VK has rolled out an online booking service within its social network, targeting freelancers and small service businesses. The new mini-app, called ”My Time,” lets clients pick available time slots without leaving VK, while professionals can manage appointments without needing a separate website or external CRM. This tool is designed for those still juggling bookings via direct messages, spreadsheets, or phone notes.
Designed for nail artists, cosmetologists, psychologists, fitness trainers, and other solo or small team specialists, the service requires a VK profile or business community with the mini-app installed. Once set up, a booking button appears on the profile. The system can also send automated reminders to clients and help providers keep their schedules organized.
Clients can book not only through the specialist’s VK page but also via a direct booking link the professional can share externally-even if the client isn’t logged into VK. This openness means VK aims beyond a closed ecosystem, allowing specialists to attract customers from outside the platform.
For larger teams, VK supports integration with YClients, a major Russian service for automating salons, clinics, and studios. In these cases, VK acts as an additional booking channel while specialized software manages staff, schedules, and operations. This approach aligns with a global trend where social networks serve as sales channels, but bookings happen in dedicated apps.
VK faces competition from Yandex.Services and Profi.ru, which help users find professionals, as well as Telegram, which many freelancers already use to interact and broadcast messages. VK’s edge is consolidating the entire booking journey-from discovery and messaging to appointment selection and reminders-under one roof.
Demand for convenient booking tools has been growing, especially among microbusinesses without websites or administrators. If ”My Time” catches on, it could help VK deepen its foothold in local services-a sector where decisions are quick and customers prioritize an easy ”book now” button over elaborate storefronts.