---
title: "TikTok explores peer-to-peer payments via DMs, report says"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/296265331.md"
description: "TikTok is reportedly developing a peer-to-peer payment feature allowing users to send money via direct messages, potentially using its existing TikTok Pay infrastructure. While code references were found in the U.S. iPhone app, TikTok stated the feature is not currently being tested and remains in early development. This move positions TikTok to compete with services like Venmo and Zelle, continuing its expansion into financial services beyond social media."
datetime: "2026-08-18T20:08:54.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/296265331.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/296265331.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/296265331.md)
---

# TikTok explores peer-to-peer payments via DMs, report says

TikTok is developing a feature that would allow users to send each other money via direct messages, according to a new report from Bloomberg. If rolled out, the feature would use the social media service’s TikTok Pay offering, which is already available in Southeast Asia for TikTok Shop purchases.

References to the potential feature were found in code hidden within the current version of TikTok’s U.S. iPhone app, according to the report. The code indicates that recipients would be able to “tap to accept” payments, while senders could include messages with their payments, similar to Venmo.

TikTok told Bloomberg that the feature is not being tested, which suggests that it’s in early development. Given that the feature is still under development, it’s unknown when or if TikTok plans to widely release peer-to-peer payments.

TikTok did not immediately respond to TechCrunch’s request for comment.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time TikTok has tried to push further into financial services. Reuters reported earlier this year that TikTok had applied to Brazil’s central bank for approval to operate as a financial technology company offering lending and payment services.

Although TikTok is widely described as a social media giant, it has gradually expanded beyond that category thanks to additions such as robust search, TikTok Shop, a local discovery map, games, hotel bookings, and more. By introducing peer-to-peer payments, TikTok would be competing with services like Venmo and Zelle.

TikTok isn’t the only social network pushing into financial services, as X, formerly known as Twitter, recently launched X Money to allow users to send each other money.

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