TikTok LIVE Gifts: How They Work and How Creators Get Paid

TikTok LIVE Gifts have revolutionized how creators make money, offering a direct way for audiences to show support in real time. With live videos ranked as the most engaging TikTok feature by 33.5% of marketers, it’s no surprise that creators are using them to build deeper connections—and boost their earnings in the process. Some, like Spencer Pratt, have made tens of thousands of dollars in a single week purely from viewer gifts, proving that TikTok LIVE can be more than just content—it can be a business.

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But thriving on TikTok LIVE isn’t just about hitting "Go Live" and hoping for the best. Knowing how to encourage gifting, engage your viewers, and make the most of TikTok’s monetization tools can turn casual streams into a serious revenue stream. Whether you're just starting out or looking to maximize your earnings, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start getting paid for your content.

What are TikTok LIVE Gifts?

TikTok LIVE gifts are rewards fans can give to their favorite creators for hosting a TikTok LIVE video. Streamers must first make LIVE Gifting active before people can send them gifts. You can also collect Diamonds that you can redeem for money from TikTok. 

The sender of LIVE Gifts is subject to TikTok’s Virtual Items Policy. However, for users in the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and the UK, TikTok has implemented a Coins Policy and a Rewards Policy in place of the previous Virtual Items Policy. The Coins Policy outlines how users in these regions can purchase Coins to send virtual Gifts, along with regulations on refunds and withdrawal rights. Meanwhile, the Rewards Policy governs how eligible creators in these regions can earn and redeem Diamonds. These policies ensure that monetization and digital gifting on TikTok comply with regional regulations.

To be eligible for LIVE Gifts, creators must:

• Be at least 18 years old (or 19 in South Korea).
• Live in a region where LIVE Gifts are available.
• Have an account in good standing, following TikTok’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service.
• Use a personal account—Business Accounts are ineligible.
• Not be a government, politician, or political party account, as these are restricted from collecting Diamonds.

Once LIVE Gifts are enabled, viewers can send virtual Gifts during a live stream, which appear on-screen in real-time as a way to show appreciation. The more engagement a creator receives through LIVE Gifts, the more Diamonds they can collect, which contribute to their earnings on the platform. At the end of a live stream, TikTok provides a LIVE summary showing the total Diamonds earned.

What is TikTok Creator Next?

TikTok has set up Creator Next to help creators monetize their content as they grow their communities. By joining the program, eligible users gain access to a variety of tools designed to reward engagement and content performance.

To be eligible for Creator Next, you must meet the following criteria:

• Creator Next must be available in your location (it is not currently accessible everywhere).
• You must be 18 or older (19 in South Korea).
• You need to have at least 10,000 followers.
• You must have received at least 100,000 video views in the last 30 days.
• You must have posted original content that meets TikTok’s monetization requirements, including videos that are at least one minute long.
• Your account must be in good standing, following TikTok’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service.
• Business Accounts are ineligible to participate—only Personal Accounts qualify.

If you believe you meet the above criteria, you can apply to join TikTok Creator Next by following these steps:

1. Tap Profile in the bottom right of your TikTok screen.
2. Tap the three-line (hamburger) menu in the top right to go to Settings.
3. Tap Creator Tools, then select Apply.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your application.

Once accepted into Creator Next, you will gain access to:

• Creator Fund – A program that rewards creators based on video performance.
• Creator Marketplace – A platform that connects creators with brands for collaborations.
• Video Gifts – A feature that allows fans to send virtual gifts on regular TikTok videos.
• LIVE Gifts – A gifting system for monetizing TikTok LIVE streams.
• Tips – A direct way for fans to financially support their favorite creators.

These features provide multiple avenues for TikTok creators to generate income, expand their audience, and engage more deeply with their followers.

How to Set up LIVE Gifts on TikTok

Before you can receive TikTok LIVE Gifts, you need to enable the feature in your settings. TikTok requires creators to manually activate LIVE Gifts before they can start receiving virtual items from viewers during their live streams.

To set up LIVE Gifts:

• Open the TikTok app and go to your Profile.
• Tap the three-line menu in the top right corner to access Settings and Privacy.
• Select Creator Tools and tap LIVE Gifts.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation.

Once enabled, the LIVE Gifts feature will automatically appear during your broadcasts, allowing eligible viewers to send you virtual gifts while you stream. You can check your LIVE Gifts status or turn the feature off at any time through the Creator Tools section.

If you also want to enable Video Gifts, which allow users to send gifts on your regular TikTok videos, you’ll need to activate that setting separately. The process is similar—navigate to Creator Tools, select Video Gifts, and toggle the feature on.

Once LIVE Gifts are active, any eligible viewer can send gifts during your streams, which will be displayed in real-time. After the stream ends, TikTok provides a LIVE summary, where you can review the total Diamonds earned from received gifts.

Enabling LIVE Gifts is a crucial step for creators looking to monetize their live content, ensuring that their audience has a direct way to support them during streams.

How People Can Send You Gifts During a TikTok LIVE Stream

Viewers who enjoy your TikTok LIVE stream can show their appreciation by sending LIVE Gifts, which appear on-screen in real-time. These virtual items not only let fans engage with your content but also contribute to your earnings as a creator.

Any adult TikTok user who complies with TikTok’s Virtual Items Policy or Coins Policy (where applicable) can send gifts during a stream. However, gifting is only available if the Gift icon appears in the comment section of the live video.

Sending a LIVE Gift is a simple process:

• While watching a LIVE stream, tap the Gift icon at the bottom of the screen.
• Browse and select the Gift they want to send.
• If their Coin balance is low, they can tap Recharge and follow the payment instructions.
• Once ready, they tap Send, and the Gift will instantly appear on the screen.

These interactive gifts create an engaging experience between creators and their audience, making LIVE streams more dynamic while providing direct financial support to content creators.

Collecting Diamonds Through TikTok LIVE Gifts

Once LIVE Gifting is enabled, you will start seeing gifts appear on-screen as viewers send them during your stream. These virtual items not only serve as a sign of appreciation but also contribute to your earnings on TikTok. At the end of your broadcast, you can check your LIVE summary, which provides a breakdown of the total gifts received and the corresponding Diamonds awarded.

TikTok calculates Diamonds based on the popularity of your content, considering factors such as audience engagement and the number of gifts received. Since Diamonds hold real-world value, they can later be redeemed for monetary rewards, making LIVE Gifts an essential part of creator monetization.

However, not all creators are eligible to collect Diamonds from LIVE Gifts. To qualify, you must:

• Be enrolled in the Creator Next program.
• Live in a region where LIVE Gifts are available.
• Be at least 18 years old (19 in South Korea, 20 in Japan).
• Have maintained your account for at least 30 days and gained at least 1,000 followers.
• Have an account in good standing, following TikTok’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service.
• Not be using a Business Account, as only Personal Accounts can collect Diamonds.

By meeting these requirements, you ensure that your LIVE Gifts can be converted into Diamonds, which can later be exchanged for real money through TikTok’s withdrawal system.

Exchanging TikTok Diamonds for Cash

TikTok allows creators to redeem Diamonds for real money, but the withdrawal process comes with specific requirements and limitations. Once you've accumulated enough Diamonds from LIVE Gifts, you can exchange them for monetary rewards through TikTok’s withdrawal system. However, Diamonds cannot be purchased, transferred, or traded—they are strictly tied to your TikTok earnings.

How to Withdraw Your TikTok Earnings (Diamonds)

To cash out your Diamonds, you must first link a PayPal account to your TikTok balance. TikTok currently only supports PayPal withdrawals in U.S. dollars, meaning if your PayPal account operates in another currency, the amount will be converted according to PayPal’s exchange rate at the time of transfer.

The withdrawal process works as follows:

• You can only withdraw once per day and must choose from one of TikTok’s preset withdrawal amounts: $1 (first-time users only), $2, $5, or $20. Any remaining balance stays in your account until you meet another withdrawal threshold.
• The minimum withdrawal amount in the EEA, UK, or Switzerland varies based on the selected payment method, with PayPal allowing withdrawals from $1 and bank transfers requiring at least $5–$9 depending on your country.
• The maximum daily withdrawal limit is $1,000 or its equivalent in local currency.

Transaction Fees and Processing Times

TikTok does not charge any fees for withdrawals, but PayPal may deduct a 1.5% fee plus $0.10 per transaction. If you choose a bank transfer, a $2.90 fee applies.

Once a withdrawal request is submitted, TikTok reviews and processes it within 15 calendar days for security reasons. However, PayPal may hold the funds for an additional 21 days based on its own verification policies. This means your payment could take up to 36 days to appear in your PayPal account.

TikTok LIVE Gifts: Earnings, Commission, and Real Creator Income

TikTok LIVE Gifts are a major part of monetization for creators, offering a way for viewers to financially support their favorite streamers in real time. When a fan sends a LIVE Gift, TikTok converts it into Diamonds, which can then be exchanged for cash. While TikTok regularly updates its selection of virtual gifts, here are some of the most common ones and their current Coin values:

• Rose – 1 Coin
• Finger Heart – 5 Coins
• Lion – 29,999 Coins
• TikTok Universe – 34,999 Coins

Each Coin has a monetary value, but TikTok takes a significant commission before payouts reach creators. While TikTok does not publicly disclose its exact cut, estimates suggest the platform retains approximately 70% of what a viewer spends on gifts. This means that for every $1.00 spent by a viewer, a creator earns around $0.30 after TikTok’s cut.

Monetization Potential: How Much Can You Make from TikTok LIVE Gifts?

For many creators, TikTok LIVE Gifts provide a steady income, but actual earnings can vary widely depending on audience size, engagement, and the number of gifts received.

A mid-sized creator—someone with a dedicated following but not at celebrity status—might receive around 10,000 Coins worth of gifts in a single live session. Here’s how that breaks down:

• Total Gift Value: 10,000 Coins (~$100 USD)
• TikTok’s Cut (~70%): ~$70
• Creator’s Actual Earnings: ~$30 USD

While this may seem small, creators who stream consistently and build an engaged audience can make TikTok LIVE a profitable revenue stream.

Case Study: How One Creator Earned Thousands from LIVE Gifts

A compelling example of TikTok LIVE Gifts’ earning potential comes from Spencer Pratt, a reality TV star who turned to TikTok as a primary income source after losing his home in the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. Pratt had been using the platform casually, but when disaster struck, he shifted his focus to TikTok LIVE—a move that turned out to be financially life-changing.

In a single week, Pratt earned $4,000 from regular TikTok activity, but the real surprise came from LIVE Gifts, where his viewers contributed an estimated $20,000 in direct support. This income, as he described, was "phenomenal and life-changing." Unlike traditional monetization methods reliant on advertising revenue or brand deals, Pratt emphasized the power of direct community support, calling it "unbelievable and incredible."

His TikTok presence surged after documenting the aftermath of his Malibu home’s destruction, gaining over 1 million followers in just a week. As a result, his engagement skyrocketed, increasing his ability to earn through LIVE Gifts. He also used the platform to promote his wife Heidi Montag’s music, further boosting their online presence and potential earnings.

@spencerprattStarting from 1 again♬ Flash - Heidi Montag

Despite the financial boost, Pratt acknowledged that TikTok LIVE isn’t a guaranteed paycheck. While his sudden influx of support was substantial, he pointed out that success depends on continuous audience engagement. He credited his ability to earn to "real people backing and getting behind you" rather than relying on "ads or AI-driven algorithms."

His story highlights an important takeaway: while TikTok takes a large cut of LIVE Gifts, creators who foster deep connections with their audience can turn the platform into a significant income stream. His experience demonstrates that consistency, authenticity, and community support are key factors in maximizing earnings from LIVE Gifts.

What Other Types of Gifts Can Viewers Make on TikTok?

While LIVE Gifts are one of the most well-known ways for viewers to support creators, TikTok also allows users to send Video Gifts on regular, pre-recorded content. This feature provides an additional way for fans to show appreciation and for creators to earn Diamonds, which can later be converted into real money.

How to Send a Gift on a Regular TikTok Video

Sending a Video Gift is a simple process that happens directly in the comments section of an eligible TikTok video:

1. Tap the Comments icon on the video you’re watching.
2. Next to the "Add comment..." field, tap the Gift icon.

1. Browse the available Classic and Premium gifts and select the one you’d like to send.
2. If you need more Coins, tap Recharge and follow the payment instructions.
3. Once ready, write a comment (optional) and tap Send to deliver the Gift.

Restrictions on TikTok Gifts

Not all TikTok videos can receive gifts. The following types of content are ineligible for Video Gifts (or LIVE Gifts):

• Duet and Stitch videos – TikTok does not allow gifting on videos that remix content from other creators.
• Ads, sponsored content, or promoted posts – Any video that is part of a paid promotion or advertisement cannot receive gifts.
• Videos that violate TikTok’s Community Guidelines – If a video is flagged for violating TikTok’s rules, it becomes ineligible for monetization.

For creators looking to maximize their TikTok earnings, enabling both LIVE Gifts and Video Gifts can help diversify their revenue streams while encouraging more direct engagement from their audience.

The Do’s and Don’ts of TikTok Gifting

TikTok encourages LIVE Gifts and Video Gifts as a way for viewers to support creators, but it also enforces rules to prevent misuse. To ensure a positive gifting environment, TikTok has outlined some best practices for creators:

• Acknowledge and appreciate your supporters. Always thank viewers who send gifts, whether it’s a simple “Thank you so much!” or a shoutout during your stream. Recognizing your audience’s generosity makes them more likely to continue supporting you.
• Avoid making promises in exchange for gifts. TikTok discourages creators from soliciting gifts in return for follows, shoutouts, or engagement. Phrases like “Send a gift and I’ll follow you back” or “Gift me and I’ll give you a shoutout” go against TikTok’s gifting guidelines.
• Maintain an authentic connection with your audience. Gifting should feel like a natural part of the interaction, not something forced. The best creators make viewers feel like part of a community rather than pressuring them to contribute.

How to Encourage Gifting During Your Live Sessions

Successful TikTok streamers don’t just rely on chance when it comes to earning through LIVE Gifts—they actively engage their audience in ways that inspire gifting. Here’s how top creators keep their viewers engaged and willing to contribute:

• Make your live streams interactive. The most engaging live streams aren’t just one-way broadcasts—they’re conversations. Encourage viewers to ask questions, participate in Q&As, or join in on challenges. Some creators even use polls and mini-games to make their sessions more dynamic.
• Showcase appreciation in creative ways. Some creators go beyond a simple thank-you and create unique ways to acknowledge gifters. For example, adding top gifters’ usernames to a "Hall of Fame" on-screen, dedicating a short dance or song to gifters, or using special on-screen effects for major gifts can make the experience more rewarding.
• Build anticipation with exclusive content. Viewers are more likely to send gifts if they feel they’re part of something special. Some successful creators offer sneak peeks, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, or live reactions to top gifts, making the gifting experience feel even more valuable.
• Stream consistently to build a loyal audience. The more frequently you go live, the stronger your community becomes. Regular streaming helps develop relationships with frequent gifters who are more likely to support you over time.

By making gifting a natural part of engagement rather than a demand, creators can build stronger relationships with their audience and maximize their earnings on TikTok LIVE.

What is TikTok Live?

If you're unfamiliar with TikTok, you might be uncertain about our many references to "TikTok Live" in this article. Isn't TikTok a place where people upload short, usually funny, videos, often lip-syncing to music?

We have previously looked in more detail at TikTok Live Video: A Walkthrough for Marketers. In 2019, TikTok launched a Live feature where content creators can live stream their videos from the platform. In addition, TikTokers can connect with their followers in real-time using comments. And, as we've seen in this post, your audience might send you virtual gifts.

You can use live videos to cover a lot of content as TikTok hasn't yet restricted their duration. 

To unlock TikTok Live, you must meet the following conditions:

• You should be at least 16 years old.
• You should have a minimum of 1,000 followers (this number differs depending on location).

As we have seen above, you must meet additional criteria if you want to receive gifts.

To set up a Live Stream, click on the + button at the bottom center of the screen. You will see a red recording button near the bottom of your screen. Beneath that, you will see various options for video length and photo templates until you have the option LIVE. The red recording button will change to a GO LIVE button. Tap on that when you're ready to begin recording. 

Be careful with any music you may have playing in the background. Although you can use many music clips in private videos, there are limitations to music and commercial usage. However, TikTok does have a Royalty-Free Music Library brands can use in their live (and other) TikTok videos.

You can get creative and add a cover photo and video title to your TikTok Live video. Your caption should be enticing enough to get people to join your live stream and possibly even give you a TikTok Live gift. Remember that hashtags make your live stream more discoverable. 

Turning TikTok Gifts Into Real Earnings

TikTok LIVE and Video Gifts have transformed how creators monetize their content, offering direct support from engaged audiences. By understanding gifting rules, optimizing engagement, and building a loyal community, creators can turn virtual gifts into a consistent revenue stream.

Success on TikTok isn’t just about going viral—it’s about connecting with your audience and making every interaction valuable. Whether through LIVE streams or pre-recorded videos, creators who engage authentically and stream strategically can maximize their earnings and grow their presence on the platform. TikTok gifting is more than just a feature—it’s a powerful tool for creator success.

About the Author

Influencer Marketing Hub

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The Influencer Marketing Hub Team brings together a diverse group of experts with a passion for influencer marketing, digital trends, and social media strategies. Each piece of content crafted by this team is researched and written to provide valuable insights, tips, and updates for our readers. Our authors are dedicated to delivering high-quality, informative, and engaging articles that help businesses and influencers thrive in this rapidly changing digital world.