The practice of purchasing artificial endorsements on the TikTok platform involves the acquisition of fabricated user accounts to inflate the perceived popularity of a profile or content. This method aims to increase follower counts without relying on organic growth strategies or genuine user engagement. For example, an individual or brand might utilize a third-party service to add several thousand followers to their account in a short period.
Initial appeal may stem from the perception of increased social credibility. A higher follower count can create the illusion of influence, potentially attracting genuine users and brand partnerships. Historically, this practice has been viewed as a shortcut to circumvent the time and effort required to cultivate an authentic audience through consistent content creation and community interaction. However, the long-term benefits are often questionable and can be outweighed by potential negative consequences.