The act of purchasing digital currency for use within the TikTok platform is a financial transaction that allows users to acquire in-app money. These digital credits enable the purchase of virtual gifts, which can then be sent to content creators during live streams or through video comments as a form of appreciation. For example, a user might acquire a quantity of these virtual credits and subsequently use them to send a digital rose or other icon to a creator whose content they enjoy.
The capacity to engage in this type of transaction presents several advantages. It provides users a direct avenue to financially support creators, fostering a sense of community and encouraging the production of more content. Historically, platforms have sought ways to monetize engagement, and this mechanism represents a direct link between consumer appreciation and creator revenue, offering an alternative to purely advertising-driven models. This method can also increase user engagement within the app itself.