The practice of artificially inflating the viewership numbers of TikTok live streams through automated software is a notable phenomenon. These programs, often referred to as “bots,” simulate human users to increase the perceived popularity of a broadcast. An example of this would be a live stream that appears to have hundreds or thousands of concurrent viewers when, in reality, the majority of those “viewers” are non-human accounts.
The use of these artificial viewers can offer a short-term boost in perceived credibility or visibility. Historically, this tactic has been employed by individuals or entities seeking to gain attention quickly or to influence audience perception. However, the practice carries significant risks, including platform penalties, damage to reputation, and ultimately, a lack of genuine engagement.
