The phrase refers to the action of procuring a pre-existing profile on the TikTok platform through purchase. This contrasts with organically growing an account from its inception. It represents an attempt to shortcut the process of building a following, engagement, and overall presence on the social media network.
The perceived advantage lies in potentially inheriting a built-in audience, established content, or a particular niche focus, which can save time and resources compared to starting from scratch. Historically, the digital marketplace has facilitated the exchange of various online assets, and social media profiles, including those on TikTok, have become part of this trend. However, buying and selling these types of profiles often exist in a grey area regarding platform terms of service.