All About TikTok Gifts and What They’re Worth

Of all the features on TikTok, from Filters and TikTok Rewards to Duets and Stitches, TikTok Gifting may be the most innovative. During TikTok Live streams, viewers can show their appreciation for the streamer by sending virtual gifts that the streamer can accumulate, and then cash in later for actual revenue. 

(The ability to send Gifts has also been recently added to non-Live TikTok videos, but not all creators are eligible; if they are, you’ll see a Gift button next to the Add Comment button in their TikTok comments section.)

The “gifts” take the form of virtual Coins - purchased with real money - that viewers buy to support their favorite content creators. These Coins pay for small, colorful images to pop up on screen during the selected creator’s live streams, and have gained their own cult following; TikTok Gifts now number in the dozens, at a huge range of price points, with even more designs made available for holidays and other occasions.

TikTok Gifts generate hype for several reasons, two in particular. The distinctive on-screen images allow the audience to literally participate in the way the stream looks, and usually also get a direct reaction back from the streamer, acknowledging the viewer. 

At the end of each stream, the streamer can go into their TikTok Live summary to see how many TikTok Live gifts they received; those gifts are then converted into another TikTok virtual item called Diamonds.

Diamonds are what TikTok uses as a virtual currency, to keep track of how many gifts a TikTok creator earns. The value of Diamonds ebbs and flows a bit, but each Diamond is generally worth about half a cent (U.S.) Once a TikTok content creator accumulates enough Gifts, those are then converted into Diamonds, which the creator can then cash out as real money.

This system both benefits content creators by allowing their audience to support them with tips, but in a more unique, interactive way. It also lets viewers feel more invested into the streamer’s career by supporting it. Many fans also send TikTok Gifts simply because they enjoy the attention they get back from the streamer. So let’s get into the TikTok Gifts!

How Much Are TikTok Gifts Worth? 

Wondering how much TikTok Gifts are worth? TikTok Gift values start at a remarkably low rate: the basic Ice Cream Cone and the Rose, which each have a U.S. monetary value of around one cent (this is also the approximate monetary value of each Coin purchased by viewers to buy said TikTok Gifts.) Yes, you read that correctly. So as you can see, the entry level to participate in sending gifts to your favorite streamer is kept purposefully low. 

Once viewers are in the TikTok Gifting system, though, they can rapidly accelerate their gift giving, as there are now over 100 different TikTok Gifts to give, and the prices climb fast. Some of the most popular gifts include the Rose (probably because it’s first on the list), the Drama Queen, Fireworks, and “Luxury Gifts” like the Castle. Another popular Gift, the TikTok Galaxy is 1000 Coins or $12.97, while the currently trending TikTok Stars are 39999 Coins or $550.19.

So what’s the most expensive gift on TikTok? As of December 2024, it’s the TikTok Universe, which viewers can buy for 44999 Coins; TikTok Universe translates to a U.S. dollar value of $618.96. TikTok takes a percentage of these earnings; creators receive a portion of the remaining amount after TikTok’s commissions are deducted. 

(All of these figures are informed estimates; TikTok Gift prices fluctuate frequently due to regional pricing and changing exchange rates for TikTok Coins.)

A starter pack of sample TikTok Gift prices. Source: Coinvertify 

How to Give TikTok Gifts… 

For viewers who would like to send TikTok Gifts to their favorite creators on TikTok, you’ll need to start by purchasing TikTok Coins. You can buy TikTok Coins through the Apple App Store or the Google Play store, and manage your Coins purchase settings through each store or through the TikTok website. 

Then, when you send a TikTok Gift to a creator’s video or to the streamer during a TikTok Live, the value in Coins of the Gift will be deducted from your Coins account balance.

Sending TikTok Gifts is only available in select countries and to personal accounts (as above, you can’t send Gifts to government, political, or other public interest accounts), and you must be 18 years of age, or 19 in South Korea, to purchase and use Coins and to send Gifts.

To send a TikTok Gift to TikTok Lives or to eligible videos on the For You feed, you’ll go to the creator’s TikTok Profile, and then their comments section. If the video or Live is eligible to accept Gifts, you’ll see a Gift button next to the Add Comment button. 

Choose the TikTok Gift you’d like to send, write a comment, and tap the Send button; if you don’t have the right amount of Coins, you can tap the Recharge button and follow the guidelines to purchase Coins. During a TikTok Live, you’ll see your Gift appear right on screen!

… and How to Get Gifted!

As a TikTok content creator or live streamer, there are some requirements you must meet to be able to switch on and accept TikTok Gifts during your TikTok Live broadcasts. 

Presuming you already have an active TikTok account, you must live in a location where Gifts are available. You also need to be eligible to go Live on TikTok (including having an account in good standing that adheres to TikTok TOS); and be at least 18 years of age, or 19 in South Korea. (Government, political, and other public interest accounts aren’t eligible to earn revenue through TikTok Gifts.)   

So, Are TikTok Gifts Worth It? 

Whether or not TikTok Gifts are worth the effort and cost is pretty subjective. If you’re on the viewer side, it probably feels fun, entertaining, and rewarding to support your favorite creator’s live stream. Like anything you purchase, it’s up to the individual to decide if the amount spent is worth the reward.

For the streamer, there seem to be few downsides to accepting TikTok Gifts (as long as you make sure to correctly file your taxes.) You earn extra revenue; your viewers are showing their appreciation for your content; and the interactive part of Gifts showing on screen adds more hype, viewer interaction, and even community building to your TikTok live streams. 

TikTok Gifts are comparable to other social media and live streaming monetization methods; on Twitch, tips are sent to streamers through Twitch’s own virtual goods, Bits, which also convert to real revenue. 

On YouTube, Super Chat and Super Thanks let viewers support streamers financially by purchasing highlighted messages in chat, with the streamer earning money from the Super transactions.

So TikTok Gifts, while unique in their presentation, are just another positive way for audiences to support the creators of the online entertainment that they enjoy. Next time you’re watching or streaming a TikTok Live, think about using TikTok Gifts as another component in your live streaming experience!

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