TikTok is not just about scrolling through videos and creating content — it also allows users to connect through private messages. If you regularly chat with friends, creators, or followers on TikTok, you may find yourself wondering: Did they see my message? Unlike some other social media platforms, TikTok’s messaging system has its own rules about read receipts and message visibility.
This guide explains how to know if someone has read your TikTok message, what limitations exist, and alternative ways to tell if they might have seen your text.
Does TikTok Have Read Receipts?
Yes, TikTok has read receipts, but they are not automatically turned on for all users. A read receipt lets you know when someone has opened your direct message. If the feature is active, you will see a small notification saying “Read” below your message once the recipient has opened it.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Read receipts are optional – Both you and the person you’re messaging must have read receipts enabled for them to work.
- They only show for direct messages (DMs) – You won’t see read receipts for comments, likes, or other interactions on TikTok.
- Mutual following may be required – Depending on your privacy settings, you may only be able to send messages (and get read receipts) with people who follow you back.
How to Enable or Disable Read Receipts on TikTok
If you want to check whether someone has read your messages, you need to make sure the feature is turned on in your own account. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the TikTok app on your phone.
- Tap on your profile icon in the bottom-right corner.
- Go to the menu (three lines) in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings and Privacy.
- Scroll down and tap Privacy.
- Look for the Read Receipts option.
- Toggle it on to activate or off to disable.
If the other person also has this feature turned on, you will see when they read your message.
How to Check if Your Message Was Read
Once read receipts are enabled, checking is simple:
- Open your TikTok inbox.
- Go to the chat with the person you messaged.
- Look beneath your last message.
- If it says “Read”, the person has opened your message.
- If it only shows “Delivered”, the message has reached them but they haven’t opened it yet (or they have read receipts turned off).
Why You May Not See Read Receipts
There are a few reasons you may not be able to tell if someone has read your TikTok message:
- The recipient has turned off read receipts.
- They have not yet opened your message.
- Your account does not meet TikTok’s messaging requirements (for example, you’re not mutual followers).
- They may have restricted or blocked you, preventing further interaction.
Other Clues Someone Might Have Seen Your Message
Even without read receipts, there are indirect signs that suggest your message was noticed:
- The person continues to like or comment on your TikTok videos.
- They respond to your message later, even if the “Read” tag never appeared.
- They appear online frequently, but your message still shows as “Delivered.”
While these clues aren’t definitive, they can give you an idea of whether your message was likely seen.
Also Read: How to Search TikTok While on FaceTime
