If you’ve entered a live stream on TikTok before, then you may have seen how active the comment sections are. Most of the comments slide up without ceremony, but sometimes some icons pop up, that may be accompanied by a response or shoutout from the creator. Those are gifts.
Many livestreaming apps have a virtual gifting feature and TikTok is no different. TikTok’s virtual gifting system allows users to express their appreciation for their favorite creators through digital presents. These gifts, ranging from simple animations to more extravagant options, have become a significant part of the TikTok ecosystem.
With this article, we’ll walk you through the complex economy of gifts on TikTok.
How TikTok Gifts Work
To send a gift, users need to purchase TikTok Coins, a virtual currency within the app, with real currency. These coins can then be exchanged for various gifts. The value of gifts varies, with some costing more than others.
Gifts can be sent during live streams or on regular videos. When you send a gift during a live stream, it appears on the creator’s screen, often accompanied by animations and sound effects. When you gift on a video, it appears in the comment section.
Only users who are 18 years and above (19 in South Korea) and running a personal account can buy coins.
Types of TikTok Gifts
TikTok offers a diverse range of virtual gifts to cater to different preferences and budgets. From simple animations to elaborate 3D models, there’s a gift for every occasion. The appearance and value of these gifts can vary based on cultural preferences and trends.
Monetization Through Gifts
With gifting, TikTok also introduced a system that allows creators to monetize their content. Creators earn Diamonds, a form of in-app currency, based on the value of the gifts they receive. For example: If you receive an Airplane gift that costs 6,000 coins to buy, you can convert it to diamonds worth 3,000 coins. This means that TikTok takes about 50% of the revenue creators make.
You can now convert these Diamonds into real-world currency, and send it to your account. This monetization model has created new opportunities for creators to generate income, especially those with a large and engaged following.
Only creators who are over the age of 18 (19 in South Korea) with more than 1,000 followers can receive gifts. These users must be running personal accounts as business, government, politician, and public interest accounts are not allowed.
The Impact of Virtual Gifting
The virtual gifting system has transformed the creator economy on TikTok. It has incentivized users to engage with their favorite creators, leading to increased viewership and follower growth. For creators, it provides a tangible way to measure audience appreciation and generate income.
However, it’s important to note that while virtual gifting can be a lucrative source of income, it shouldn’t be the sole focus of a creator’s strategy. Building a strong community and consistently producing high-quality content is essential for long-term success.
Conclusion
TikTok’s virtual gifting system has changed the way creators interact with their audience. By providing a platform for fans to show their support and for creators to monetize their content, it has become an integral part of the TikTok experience. Knowledge of gifting will help you navigate TikTok to get the best results.
