from following. You can message anyone who accepts your request, even if you don’t follow them.
- Why are my messages green vs. blue? Blue is for sent messages. Green indicates the message was seen by the recipient. It’s like read receipts on other platforms.
- Can I get rejected when sending a request? Not directly. Users either accept your request, delete it without responding, or just ignore it. But the end result is the same if they don’t accept.
- Is there a limit to how many people I can message? Nope! You can carry on unique messaging with as many other users as you want.
- Why can’t I see someone’s Messages button? Either their messaging is disabled or your account is restricted from sending them requests.
That covers most of the potential confusing points around TikTok messaging and requests! Let’s recap the key takeaways around requests:
Key Takeaways
- Anyone can send TikTok message requests, but only to users with messaging enabled who aren’t under 16 or verified.
- Most users can receive requests, which appear in the Requests folder in your Messages.
- Accept a request to open messaging with that user and get notified when they accept yours.
- Personalize your intro messages, keep them short, compliment their work, and follow their account to increase acceptance.
- Messaging works between any users who accept requests, even without following each other.
- Be patient and don’t take it personally if your requests are ignored. Try smaller creators who are more likely to accept them.
TikTok messaging can allow you to make genuine connections and relationships with other creators and users on the platform.
Follow these best practices for sending and accepting message requests, and you’ll be messaging new friends in no time!
