You can create a group chat on TikTok through the Direct Messages section, and it works on both phone and desktop
TikTok's group chat feature lets you message multiple people at once without creating a separate account or app. You start a group from your inbox, add up to 32 people, and everyone can see the full conversation history. The group stays active as long as at least one person is in it, and you can leave without deleting it for others.
The process takes about 30 seconds and works the same way whether you're on iPhone, Android, or a web browser. You'll need to be following the people you want to add, or they'll need to be following you — TikTok won't let you message strangers by default.
Key Takeaways
- Open your Direct Messages, tap the compose button, and select the people you want to add to create a group chat.
- You can add up to 32 people to a single group, and everyone sees the same messages and conversation history.
- Both people need to be following each other, or one person needs to follow the other, before they can be added to a group.
- You can rename the group, add or remove people later, and leave without affecting the chat for others.
How to create a group chat on your phone
Open TikTok and tap the inbox icon at the bottom right of your screen. This takes you to your Direct Messages. Look for the compose button — it's usually a pencil icon or a plus sign in the top right corner of the inbox screen.
Tap the compose button and you'll see a list of people you follow or who follow you. Tap the checkbox or circle next to each person's name to select them. You can add as many as 32 people to one group. Once you've selected everyone, tap "Create" or "Next" (the button name varies by phone type). TikTok will create the group and open it so you can send your first message.
How to create a group chat on desktop or web
Go to TikTok.com and log in. Click the inbox icon on the left side of the screen. Look for a compose button or a "New Message" option — this is usually near the top of your inbox.
Click it and you'll see a list of accounts you can message. Check the box next to each person you want to add. Once you've selected everyone, click "Create Group" or "Start Chat." The group will open and you can type your first message right away.
Adding people to a group after you create it
You don't have to add everyone at once. Open the group chat and look for a settings icon — usually three dots or a gear symbol in the top right corner of the chat window. Tap or click it and select "Add Members" or "Add People."
You'll see the same list of people you can message. Select the new members you want to add and confirm. They'll be added to the group and can see all previous messages in the chat. The person who created the group can add or remove members at any time.
Renaming your group and managing settings
When you first create a group, TikTok gives it a default name based on the members' usernames. To change it, open the group and tap the three-dot menu or settings icon. Select "Edit Group Name" or "Rename" and type a new name. This name is visible to everyone in the group.
From the same settings menu, you can also remove members by selecting their name and choosing "Remove." If you're not the group creator, you may only see options to mute notifications or leave the chat. The group creator has full control over who stays and who goes.
What happens when you leave a group chat
If you leave a group, the chat continues for everyone else. They can still see all the messages you sent before you left. You won't receive new messages from that group, but you can rejoin if someone adds you back later.
Leaving a group is different from deleting it. Only the group creator can delete a group, and even then, it only disappears from their inbox — other members can still see it. If you want to stop seeing a group without leaving it, you can mute it so notifications don't pop up on your phone.
Troubleshooting common group chat problems
If you can't add someone to a group, the most common reason is that you're not following each other. TikTok requires a follow connection before you can message someone. Ask the person to follow you, or follow them first, then try adding them again.
If messages aren't sending, check your internet connection and make sure you're not blocked by anyone in the group. If the group chat disappears from your inbox, you may have accidentally left it — check your "Archived" or "Closed" messages section if your TikTok version has one. Refreshing the app or logging out and back in usually fixes display problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to a group chat if they don't follow me back?
No. TikTok requires that both people follow each other, or at least that one person follows the other. If someone doesn't follow you and you don't follow them, you won't see them in the list of people you can add. Ask them to follow your account first, then add them to the group.
What's the maximum number of people I can add to one group?
You can add up to 32 people to a single TikTok group chat. If you need to message more people than that, you'll need to create a second group or send individual messages.
Can I see messages from before I joined the group?
Yes. When you're added to a group, you can scroll up and see the entire conversation history, including messages sent before you joined. This is different from some other messaging apps that only show you messages from the moment you join.
What happens if the group creator leaves?
The group continues to exist and function normally. Other members can still message each other and see the full chat history. The group creator doesn't need to stay in the chat for it to keep working.
Can I delete a group chat?
Only the group creator can delete a group, and only from their own inbox. When they delete it, it disappears for them but remains visible to everyone else. If you're not the creator and want to stop seeing the group, you can leave it or mute notifications.