TikTok is gradually introducing a new feature that lets users leave voice comments on videos, allowing them to respond to posts by recording and sharing their voice directly in the comments section. A microphone icon appears in the comment area; by tapping and holding it, users can record a short message and post it as a comment.

However, as Technext noted, the feature is not yet available to users in Nigeria. TikTok is rolling it out in phases, so access may differ from one user to another, even if they are running the same version of the app.

For those who do have access, the microphone icon appears next to the usual comment options. Once recorded, the message is posted in the comments as an audio waveform that others can listen to.

The app also automatically transcribes the audio. After a voice comment is posted, a “Transcribing…” message appears while the app processes it, and the transcription is then displayed beneath the audio comment. This is useful for users browsing TikTok without sound, as they can read what was said without playing the recording. It also reflects a broader industry practice: automatic transcription and captioning have become standard across short-video platforms as both an accessibility measure and a way to serve users who watch with sound off.

TikTok has not shared details about which languages are supported for transcription, or whether users will eventually have options to edit or hide the transcribed text. Language coverage is a relevant open question for markets like Nigeria, where multiple languages are in everyday use alongside English.

The platform has been testing voice comments since earlier this year. Some users have already noticed a microphone option allowing them to comment with their voice instead of typing, but the gradual rollout means not everyone gains access at the same time — even users in the same country may see it appear at different times.

In Nigeria, users currently still have only the regular comment options, such as text and emojis.

Creators retain some control over the feature: they can decide whether users can leave voice comments on their videos, and they can remove comments or report inappropriate ones. Audio comments can add moderation complexity, since spoken content requires different detection and review processes than text; TikTok's existing controls for removing and reporting comments are the tools creators have for managing this.

The addition of voice comments builds on TikTok's broader focus on audio. The platform previously introduced voice messages in direct messages, and it is now extending that audio interaction into public comments, giving users a new way to engage with videos beyond written comments. It also follows a wider trend among social platforms toward richer, more expressive comment formats as they compete for user engagement.

Source: TechNext24, via TechWeez