The practice of sending digital acknowledgements during real-time video broadcasts on the TikTok platform has become a significant element of the user experience. These virtual tokens, acquired through in-app purchases, serve as a direct mechanism for viewers to express appreciation for content creators. A viewer might, for instance, send a virtual item with monetary value to a broadcaster they find particularly entertaining or informative during a live stream.
This system provides a dual benefit: for creators, it offers a direct revenue stream and a quantifiable indicator of audience engagement; for viewers, it presents a way to stand out, signal support, and potentially gain recognition from the content creator. The implementation of this function has evolved over time, influenced by similar features on other live streaming platforms and adapted to the specific dynamics of the TikTok community. This contributes to the creator economy and the platform’s overall vibrancy.