Published On 3/6/2026
In recent months, the TikTok platform has begun taking steps that would transform the platform into a super application that operates outside the borders of China, after the platform provided a set of advantages that go beyond simply sharing video clips through it.
The new features provided by the platform included the ability to purchase things directly from TikTok stores and even book hotels and receive and send payments, which are advantages provided by super applications.
Super applications are a category of applications that are widespread in China, as they provide users with a variety of services that may not be directly related to each other, but can be accessed directly through one application, similar to the “WeChat” application, which is a fast communication platform such as “WhatsApp” and a social networking platform such as “Facebook” and “X”. It is also a platform for receiving and sending payments, booking tickets, and an application store that allows users to download external applications.
It cannot be said that the experience of supernatural applications is successful or widespread enough outside the borders of China. Although there are many diverse options, they have not achieved the same success and popularity.
Will TikTok succeed in transferring this experience outside China? Or does it remain limited to being a social media platform only?
Book hotels from within “Tik Tok”
In recent weeks, “Tik Tok” launched a new feature called “Tik Tok Go” that allows users to discover and book hotels in a way that mimics “Booking” and other platforms, according to a report by the American technical website “TechCrunch”.
The feature currently remains confined to the United States, as its beta launch has begun for American users and has not begun to appear for other countries yet.
The feature depends directly on the information and reviews published within the videos on the platform, as it collects the locations of hotels and local attractions in a way that makes it easier for the user to access them.
The user can easily click on the “View Details” button that appears at the bottom of any clip that talks about a hotel or tourist attractions, so that the platform begins displaying all the details he needs to stay in that city, such as hotel locations, availability of rooms in them, and even tickets for tourist attractions if he needs that.
“Tik Tok” follows the approach followed by Google in providing reservation services and discovering places. Instead of providing reservations directly itself, it provides it through prior cooperation with external hotel reservation platforms such as “Booking,” “Expedia,” and others, according to a separate report from the American technical website “Mashable.”
Therefore, it can be said that “Tik Tok” competes with Google in this field more than just competing with hotel reservation companies such as “Booking” and others.
Stores and payments within “Tik Tok”
In addition, Reuters reported on TikTok trying to obtain a financial license to operate within Brazil to provide lending and financing services, and to receive and send payments.
The platform is also trying to obtain a separate license to open accounts for users so that they can keep their money in the accounts and send and receive it with ease, as well as the possibility of issuing bank cards and lending to users.
The report states that “Tik Tok” has already been offering the payments service directly from within the application in China under the name “Douyin Pay” since 2021.
In 2023, the platform also tried to obtain the necessary licenses to provide the same service in Indonesia, but failed and was forced to cooperate with local service providers.
The TikTok payments service complements the integrated shopping experience within the application, as the platform in the United States introduced the “Tik Tok Shop” feature years ago, and users have become able to order and purchase products within “Tik Tok” without the need to visit any external store.
When activating the payments feature directly within the platform, the user will not need to leave the application even in the case of payment, as he will be able to pay money directly within the platform.
Will TikTok succeed in turning into a super app?
A separate report from the American news network CNBC reveals that supernatural applications may not have the same success outside China due to the different legislation regulating these applications, as well as the mechanism by which users deal with their phones.
Assistant Professor at the Florida International University College of Business, Dan Prudhomme, told CNBC that the legislative environment in the United States stands as a barrier to the spread of supernatural applications, adding that the laws regulating such applications are very strict and complex.
Despite this, Silicon Valley men are still dreaming of the moment when they launch a super application that is equivalent to WeChat in its features, and among them, of course, is Elon Musk, the richest man in the world and owner of the “X” social networking platform, according to a separate report from “Business Insider”.
The “X” platform in itself is prominent evidence of Musk’s attempts to launch his breakthrough application and benefit from his previous experience with PayPal.
Do global markets need a super app?
The ease and advantages offered by the idea of super apps cannot be denied. Instead of using more than one application to access different features and do different things during your day, you can do this with several clicks within the same application.
The success of these applications in China is a living example of the possibility of their success in various global markets. However, the legislative differences in China from other countries must be taken into account.
Also, the presence of one application that provides many services, which makes the user trapped within it, reduces the chances of competition for other applications and limits their opportunities for growth. If you need one application to book travel tickets, purchase products, book hotels, and pay, why keep the rest of the applications?
