TikTok, a video-sharing social networking service owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, is experimenting with a new tool that allows TikTok users to tip some creators directly on their profiles.
According to a video of the tips feature shared this week by TikTok creator Jera Bean, who noticed the feature in-app and applied for approval, any money tipped to creators will go directly to that individual (meaning TikTok won’t take a cut), as reported by the verge.
A screenshot of the application screen stated that in order to qualify for the feature, accounts must be in good standing on the platform, have at least 100,000 followers, meet an age requirement, and agree to TikTok’s tips terms. If creators meet these criteria, they can then apply for the tool — though it’s unclear whether everyone who applies will be approved.
@jera.bean ✨TIKTOK NEWS AND UPDATES✨ the TIP feature: more info! ##tiktokupdates2021 ##tiktokupdates ##tiktoknewfeature
♬ Time (Instrumental) – MKJ
Based on a follow-up video from the same creator shared Thursday evening, the application process seems to move fairly quickly. Jera Bean’s account now displays a “tips” button that directs users to a page where they can tip the creator $5, $10, $15, or a custom amount of their choosing (minimum $1). Additionally, the platform allows tips to be sent anonymously.
Users must be 18 years or older to send tips to creators, but it doesn’t appear that users have to actually be following the account they’re tipping to use the feature. It is, however, being tested on a limited basis for the time being. TikTok declined to comment on how widely available the feature is to creators on its platform at this time.
