TikTok gifts are virtual items that users can send to TikTok creators during live streams as a way to show support and appreciation. When a user sends a gift, the creator receives a portion of the value of that gift as revenue. Gifts range in value from a few cents to over $100.
How do TikTok gifts work?
During a TikTok live stream, viewers will see a “Gift” icon at the bottom of the screen. Tapping this icon brings up the gift selection menu where users can browse different available gifts categorized by price. Gifts can include things like a waving hand, a thumbs up, a heart, and even vehicles like cars and yachts.
After selecting a gift, the user will be prompted to purchase TikTok coins, which are then used to send gifts. 100 coins equals $1 USD. So a gift that costs 250 coins would be $2.50. Users can buy coins starting at 100 coins for $1, all the way up to 10,000 coins for $100.
Once the gift is sent, an animation will appear on screen during the live stream to notify the creator.Senders can also include a message with their gift. The creator then earns a portion of the gift’s coin value as real money, which they can withdraw from TikTok.
Why do people send TikTok gifts?
There are a few key reasons why TikTok users send gifts:
To support their favorite creators
Gifts allow fans to directly support creators they love. The revenue from gifts helps creators earn money from TikTok and continue producing content. Fans want to help top creators keep doing what they do best.
To get a creator’s attention
Gifts are often used to get a shoutout from the creator during a live stream. Popular creators get flooded with comments, so gifts help a fan’s message stand out. Even small gifts are appreciated.
To participate in giveaways
Creators will often reward gifts by doing special giveaways just for gift-senders. This creates an incentive for fans to send gifts in exchange for fun prizes or opportunities.
To show appreciation for content
Beyond money, gifts allow fans to quickly show a creator that they appreciate and value the content they produce. Gifts are like virtual applause.
What kinds of gifts are available?
TikTok offers gifters a wide selection of virtual gift items across different price points. Here are some of the most popular TikTok gift options:
Panda – 100 coins
The cute panda waving its paw is one of TikTok’s signature entry-level gifts. It’s a classic way to show support.
Drama Queen – 500 coins
This sassy, exaggerated animation is perfect for reacting to dramatic moments in a live stream.
Hand Heart – 1,000 coins
For when you want to send some extra love! The hand heart encapsulates TikTok’s message about spreading joy.
Rainbow Puke – 5,000 coins
One of the quirkiest, most over-the-top gift animations – perfect for weird or wild creators.
Ferrari – 19,900 coins
For big spenders – this shiny red Ferrari zooms across the screen. The most expensive gift to really make an impression.
Helicopter – 9,999 coins
Sending a helicopter gift helps a fan’s message ascend above the crowd. It also shows off some financial firepower.
| Gift | Coin Cost |
|---|---|
| Panda | 100 |
| Drama Queen | 500 |
| Hand Heart | 1,000 |
| Rainbow Puke | 5,000 |
| Ferrari | 19,900 |
| Helicopter | 9,999 |
Are TikTok gifts worth it for creators?
For popular creators, gift revenue can be a significant income stream. During a single live stream, top personalities can earn thousands of dollars in gifts. While TikTok does take a cut of gift income, creators still earn money in proportion to the total value of gifts received.
Factors that make gifts lucrative for creators:
High follower count
Creators with millions of followers have huge potential audiences buying gifts. Small percentages of big numbers still produce impressive gift hauls.
Dedicated fans
Die-hard fans are more likely to not only gift consistently, but also gift the expensive, higher coin value items to show devotion.
Long live stream duration
The longer creators are live, the more chances fans have to send gifts. Streams over an hour yield more gifts.
Giveaways and contests
Giveaways drive up engagement and gifting. Even small prizes get fans excited to send gifts for entries.
Of course, smaller creators may only earn nominal gift amounts. But over time, regularly sent low-value gifts still add up as a creator’s audience grows.
Are there limits on sending TikTok gifts?
To prevent abuse of the gifting system, TikTok does impose some limits:
Daily sending limits per user
Each TikTok user can only send a total of 100 gifts per day. This prevents single wealthy users from dominating a creator’s gift income.
Minimum age requirement
Only users aged 18 and older can purchase and send gifts. This age limit protects minors from spending without parental permission.
Maximum gift amount per stream
No single live stream can receive more than $1,000 USD worth of gifts. This stops one viral stream from massively skewing a creator’s earnings.
Creator gift redemption thresholds
Creators must earn a minimum amount in gifts before they can withdraw earnings. This threshold increases with a creator’s popularity.
So while gifts are integral to TikTok live streaming, the platform has taken steps to maintain some balance in the system.
Conclusion
TikTok gifts let fans directly support creators while participating in a shared live stream experience. For creators, gifts provide an important income stream proportional to their reach and engagement. Though the amounts may seem small, gifted coins add up, especially for top personalities. While limits help prevent abuse, gifting remains core to TikTok’s mission of empowering people to forge authentic connections through creativity.