[News brief] social media and retail : when two worlds collide

Small steps into the unknown

Twitter Pay was a great first step into the world of social media money transfers, though it never really took off. The “buy buttons” that were once a part of Facebook and Twitter have also disappeared, mainly because they weren’t very efficient or easy to use. However, in the meantime, other endeavors are beginning to take off, especially in terms of giving and donating via social media.

Facebook and Marketplace

Launched in 2016, Marketplace now allows private individuals to make transactions directly through the Facebook platform, and soon we will be able to make payments directly through Messenger.

WeChat Pay

WeChat, the Chinese Facebook, is the first social media network to provide complete and accessible payment options. WeChat Pay now represents 40% of mobile payments in Asia, and people can use it to pay for pretty much everything online and in-store. It is being developed in Europe too, so very soon Chinese tourists will also be able to use the functionality to pay for products in French stores!

Crowdfunding and Sharing Economy

Crowdfunding websites such as GoFundMe and Kickstarter are now household names, and sharing economy brands such as AirBnB and Uber are used by millions every day without a second thought. Payments are made with the click of a button, and these types of channels can only grow tremendously over the next few years.

Social Media Robolution

Social media networks know that in order to make a giant leap into the world of payments, they need to be accessible on an international level. 2017 has already seen the birth of a payment robot compatible with all types of payment methods. It won’t be long now until we actually see this robot hard at work via Messenger or another channel!