WhatsApp is one of the world’s most popular apps, and it is particularly successful in Brazil, where it has upwards of 147 million users, accounting for over 54% of the app’s South American user base.
It would appear that parent company Meta is keen to further establish WhatsApp as the go-to app in Brazil, confirming that new payment features have been added which allow Brazilian users to make payments to small businesses directly within a WhatsApp chat.
The feature will accept Mastercard and Visa debit payments, as well as a number of pre-paid cards. Payment details are encrypted for security purposes, with users asked to create special PINs that are used to confirm payments.
As per WhatsApp: “In Brazil, you can search for a business, browse goods and services, add them to your cart, and make a payment all with just a few taps.
“We’re excited to finally unlock this ability for people and businesses right within a chat.”
The move comes as much social media activity moves away from public feeds and onto private messaging channels.
Meta has been acutely aware of this, with Facebook, in particular, seeing significantly reduced engagement on the newsfeed but an increase in messenger activity.
This latest WhatsApp update is an indication that Meta may be looking to further focus on its private messaging platforms, in response to shifting user behaviour and preferences.
While the feature is only available in Brazil for now, WhatsApp has confirmed that it will be looking to roll the option out in additional countries in the future.
