If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok lately, you might have noticed a new trend popping up in your DMs—Streaks. Introduced quietly on May 29, 2024, this feature has caught the attention of users everywhere about how to start a streak on TikTok. A little fire emoji with a number and the message “You have unlocked a Streak” has left many wondering what it’s all about.
Sound familiar? While TikTok Streaks might remind you of Snapchat or Duolingo streaks, they bring their own twist that’s uniquely TikTok. People are already jumping on the bandwagon, trying to figure out how to start and keep their streaks alive.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about TikTok Streaks—what they are, how they work, and how you can join the latest trend. Ready to fire up your streaks? Let’s get into it!
What Is TikTok Streak?
TikTok Streaks is a new feature that tracks consecutive days of direct messaging between users, adding a fun, gamified element to your daily interactions. When you exchange messages with someone for three days in a row, a Streak badge appears in your chat, marking the start of your streak. The streak continues to grow as long as you keep the conversation going daily.
If you miss a day, the badge turns gray as a warning, and if there’s no interaction within 24 hours, the streak disappears. However, TikTok may offer an option to restore expired streaks for longer-lasting connections. You’ll also receive notifications when you start a streak or if one is about to expire, so you can stay on top of your interactions.
Much like Snapchat’s streaks, this feature is designed to boost user engagement by encouraging consistent communication. The psychological urge to maintain a streak makes it hard to break, ensuring users return to the app regularly. By introducing Streaks, TikTok not only adds a playful twist to messaging but also strengthens its hold as a daily habit for users.
How To Start A Streak on TikTok?
On Phone
- Open the TikTok app on your phone.
- Tap the Inbox icon on TikTok located at the bottom of the screen. This is where your messages and notifications are stored.
- If you’ve already messaged the friend, tap on their name in the chat list to open the conversation. To start a new chat, tap the magnifying glass icon at the top of the Inbox. Then, choose the friend or look for your friend’s name you want to start a streak with from your list.
- In the chat box, type a message, send an emoji, share a photo, or send a video or voice message. Press Send to deliver it.
- Repeat this process for three consecutive days. Both you and your friend need to send at least one message daily to qualify for a streak.
- After the third day, a fire emoji will appear next to your friend’s name in the chat. This confirms that your streak has started.
On Desktop
- Open your web browser and navigate to TikTok.
- Click the Log In button at the top-right corner and enter your credentials if you’re not already signed in.
- Click the Messages icon (shaped like a paper plane) at the bottom-left corner, near your profile picture.
- To continue an existing conversation, choose a friend’s name from the chat list on the left-hand side.
- Type a message in the text box at the bottom of the chat window. You can also send emojis, photos, or videos. Press Enter or click the Send button to deliver it.
- Continue exchanging messages with the same friend for three consecutive days. Both you and your friend need to send at least one message per day to maintain the streak.
- A fire emoji will appear next to your friend’s name after three days, confirming your streak has started.
What Kinds of Messages Help Maintain a TikTok Streak?
To maintain a TikTok streak, nearly any type of communication with your friend counts, making it easy to keep your streak alive. Here’s what works:
- Text Messages: Simply send a written message through the chat.
- Emojis: A single emoji is enough to keep the streak going.
- Photos or Videos: Share images or videos directly in the chat.
- Voice Messages: Record and send an audio message.
- Shared TikTok Videos: Sending TikTok videos via direct messages also contributes to your streak.
By exchanging any of these message types daily, you can maintain and grow your streak with friends.
Now that you know how it works, start building the longest TikTok streak possible and have fun engaging with your friends!