TikTok is developing a feature that would allow users to send money to each other via direct messages, as the social network seeks to expand its presence in the financial services market, according to infohub.kz.
The development of the new financial feature came to light through fragments of the app's hidden code. The innovation would enable users to transfer money to one another directly during private conversations. The code also references TikTok Pay, as well as functions for one-tap transfer confirmation and adding text notes to transactions.
Currently, TikTok Pay is only available in Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand, where it is primarily used to pay for purchases in the TikTok Shop online store. The introduction of P2P transfers in direct messages would be the company's next step in advancing into the financial services market and building a unified ecosystem.
Representatives of the social network have not yet officially commented on the timeline for the feature's launch. Previously, similar payment services within messengers and social networks were launched by WeChat and WhatsApp, which is owned by Meta.