Alipay Re-enters Social Arena with New 'Interest Community' Feature in Beta Testing
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Alipay is currently testing a new social feature called "Interest Community," aimed at helping users discover interesting content and find like-minded partners.
The entry point is located at the top of the message page within the Alipay app. Upon clicking, users are directed to the Interest Community interface. In this community, social interactions revolve around groups. Users can join various interest groups based on their hobbies, such as hiking enthusiasts, cycling world, or fishing buddies. Within these groups, users can view discussion posts shared by others, including guides and experience-sharing posts, and can also create their own posts to engage in discussions.
It is reported that this community will become a vibrant and creative platform, allowing users to experience various trendy lifestyles and connect with friends who share similar interests. The feature is currently in the beta testing phase but has already garnered widespread attention.
This marks Alipay's renewed attempt to enter the social services sector since the launch of its "Circles" feature in 2016. Compared to the previous "Circles" feature, the Interest Community offers more diverse functionalities, aligning better with current social trends. By using interests as a connecting point, users can more easily find common topics and like-minded individuals.
Beyond Alipay, many other internet platforms have recognized the immense potential of the social domain. Although the social business is highly attractive, its implementation challenges should not be underestimated. Whether Alipay's social features can break through and sustain long-term success remains to be seen.