TikTok appears to be testing voice calling inside direct messages, a move that could put the short-video app in more direct competition with instant messaging apps like Messenger and WhatsApp. Jonah Manzano on X recently spotted the feature and shared screenshots, including an incoming call notification labeled “TikTok Audio” and a phone icon added to the DM interface.
From voice notes to calls
The feature seemingly works as a standard audio call initiated from within a DM conversation. Based on Manzano’s testing, it requires both users to be friends on the platform before a call can be placed. A “Mute calls” toggle also appears in the DM settings menu alongside the existing “Mute messages” option, suggesting TikTok has built out the necessary notification controls to support the feature.
TikTok added voice notes to DMs in August last year, along with photo and video attachments. Voice calling would be the next step up, turning the messaging tab into something closer to a full communications tool.
More time in the app
The expansion fits TikTok’s broader push to keep users inside the platform rather than switching to a separate app to chat. Over the past two years, TikTok has added group chats, DM streaks, broadcast channels, and voice notes in quick succession. The platform also recently added a hidden emoji mini-game to DMs that works in both one-on-one and group chats, another small hook designed to keep users in the app longer.
Adding calls brings it closer to the feature set of Instagram and Snapchat, both of which support in-app audio calling. TikTok has not confirmed the feature or announced a wider rollout yet, but it shouldn’t be long before voice calls reach a broader audience.