The term “galaxy” on TikTok refers to a virtual gifting feature within the platform. Users can purchase virtual coins and use them to send virtual gifts to content creators during live streams and through video comments. A galaxy gift, specifically, is one of the available virtual gifts that viewers can bestow upon creators. The monetary value of such a digital item represents a small portion of the cost to the user, as TikTok retains a significant percentage of the purchase price as revenue. As an example, a user may spend real-world money to acquire TikTok coins, then use a portion of those coins to send a galaxy gift to a favored creator. The creator, in turn, receives a diamond value that can be converted into currency, albeit at a significantly reduced rate compared to the initial cost borne by the sender.
The significance of virtual gifting lies in its potential to incentivize content creation and engagement. For creators, receiving virtual tokens demonstrates audience appreciation and can translate to tangible financial support. From the perspective of the viewer, sending a virtual gift provides a means of expressing admiration, contributing to a sense of community, and potentially gaining recognition from the creator. The introduction of this system mirrors similar models employed by other social media and streaming platforms, signifying a trend toward monetization and direct support for digital content creators. These virtual economies can impact individual creators, allowing for the development of stronger audience connections and contributing to the overall ecosystem of the TikTok platform.
