TikTok may be going through the App Store to save on fees. The ByteDance-owned social video app is offering some users a link to a website to buy coins used to tip digital creators, according to new findings. Usually these coins are purchased through in-app purchases and require paying Apple his 30% commission.
This feature may be hidden from most users, either by design or only visible to certain groups of users, such as testers or high spenders. Either way, those with access to the new option will be shown a screen prompting them to “recharge”, or buy more coins, via tiktok.com. These screenshots were discovered by a tipster at TechCrunch within his iOS app, but david teslerit's not clear how many TikTok users are viewing them, when they're being viewed, or how.
Tessler said the option to buy via the web appeared for accounts that had previously purchased large amounts of coins.
Image credit: TikTok app screenshot
In some cases, you'll see a screen with a message like “Try recharging at tiktok.com to avoid in-app service charges,” followed by a “Try it now” link. You may also see a pop-up that says “Try recharging at tiktok.com” with another message about potential savings. It says, “Save on service fees and get access to popular payment methods,” followed by a big red “Try it now” button, or a discreet option that says “Don't show me again.” will be displayed.
Image credit: TikTok app screenshot
Users following the link provided will be taken to the website tiktok.com/coin to purchase coins. From this web view, you can pay using a variety of methods, including Apple Pay, debit card, and credit card. The website reminds users that purchasing directly on TikTok will result in “lower third-party service fees” and savings of approximately 25%.
On the web, users can also purchase packs of coins from 70 coins to 17,500 coins, or enter a custom (higher) amount. However, within the app, coin packs are available from 20 coins up to 16,500 coins, and there is no option for a custom amount.
Image credit: TikTok app screenshot
This may suggest that TikTok typically only displays web links to users who purchase large packs of coins at once.
Apple began allowing some app developers to add links to websites from within their apps in 2022, but use cases were limited. The only apps that can offer these lines for “account management” are what Apple calls “reader” apps: apps that provide access to paid digital content as a primary feature. (Think Netflix instead of Facebook.) Additionally, apps that choose to use external link eligibility also cannot offer in-app purchases via the App Store. It's an either-or situation.
Typical IAP flow.Image credit: TikTok iOS app screenshot
Given that TikTok also offers most users the option to purchase through in-app purchases, it does not appear to comply with external link eligibility rules, even if an exception was granted (which is surprising) ).
TikTok and Apple did not immediately respond to requests for comment. TikTok's help documentation for the coins states that they can be purchased and recharged through the App Store and Google Play on mobile devices.
tesler I got it. When Fortnite inserted an option that directed users to Apple's in-app purchases, Apple banned the app from the App Store. It's unclear what, if any, action Apple will take against TikTok in the future, given the current political climate surrounding the Beijing-based app.
In 2020, Fortnite was removed from the app store due to a similar interface that presented users with the option to bypass Apple's in-app purchases. pic.twitter.com/LLcilXEUQb
— David Tessler (@getdavenow) April 30, 2024
The fate of TikTok in the United States is currently uncertain, as a bill banning TikTok was signed into law by President Biden. But the company said it intends to challenge the ban in court, as it did during the Trump era. Biden initially put efforts to ban the app on hold until new bipartisan legislation was passed in both chambers of Congress.