There are numerous ways that content creators can monetize their TikTok accounts, but one of them flies under the radar for the large majority of TikTok users.
Anyone over the age of 16, with at least 1,000 followers, can run TikTok Live sessions where they interact with their fans. Some do Q-and-A sessions, some show “behind the scenes” content, and others demonstrate products, conduct tutorials, interview guests, or just moderate wide-open, fun interaction between like-minded fans.
Why do creators spend time organizing and hosting entertaining Live sessions? Many do it because they can also receive tips from their viewers — and those gifts can really add up.
Roses and Other TikTok Gifts
TikTok has set up a “tipping” system that’s a lot more complicated than you might expect. Here’s how it works.
- Gifts can only be given to creators during a TikTok Live.
- Only those who are 18 or older can receive gifts; users between 16 and 18 who run Live streams can’t be given or accept tips.
- TikTok gifts have to be purchased with TikTok coins, which a user can purchase with real money either from their profile page on the app or in real-time during a Live session. They’re sold in packages, and each coin is worth approximately 1.4 cents.
- A rose icon is visible on users’ screens during a TikTok Live stream. Tapping it purchases a rose that’s given to the creator (and briefly displays a rose graphic and the donator’s name), representing a tip of slightly more than a penny. It’s the most common gift given in Live sessions.
- Dozens of other gifts are available for purchase when clicking the “Gifts” button in the Live window. Some are worth the equivalent of just a few cents, but the most expensive one — a TikTok Universe — will set the giver back more than $550 and trigger a gorgeous display in the stream.
In short, giving a rose on TikTok is more of a show of appreciation than a meaningful monetary contribution. Even so, all gifts that creators receive add up over time.
How Much Does a Creator Get When They Receive a Rose?
Unfortunately (for the creator, not the app), TikTok keeps a huge percentage of gifts given in Live streams.
The value of all tips a creator receives is combined into virtual diamonds which can be redeemed for cash. Here’s the catch: the social media platform takes a 50% commission for facilitating the process (in addition to the profit they make by selling TikTok coins used to purchase gifts).
Bottom Line: Creators only keep half of the tips they receive. If a user gifts them with a rose they only wind up with half its value, or about 0.7 cents. And if a devoted fan wants to reward a content creator with a $550+ TikTok Universe, less than $250 makes its way to the creator’s pocket.
Understanding how the system works shouldn’t necessarily discourage you from purchasing and giving gifts to your favorite influencer or creator. Many TikTok users depend on tips for the income they earn on the app since they all add up, and even small gifts like roses show appreciation for the hard work they do.
It’s important to know, though, that roses and other smaller gifts don’t benefit creators very much monetarily. Think of them as a simple “thank you,” and you’ll have the full picture.
About the Author
Peter Hasselworth is a contributor at iDigic, sharing valuable insights about Instagram growth and social media marketing strategies.