It seems like TikTok might be finding a way to dodge the hefty commission fees charged by the App Store. Reports suggest that the popular social video app, owned by ByteDance, is offering some users the option to purchase coins for tipping creators through a website instead of the usual in-app purchase method, which incurs a 30% fee to Apple.
This feature isn’t visible to all users and might be selectively shown to certain groups, such as testers or those who spend a lot within the app. Users who do have access to this option are prompted to “recharge” by buying more coins via tiktok.com. Although these findings were uncovered within the iOS app, it’s unclear how widespread this feature is or how it’s being rolled out.
In some instances, users are presented with messages urging them to try recharging on tiktok.com to avoid in-app service fees, accompanied by a link to “Try now.” Other times, they might receive a pop-up emphasizing the potential savings and offering a link to recharge on the website.
Following the provided link takes users to tiktok.com/coin, where they can purchase coins using various payment methods, including Apple Pay. The website highlights that buying directly from TikTok can save users around 25% with a lower third-party service fee.
Interestingly, while users can purchase different coin packs on the website, ranging from 70 to 17,500 coins, the in-app options are limited to packs starting at 20 coins and going up to 16,500, with no custom amount available. This suggests that TikTok might be targeting users who typically buy larger packs of coins.
Despite Apple’s rules regarding in-app purchases and external links, TikTok seems to be offering both options. The company has not responded to requests for comment, and it’s uncertain how Apple will react, especially given the ongoing political tensions surrounding the app.
The future of TikTok in the U.S. is also uncertain, with President Biden recently signing a bill to ban the app. However, TikTok plans to challenge the ban in court, as it did under the previous administration. It remains to be seen how this latest development will affect the app’s fate in the U.S.
