The new features allow users to interact within comments in a way that goes beyond traditional writing, while the platform seeks to transform the comments section into a space for discussion and interaction, and not just a place to leave reactions to video clips.
The voice comments feature allows users to record a voice message of up to a minute in length, by clicking on the microphone icon inside the comments box, and then any user can listen to it.
TikTok explained that voice comments are subject to the same community guidelines applied to the rest of the content, while the platform uses automated and human tools, in addition to converting speech into text, to monitor and remove violating content.
The platform will begin offering voice comments globally next month for users aged 18 years and above.
Content creators can also add polls when commenting on their videos, a feature that was previously available to some users and is now available globally.
Polls can be used to vote on an idea for the next video, choose an outfit, decide what to cook, and other options. The content creator can present up to five options, set the duration of the survey, and follow the results directly from the comments section.
In another update, users can now add up to nine photos in one comment, after only one photo was allowed to be added at a time.
The platform also enabled “Live Photo” comments, which gives users the ability to share a short animated snapshot that allows others to see a quick glimpse of the moment before displaying the full image.
Live Photo Comments are now available globally, while Multi-Photo Comments will be rolled out globally next month.
