TikTok is more than just short, fun videos—it’s a powerful platform that’s changing the way people connect and earn online. One of its lesser-known but increasingly popular features is the TikTok coins system. Whether you’re a casual viewer or an aspiring content creator, understanding how TikTok coins work can help you get the most out of your experience.
In this guide, we’ll break down what TikTok coins are, how they work, how to use them, and whether they’re really worth your money.
What Are TikTok Coins?
TikTok coins are a form of virtual currency used within the TikTok app. You can purchase them using real money and then use the coins to buy virtual gifts for creators during their live streams. These gifts are a way to show support and appreciation.
A Quick History of TikTok Coins
TikTok introduced the coin system in 2019 as part of its broader monetization features. Alongside coins, TikTok also launched the “Live Gifts” feature, allowing users to tip creators in real-time. Since then, coins have become a key part of TikTok’s in-app economy—right next to other monetization options like the Creator Fund, TikTok Shop, and brand partnerships.
Where Do Coins Fit In?
Coins sit at the heart of the TikTok Live experience. Viewers buy coins, use them to send gifts, and creators earn diamonds—another virtual currency that can be converted into real cash. It’s a win-win cycle for both creators and supporters.
How Do TikTok Coins Work?
TikTok coins work as a virtual currency within the TikTok app. Users buy coins with real money and use them to send gifts during live streams to support their favorite creators. When a creator receives these gifts, they can convert them into Diamonds, which can then be cashed out for real money through TikTok’s Creator Fund.
The process works like this:
- Buy TikTok coins using in-app payment options.
- Send gifts (like emojis or animations) to creators during live streams.
- Gifts are converted into Diamonds for the creator.
- Creators can redeem Diamonds for cash, minus TikTok’s processing fee.
This system encourages creators to make more entertaining content while giving fans a way to show appreciation and interact with their favorite TikTokers.
Buying Coins with Real Money
You can buy coins directly within the TikTok app. Here’s a quick look at some of the common TikTok coin packages:
| Coin Package | Cost (USD) | Approx. Price per Coin |
|---|---|---|
| 70 coins | $0.99 | $0.014 |
| 350 coins | $4.99 | $0.014 |
| 700 coins | $9.99 | $0.014 |
| 1400 coins | $19.99 | $0.014 |
| 3500 coins | $49.99 | $0.014 |
| 7000 coins | $99.99 | $0.014 |
Gifting Coins to Creators
Once you have coins, you can send virtual gifts—like roses, pandas, or even a drama queen—during a creator’s live stream. These gifts convert into diamonds for the creator.
From Coins to Cash (Creator Side)
- 1 coin = 1 gift (depends on the item)
- Gifts → Diamonds (received by creators)
- Diamonds → Real money (paid out via PayPal or other methods)
- TikTok takes a cut (up to 50%) during this process
How do you use TikTok coins?
You use TikTok coins within the app to support creators and enhance live-stream interactions. Here’s how it works:
- Buy Coins: Purchase coins directly in the TikTok app using in-app payment options like credit/debit cards or digital wallets.
- Send Gifts: During a creator’s live stream, tap the gift icon and select a virtual gift. The cost of the gift is deducted from your coin balance.
- Interact in Real Time: Sending gifts triggers animations on screen, making the stream more fun and encouraging more engagement from the creator and other viewers.
- Support Creators: Gifts are converted into Diamonds for the creator, which they can later cash out through the TikTok Creator Fund.
Coins are only usable for live streams and cannot be sent on regular pre-recorded videos. This system rewards creators and allows fans to show appreciation and influence the live experience.
When Can People Send TikTok Coins?
People can send TikTok coins during specific times and situations on the app primarily when a creator is live streaming. You must have a TikTok balance with coins available to send gifts. Coins cannot be earned by viewers they must be purchased through TikTok. Coins cannot be used on regular pre-recorded videos; they are exclusive to live streams. Fans can also send multiple gifts or even combine them to make a bigger impact, often triggering animations that make the stream more fun and engaging. TikTok regularly updates the types of gifts available, so viewers can surprise creators with new, creative ways to show support.
Sending coins is also instant and secure, as they are purchased directly through the app, protecting both users and creators from fraud. This system encourages creators to produce more entertaining content and keeps fans actively engaged in live interactions.
Are TikTok Coins Worth It?
Whether TikTok coins are worth it depends on your goals. For viewers, coins can be a fun way to support favorite creators, unlock special animations, and feel more connected during live streams—but they cost real money, and the value is in the experience and interaction rather than direct returns. For creators, receiving gifts can turn into real income (after conversion to Diamonds and payout), helping reward their work and build community.
However, creators often receive less cash value than the coins spent by viewers, and income isn’t guaranteed. So, TikTok coins are worth it if your priority is engagement and support rather than financial gain—just spend responsibly and avoid impulse purchases.
How to Buy TikTok Coins
Buying coins is simple and only takes a minute.
On Mobile:
- Open TikTok and go to your profile
- Tap the three-line menu in the top-right
- Select “Balance”
- Tap “Recharge”
- Choose a coin package
- Complete the payment with your app store account (Google Play or Apple Pay)
On Desktop:
- Visit TikTok.com
- Log in to your account
- Click your profile icon > Settings
- Navigate to “Balance”
- Choose and purchase a coin package
You can pay with credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, PayPal, or Google Pay depending on your region.
What Can You Use TikTok Coins For?
You can’t use TikTok coins to buy real-world products, but they do have meaningful in-app uses:
- Send Gifts During Live Streams: Show appreciation or get shoutouts from your favorite creators.
- Boost Engagement: Support content you love and help creators gain visibility.
- Support Creators: Your coins help creators earn money, especially those who go live regularly.
Are TikTok Coins Worth It?
It depends on what you want from your TikTok experience. If you see value in supporting creators and engaging live, TikTok coins can enhance your experience. Just be sure to set a budget and only buy what you’re comfortable spending.
Pros
- Support your favorite creators directly
- Engage during live streams with custom emojis, pinned comments, or gifts
- Join a creator’s community and possibly gain attention or recognition
Cons
- Non-refundable: Once you buy coins or send gifts, there’s no going back
- Conversion losses: TikTok takes a cut, so creators don’t get the full value
- Temptation to overspend, especially for younger users
So, are TikTok coins worth it? If you enjoy watching live streams and want to support creators, yes. But if you’re only here to watch passively, they might not be necessary.
How Creators Benefit from TikTok Coins
When viewers send coins as gifts during live streams, creators receive these gifts as Diamonds, TikTok’s in-app currency for creators. Diamonds can then be converted into real money and withdrawn through the TikTok Creator Fund. This system provides a direct way for fans to support creators, rewarding them for producing entertaining and engaging content.
Beyond monetary rewards, receiving coins also boosts visibility during live streams. Gifts trigger animations on screen, which can attract more viewers and encourage further interaction. This engagement helps creators grow their audience, increase followers, and improve their chances of earning more through TikTok’s platform features.
TikTok Coins vs. Other Platforms
Let’s compare TikTok coins with similar systems:
| Platform | Currency Name | Exchange Rate (Approx.) | Creator Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| TikTok | Coins → Diamonds | 1 Diamond ≈ $0.005 | ~50% of gift |
| Twitch | Bits | 100 Bits = $1.40 (viewer) | $1 (creator) |
| YouTube | Super Chats | $1 = $1 (viewer) | ~70% (creator) |
| Gifts | Variable | Up to 55% |
Are There Any Risks or Concerns?
Yes, there are some risks and concerns when using TikTok coins. Since coins are purchased with real money, overspending can be a concern, especially for younger users or those who send gifts frequently. There’s also the risk of scams or fake third-party websites offering coins at lower prices—coins should always be bought directly through the TikTok app.
Additionally, the conversion rate from coins to real money for creators is lower than the purchase price, so gifts don’t fully reflect their cost in cash. Finally, over-reliance on gifts for engagement may encourage creators to focus on live streams for income rather than diverse content creation. Users should spend coins responsibly and be aware of these limitations.
Tips for Using TikTok Coins Responsibly
- Set a Budget: Treat coins like entertainment spending
- Support Creators You Enjoy: Don’t feel pressure to tip everyone
- Avoid Third-party Sites: Only buy coins through TikTok
- Monitor Teen Accounts: Use parental controls or guide them on safe usage
TikTok Coins Make Videos More Entertaining
One of the most exciting aspects of TikTok coins is how they turn passive video watching into an interactive experience. Viewers aren’t just scrolling anymore—they’re sending gifts, earning shoutouts, and influencing the content in real time. TikTok coins help make videos more entertaining by allowing users to send virtual gifts during live streams or support their favorite creators. When viewers send coins as gifts, creators can receive rewards, which encourages them to produce more engaging and creative content.
Coins can also be used to unlock special effects, stickers, or features in videos, making the experience more interactive and fun for both creators and viewers. Overall, TikTok coins add a layer of engagement, rewards, and creativity to the platform.
Final Verdict: Should You Use TikTok Coins?
TikTok coins are a fun, easy way to support creators and engage with live content. If you regularly watch live streams and enjoy being part of the community, coins can make the experience more interactive. But if you’re on a budget or only watch TikTok passively, you might not find much value in them.
FAQs About TikTok Coins
How much is 1,000 coins on TikTok?
The price of 1,000 TikTok coins varies by country and platform, but it typically costs around $12–$15 USD depending on in-app rates and local taxes.
Can you convert TikTok coins to real money?
Yes, TikTok coins can be converted to cash through the TikTok Creator Fund or by receiving gifts during live streams. However, the conversion rate is lower than the purchase price.
How much money is 1 TikTok coin?
1 TikTok coin is worth roughly $0.01 USD when purchased in-app, but its real value when cashed out is usually less.
Where is it cheaper to buy TikTok coins?
TikTok coins may be slightly cheaper in certain countries due to regional pricing. Always buy coins directly from the TikTok app to avoid scams or third-party websites.
Are TikTok coins refundable?
No. All coin purchases are final and non-refundable.
How much are 100 TikTok coins worth?
100 coins cost about $1.39 USD depending on your region and taxes.
Can I earn coins without paying?
Not directly. Only viewers buy coins. Creators can earn diamonds through gifts.
Do coins expire?
Coins do not expire, but it’s best to use them regularly as TikTok policies can change.
What’s the difference between diamonds and coins?
- Coins: Bought by viewers to send gifts
- Diamonds: Earned by creators from gifts and can be cashed out
Conclusion
TikTok coins add another layer of fun and interaction to the platform. Whether you’re tipping creators or looking to earn as one, understanding how the system works helps you make smarter decisions. Use coins wisely, support creators you believe in, and always keep your spending in check.
Disclaimer
TikTok is a registered trademark of ByteDance. This article is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by TikTok or ByteDance.
