TikTok is simply one of the many video-sharing platforms out there. However, creators flock to the app instead of any of the others for a few reasons, and the major one is TikTok’s virtual gifting system.
This system has come up as part of TikTok’s push to incentivize being active on the platform. The core loop goes like this: A Creator goes Live on TikTok or posts a video with gifting enabled and their followers can send them gifts. These gifts can then be changed to TikTok’s diamonds which can be further converted to cold hard cash.
TikTok’s virtual gifting system has introduced a range of digital presents, with the “Universe” being one of the most extravagant. This digital item has become a symbol of generous support and admiration for creators, however, it’s rarely given out because of its cost. But how much does it cost?
Understanding TikTok Coins and Gifts
To understand the cost of the “Universe,” you have to grasp the basics first. Before buying these virtual gifts on TikTok, users need to first get some TikTok Coins. These coins can then be exchanged for various gifts, including the Universe.
You must be 18 years and above (19 in South Korea) and run a personal account before you can buy coins, so keep that in mind.
The price of coins varies depending on the region and currency, but generally, they are purchased in bundles and there may be promotions reducing the prices of these bundles drastically.
The Price of a TikTok Universe
A Universe costs around 44,999 TikTok coins. Converting this to real-world currency would equate to approximately 562 USD. This is a huge sum to the point that viewers can’t even buy this many coins from a single recharge, because those are capped at 17,500 coins.
A viewer intending to send a universe must have recharged their account at least three times to get that amount of coins to spend it all at once. That alone makes the gesture a lot more significant.
Factors Affecting the Price
Our prices are just estimates, which can change based on several factors that can influence the final cost. These include:
- Regional Pricing: TikTok adjusts coin prices based on different geographic locations.
- Promotional Offers: The platform occasionally offers discounts or promotions on coin purchases.
- Exchange Rates: Fluctuations in currency exchange rates can impact the overall cost.
How Much Does the Creator Earn?
As with almost every platform, TikTok takes a fee from every transaction that occurs on the creator’s end. So, when a user gifts a Universe to a creator, TikTok retains a portion of the revenue.
The exact percentage varies, but it’s generally around 50%, which is quite steep. This means the creator would receive approximately half the value of the Universe gift in earnings which is somewhere around $280.
The Impact of Virtual Gifting
The virtual gifting economy on TikTok has created new revenue streams for creators, allowing them to monetize their content effectively. The Universe gift is a big expenditure that doesn’t come often, but it signifies a level of appreciation of content that every creator dreams about, TikTok’s steep cut notwithstanding.
