TikTok has reportedly started the process of exploring adding P2P payments to direct messages.
The social media platform is reportedly developing a feature that would let users send money to one another directly through its messaging function, according to a Bloomberg report. If launched, the feature would build on TikTok Pay, the payment service already available in Southeast Asia for purchases made through TikTok Shop.
According to the Bloomberg report, references to the potential functionality were identified in code embedded within the current version of TikTok's iPhone app in the US. The code reportedly shows that recipients would be able to accept payments with a single tap, while senders could attach a message alongside the transaction, a mechanism comparable to P2P services such as Venmo.
TikTok told Bloomberg that the feature is not currently being tested, indicating that development remains at an early stage. As a result, it remains unclear whether or when the company might roll out the capability more broadly.
Part of a broader financial services push
The exploration of in-app payments is not TikTok's first move into financial services. In March 2026, it was reported that TikTok had applied to Brazil's central bank for authorisation to operate as a fintech company, with a view to offering lending and payment services in the country.
TikTok has gradually expanded beyond its core social media function in recent years, adding features such as search tools, TikTok Shop, a local discovery map, in-app games, and hotel booking capabilities. The addition of P2P payments would extend this trajectory further, positioning TikTok to compete more directly with established money-transfer services such as Venmo and Zelle in the US market.
Wider industry context
TikTok is not alone among social platforms moving into financial services. X, formerly known as Twitter, launched X Money in the US in July 2026, allowing users to send money to one another within the platform. The moves by both companies reflect a broader pattern of social media platforms adding payment functionality to increase user engagement and diversify revenue streams beyond advertising.
For payments providers and financial institutions, the entry of large social platforms into P2P transfers raises questions about competitive dynamics in a market historically dominated by dedicated payment applications and bank-linked services. Should TikTok proceed with a wider rollout, it would need to navigate regulatory requirements around money transmission and consumer protection in the markets where the feature is introduced, in addition to the fintech licensing process already underway in Brazil.
