TikTok is reportedly developing a payment feature that could allow users to send money to friends through direct messages using TikTok Pay.
WEB DESK: TikTok is reportedly working on a new payment feature that could allow users to send money to friends directly through private messages.
According to a report by Bloomberg, the feature is being developed as part of TikTok’s broader financial services strategy and could eventually be powered by TikTok Pay.
Money transfers through TikTok DMs
The planned feature would allow users to send money while communicating through TikTok’s direct messaging system.
Code discovered within the TikTok application for iPhones in the United States reportedly suggests that users could attach a message alongside a payment when sending money.
However, TikTok has said that the feature is not currently being tested, indicating that development remains at an early stage.
As a result, it is not yet clear when the payment function could become available or which countries would receive it first.
TikTok Pay already available in Southeast Asia
TikTok has already expanded into digital payments through TikTok Pay, which is available in parts of Southeast Asia for purchases made through TikTok Shop.
The potential expansion into person-to-person transfers would represent a further step in TikTok’s efforts to develop financial services around its social media ecosystem.
The company has increasingly expanded beyond its traditional role as a short-video platform, moving into areas including shopping, search, discovery services and other digital products.
TikTok exploring broader financial services
The reported payment feature would not be TikTok’s first attempt to expand into financial technology.
A report earlier in 2026 said TikTok had submitted an application to Brazil’s central bank seeking authorisation to operate as a financial technology company and potentially offer lending and payment services.
The company’s growing involvement in commerce and payments reflects the broader trend of social media platforms developing financial and shopping ecosystems around their users.
No launch date announced
Despite indications that TikTok is exploring direct-message payments, there is currently no confirmed launch date for the feature.
It is also unclear whether the service would initially be limited to selected markets or eventually become available globally.
If introduced, direct money transfers could make TikTok more competitive with platforms and fintech services that already allow users to combine messaging, social interaction and payments within the same digital ecosystem.
For now, the feature remains under development, and TikTok has not announced when users will be able to send money through direct messages.
