TikTok explores peer-to-peer money transfer feature in DMs

TikTok is testing a feature that would let users send money to each other through direct messages, according to a Bloomberg report. If rolled out broadly, the move would place ByteDance’s viral video platform squarely in competition with entrenched payment services like Venmo, Cash App, and Zelle. It would also make TikTok the second major social media platform in recent months to push into native payments, following X’s launch of X Money in July 2026. What we know so far The feature is described as a peer-to-peer money transfer capability embedded directly into TikTok’s existing DM interface. Rather than redirecting users to an outside app, the tool would allow financial transactions without ever leaving the TikTok ecosystem. TikTok already has some financial plumbing in place. Since around 2021, the platform has offered creator-focused monetization tools including tips and virtual gifts, which let fans send tokens of appreciation during livestreams and on posted content. But those features function as one-directional creator payments, not general-purpose transfers between any two users. The competitive landscape TikTok would be entering a market that’s both mature and increasingl...