TikTok App Code Hints at Peer-to-Peer Payment Feature

Public job postings show ByteDance and TikTok are hiring in the U.S. and elsewhere for financial services roles, the report said. In the U.S., ByteDance still holds a 19.9% stake in the majority-American-owned joint venture TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, formed after the app faced a forced sale.

The move follows a broader push into finance. In March, TikTok filed two license applications with Brazil's central bank. One would let it act as an electronic money issuer, offering prepaid accounts for balances and payments inside the app. The other would make it a direct credit company, able to lend or connect borrowers with lenders. It would not be permitted to take public deposits.

Other social platforms are also expanding into payments. X recently rolled out its X Money service to top-tier premium subscribers. The offering includes a Visa debit card, spending and saving accounts, and the ability to send money to anyone.

TikTok's code-based exploration comes as the app continues to build out its commerce and financial infrastructure. Whether the P2P feature reaches users depends on internal testing and regulatory decisions in each market.