TikTok appears to be adding a Tips feature, allowing viewers to reward the creators fuelling its never-ending stream of dog videos.
First spotted by TikTok user Jera Bean and reported by TechCrunch, TikTok’s new tipping option reportedly popped up in Bean’s settings without much fanfare.
“Tips let viewers fund your creativity and show their support by sending you payments,” wrote TikTok in a screenshot shared by Jera Bean. “Tips will go directly to you and no money will go to TikTok.”
Credit: @jera.bean / tiktok
Not everybody can plunk a tip jar on their TikTok page and wait for the cash money to roll in, though. To get in on TikTok tips, accounts must meet eligibility criteria such as being “in good standing,” following the platform’s Community Guidelines, and having at least 100,000 followers. They also have to be above a certain age, so presumably kids won’t be receiving cash from strangers for their dance challenges.
TikTok also notes creators have to maintain these criteria, so their tip-eligible status may be stripped if they drop below 100,000 followers or suddenly de-age like Benjamin Button.
Accounts that meet the age and follower requirements will be able to apply to enable tips, and will need to be approved. Bean herself was approved fairly quickly, reporting that a Tips button now appears on her profile. Bean’s follow-up video included screenshots indicating that the minimum amount you can send is $1, and tips can be anonymous.
When reached for comment, a TikTok spokesperson told Mashable that the company is “always thinking about new ways to bring value to our community and enrich the TikTok experience,” but declined to comment further.
TikTok already allows fans to show monetary appreciation to creators via LIVE gifting, however the convoluted process only applies during live streams and is subject to a 50 percent commission from TikTok. Fortunately, this new Tips feature seems like a much more direct way to fund the arts.
