How to DM (Direct Message) People on TikTok

Hey there! Have you ever wanted to directly connect with someone on TikTok but weren‘t sure where to start? TikTok‘s direct messaging feature allows you to privately chat with other users – but it can be tricky to figure out.

In this detailed guide, I‘ll walk you step-by-step through how to direct message (DM) people on TikTok. I‘ll also share some pro tips and strategies I‘ve learned for getting responses!

Let‘s dive in.

Overview: How TikTok Direct Messaging Works

Direct messaging on TikTok has a few key limitations to be aware of:

You can only message mutual followers – Both users must follow each other to chat. You can‘t message non-followers.
Users under 16 can‘t use DMs – TikTok prohibits minors from messaging for safety reasons.
New accounts have delayed messaging – New users sometimes can‘t message right away. DMs become available after using TikTok for a while.
No DMs on desktop – Messaging is only available on mobile, not TikTok web.
No group messaging – You can only have one-on-one conversations.

These restrictions mean you can‘t always rely on DMs for connecting with your target audience. You‘ll need creative workarounds to reach non-followers or younger users.

But when used strategically, TikTok DMs can help you:

Engage with your current followers
Connect with potential collaborators
Reach out to influencers
Grow your audience
Share exclusive content or offers

Now let‘s walk through step-by-step how to direct message people in the TikTok app.

How to Start a TikTok DM Conversation

Follow the user‘s profile – Search for their @username and tap "Follow." Wait for them to follow you back.
Visit their profile – Once they follow you back, go to their profile page.
Tap the 3-dot menu icon – Tap the icon in the top right corner.
Select "Send Message" – This opens your messaging thread with them.
Type and send your message – The user will find your message in their inbox.

Easy enough, right? But here are some top tips to get your DMs noticed and start great conversations.

7 Tips for DM Success on TikTok

Getting your DMs seen and responded to takes strategy. Here are my best tips for DM success on TikTok:

1. Target similar or relevant accounts – Don‘t spam random people! Make sure your target audience aligns with the user‘s brand or content.

2. Personalize each message – Always include their @username and tailor your message. Generic DMs get ignored.

3. Keep your first message short & engaging – Introduce yourself briefly in 1-2 sentences. End with an intriguing question.

4. Offer value to them – Share ideas for collaborating, promoting their work, or helpful opportunities. Avoid asking for favors.

5. Follow up if needed – If they don‘t respond in a few days, one thoughtful follow-up is fine. Don‘t be too pushy.

6. Continue the conversation – If they respond, keep the dialogue flowing. Ask more questions and look for common interests.

7. Suggest meeting off TikTok – Transition conversations to text, email, or even a quick video call.

Now let‘s look at some specific examples of DM outreach done right.

Example DMs to Followers

Engaging your current followers via DM helps build loyalty and community. Here are some example messages to followers:

"Hey @user123! Love your supportive comments on my videos. What content do you like most from my channel? Any video ideas you want to see next?"

This shows appreciation for their viewership and asks for their input on future content.

"@user456 I‘m hosting a giveaway for my followers! Want me to enter you? Just share this video on your channel this week and you‘ll be automatically entered to win [prize]!"

Giveaways incentivize followers to share your content and stay engaged.

"Hi @user789! I‘m looking for fans of [shared interest] to join a new Snapchat community I‘m launching. Would you be interested in joining? We‘re going to hold weekly chats on [topic]."

Transitioning conversations to other platforms helps strengthen relationships off of TikTok.

These quick, friendly messages make followers feel special, involved, and excited about your brand.

Example DMs to Potential Collaborators

Reaching out to similar creators or industry people can spark great collaborations. Tailor your DM pitch to them:

"Hi @influencerA! Our content styles have a lot of overlap. Would you be open to collaborating on a video together? I have an idea for a funny script about [shared niche]. Let me know if you‘d be interested!"

"Hey @brandB! I love your products. I think my audience matches your target demographic. Would you want to send me some samples to feature in an upcoming review video? Happy to share my analytics."

"What‘s up @creatorC! I saw your latest video about [topic] and thought it was awesome. I‘m working on a video covering the same topic – want to exchange notes? Maybe we could even co-host a livestream discussion."

The key is explaining precisely why collaborating would benefit them or their brand. Do your research on their content to customize appealing partnership ideas.

Example DMs to Influencers

Messaging influencers takes finesse and persistence. But landing features or co-content can grow your platform.

"@mega_influencer Hi! I‘m a big fan of your channel. I create videos in the [niche] space too focused on [topic]. Would you have 5 minutes to hop on a Zoom call this week to discuss a video collaboration?"

Big influencers are unlikely to respond to cold outreach. Offering a quick call gives chances for making a personal connection.

"Hi @influencer123, I noticed you recently posted about [topic]. I‘d love to get your insight on my latest video about [similar topic]. Any feedback or advice you have would mean a lot! [Link to your video]"

Leverage trendsing topics and flattery to capture their interest. Offering your content allows them to review your work.

"@smallertiktoker Really enjoyed your video on [topic]! I covered something similar here: [link]. Let me know if you‘d ever want to co-create a video exploring this topic more. I think our audiences would love it!"

Start by engaging with their content authentically. Then suggest teaming up on more in-depth coverage.

Remember – influencers get nonstop DMs daily. Don‘t take lack of responses personally. Follow up respectfully a couple times, but then move on.

What If Someone Doesn‘t Follow You Back?

If your DM target doesn‘t follow you back, getting a response is unlikely. But here are some things you can try:

Keep engaging with their content – More likes, comments, and shares raises your chances they‘ll follow eventually.
DM them politely on another platform – If they also use Instagram or Twitter, message them there mentioning you want to connect on TikTok too.
Comment on their videos – Ask to connect and mention you tried DMing them.
Find alternate contact options – Email, other social accounts, contact forms, etc.
Suggest following each other on Instagram – DMs there have fewer limits.
Leverage existing connections – Mutual followers who could introduce you.
Don‘t take it personally – Non-responses happen all the time on TikTok. Just move on.

If your goal is to contact a specific influencer or creator, you may need to get creative beyond basic TikTok DMs.

TikTok DM Strategies for Business Growth

For business owners and creators, strategic direct messaging can become an invaluable growth tool on TikTok. Here are some effective ways brands can leverage DMs:

Reward Loyal Followers

Give sneak peeks of new products/content
Share discount codes and special offers
Spotlight their UGC content

Run Contests/Giveaways

Boost engagement by making users follow, like, and comment to enter
Collect user-generated content submissions via DM

Gather Feedback

Poll followers for video ideas or which products they‘d like to see
Ask for testimonials and reviews to re-share

Make Personal Connections

Respond to every comment and question via DM if possible
Share behind-the-scenes looks into your brand/life

Partner With Nano/Micro Influencers

Research influencers in your niche to collaborate with
Send free products in exchange for sponsored content

Resolve Customer Issues

Provide exclusive discount codes to resolve complaints
Prioritize DM support over public comments

Share User Videos On Your Page

Increase engagement by reposting UGC
Credit creators and ask permission first

Keep these examples in mind for creative ways to build your brand through TikTok DMs. The more value you can offer, the better response rate you‘ll get.

Key Takeaways

Hopefully this guide provided you with a helpful beginner‘s guide to direct messaging on TikTok. Here are some key tips to remember:

You can only message users who follow you back
Personalize your messages with engaging questions or offers
Follow up respectfully if needed
Try other contact methods if you can‘t DM someone
Focus on providing value, not making demands
Be creative and persistent to get responses
Use DMs strategically to grow your account and make connections

Any other questions on mastering TikTok DMs? Let me know in the comments! I‘m always happy to help walk through any confusing social media features.

Thanks for reading, and best of luck connecting with your perfect TikTok audience!