TikTok Allows Livestreamers To Perform Specific Actions for Donations

TikTok now lets livestreamers make specific donations, allowing the platform to make money from their content and interact with their viewers in interactive ways.

Do you remember the viral phenomenon from 2023 when the TikTok streamer acted as an NPC and responded automatically to donations? 

That TikTok streamer is still doing it. Today, TikTok is encouraging creators to get viewers involved by executing specific actions to earn donations through a feature dubbed “Viewer Wishes.”

‘Viewer Wishes’ Tool

As you can see in the above screenshot, posted by App researcher Jonah Manzano, some TikTok livestreamers have access to “Viewer Wishes,” a tool that allows creators to make performative actions that are triggered by donations. 

For instance, an offering of a rose could prompt streaming users to say “hi” live on camera. Streamers can set up as many as six different actions and have precise controls to handle the real-time demands during broadcasts. 

For those who are not sure of what they should provide, TikTok provides templated actions to make it easier to set up.

This is similar to the method that was popularized through NPC streamer PinkyDoll, who responds to viewers with specific actions and gestures in response to gifts from viewers. Her streams have brought in thousands of dollars per day with branding partnerships, which demonstrate the potential for commercial success of livestreaming with interactive features.

Balancing Creativity and Content Boundaries

While asking for donations could be profitable and enticing but it could also be a step into a sensitive area. The rules of TikTok restrict explicit body exposure and sexually explicit behavior, but permit some adult content despite age limitations.

Discussions and performances on adult topics could fall in the gray zone. This is especially true because this new feature allows direct interaction with the viewer that may push the boundaries of moderation.

Looking Forward

‘Viewer Wishes’ appears to be an important instrument to monetize creators and is pushing the boundaries of how content that is performative can be incorporated with livestream revenues. 

TikTok will probably need to constantly refine its guidelines when this feature gets more traction while balancing freedom for creators and security for the community.

The Bottom Line

For streamers who are looking for innovative ways to connect and earn money, ‘Viewer Wishes’ appears to be a feature that could open exciting new opportunities and issues in the constantly evolving livestream industry.