TikTok Coins Explained: A Creator’s Guide

TikTok Coins Explained: A Creator’s Guide

In recent years, TikTok has exploded in popularity, becoming more than just a platform for viral dance trends and short-form videos.

With over 1 billion monthly active users, it has become a powerful space for content creators, influencers, and businesses to engage with audiences worldwide. Unlike traditional social media platforms, TikTok offers multiple monetization opportunities, allowing creators to earn directly from their content.

One of the most popular ways for users to support their favorite creators is through TikTok Coins. This virtual currency lets users purchase and send digital gifts during TikTok Live sessions. These gifts, which range from simple emojis to extravagant animations, convert into Diamonds, which creators can then exchange for real money.

Understanding how TikTok Coins work is essential for creators looking to maximize their earnings on TikTok. Knowing the ins and outs of Coins, how to encourage audience engagement, and how to strategically leverage live streams can significantly boost a creator’s revenue. This guide will break down everything you need to know about TikTok Coins, from purchasing and spending them to how creators can convert them into real-world income.

Key Takeaways

  • TikTok Coins Allow Direct Creator Support – Users purchase TikTok Coins to send virtual gifts during TikTok Live, which helps creators earn Diamonds that can be cashed out for real money.
  • TikTok Takes a Significant Cut from Creator Earnings – Creators receive only about 50% of the Coins’ value after TikTok’s commission, making exploring multiple monetization streams beyond virtual gifts essential.
  • Engagement Boosts TikTok Coin EarningsCreators who actively engage with their audience, encourage gifting through call-to-actions, and use trending hashtags and challenges tend to earn more in TikTok Live sessions.
  • Avoid Third-Party Sellers & Scams – TikTok Coins should only be purchased through TikTok’s official app or website to prevent fraud, unauthorized charges, and account bans.
  • TikTok Coin Monetization is Best for Active Live Streamers – Since Coins and gifts are only used in TikTok Live, creators who go live frequently and build a loyal audience benefit the most from this monetization model.

What Are TikTok Coins?

Definition

TikTok Coins are a virtual currency within the TikTok app that allows users to purchase and send virtual gifts to their favorite creators during TikTok Live sessions. Fans can use these coins to show appreciation and financially support content creators.

Purpose

TikTok Coins primarily aims to facilitate creator support through virtual gifting. Users can buy coins and exchange them for digital gifts, such as roses, lions, or universes, which appear in the creator’s live stream as animations. When a creator receives gifts, they are converted into Diamonds, which can later be withdrawn as real money.

How Users Can Buy TikTok Coins?

TikTok Coins can be purchased directly within the TikTok app using real money. Here’s how:

  1. Go to Your Profile → Tap the three-line menu in the top right.
  2. Select “Settings and Privacy” → Tap “Balance”.
  3. Click on “Recharge” → Choose the number of Coins you want to buy.
  4. Select a Payment Method → Available options include credit/debit cards and other regional payment methods.
  5. Complete the Purchase → Your Coins will be added instantly to your TikTok balance.

Once users have Coins, they can start gifting creators during live streams, helping them earn revenue and continue producing content.

How Do TikTok Coins Work?

TikTok Coins are the foundation of TikTok’s virtual gifting system, enabling users to support creators through TikTok Live sessions. Here’s a breakdown of how they work:

1. Users Buy TikTok Coins with Real Money

Users can purchase TikTok Coins directly within the app using credit cards, PayPal, or other payment methods. The cost of Coins varies depending on the amount purchased, and bulk purchases often come with small discounts.

2. Coins Are Spent on Virtual Gifts

Once users have TikTok Coins in their balance, they can use them to buy virtual gifts. These gifts range from simple Roses (a few coins) to extravagant gifts like the Lion or Universe (costing thousands of coins). Each gift has a unique animation that appears on the creator’s livestream.

3. Gifts Are Sent to Creators During TikTok Live Sessions

When a user sends a gift, it instantly appears on the creator’s screen during their live broadcast. This helps increase audience engagement, encourages more interactions, and often motivates other viewers to send gifts.

4. Creators Receive Diamonds from These Gifts

For every virtual gift received, creators earn Diamonds. TikTok determines the value of these Diamonds, and they act as a conversion metric for monetization.

5. Diamonds Can Be Converted into Real Cash

Creators can cash out their Diamonds through TikTok’s payout system. However, TikTok takes a percentage as a service fee before transferring the money to the creator’s bank account or PayPal. The exchange rate between Coins, Diamonds, and real cash fluctuates, but TikTok ensures creators receive a fair portion of their earnings.

In short, TikTok Coins enable a direct support system between users and creators, making TikTok Live a profitable avenue for content creators looking to monetize their audience engagement.

How Much Are TikTok Coins Worth? (2025 Updated Pricing)?

Understanding the value of TikTok Coins is essential for users and creators aiming to engage effectively on the platform. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:

1. Breakdown of TikTok Coin Pricing in Different Currencies

As of 2025, the cost of TikTok Coins varies by country due to regional pricing and currency exchange rates. Below is a comparison of prices for purchasing 70 and 700 coins in various countries:

CountryPrice for 70 CoinsPrice for 700 Coins
United States$0.74$7.40
United Kingdom£0.75£7.45
AustraliaA$1.29A$12.75
CanadaCA$0.99CA$9.75
PhilippinesPHP 48.5PHP 485
MexicoMX$14.59MX$145.89
BrazilR$3.65R$36.05
South Korea₩1,089₩10,915

Note: Prices are subject to change based on currency fluctuations and TikTok’s regional policies.

To potentially reduce costs, users can purchase coins directly through the TikTok website, as in-app purchases may include additional fees due to app store commissions. Additionally, using a VPN to access TikTok from countries where coins are cheaper, such as the Philippines or Brazil, can offer savings.

2. Conversion Rate of Coins to Diamonds

On TikTok, creators receive Diamonds when users send virtual gifts during live streams. The general conversion is that 1 TikTok Coin equates to 0.5 Diamonds. For instance, a gift of 100 Coins would provide the creator with 50 Diamonds. This means that the value of Diamonds is approximately half the value of Coins.

3. TikTok’s Commission Percentage When Creators Cash Out

Creators can convert their accumulated Diamonds into real currency. Each Diamond is valued at approximately 0.005 USD. Therefore, 1,000 Diamonds would equate to 5 USD. However, it’s important to note that TikTok retains a commission from the creator’s earnings during the cash-out process. While the exact percentage can vary, reports suggest that TikTok takes a significant portion, with creators receiving about 50% of the value of the gifts after TikTok’s share.

How Creators Earn Money from TikTok Coins?

TikTok Coins provide a direct way for creators to monetize their content through virtual gifting. By leveraging TikTok Live, creators can encourage their audience to send gifts, which can be converted into actual earnings. Here’s how the process works:

1. Receiving Gifts During Live Streams

  • When creators go live on TikTok, their viewers can send them virtual gifts purchased with TikTok Coins.
  • Gifts vary in price and animation, ranging from low-cost gifts like Roses to premium gifts like Lions and Universes.
  • These gifts are converted into Diamonds, which are used to measure a creator’s earnings.

2. Cash-Out Process: Diamonds → USD

  • Conversion Rate: Every gift a creator receives turns into Diamonds. The exchange rate is approximately 50% of the Coins’ value (e.g., 1,000 Coins ≈ 500 Diamonds).
  • Diamond to Cash Conversion: TikTok allows creators to convert Diamonds into real money and withdraw their earnings via PayPal or bank transfer.
  • Processing Time: Withdrawals can take a few business days to process.

3. TikTok’s Payout Threshold & Fees

  • Minimum Withdrawal Limit: Creators must accumulate at least $50 worth of Diamonds before withdrawing their earnings.
  • TikTok’s Commission: TikTok takes a significant cut (up to 50%) of the earnings before creators receive their final payout.
  • Additional Fees: PayPal or bank transfer fees may also apply.

4. Best Practices to Encourage More Gifts

To maximize earnings, creators should actively engage their audience and encourage gifting during live streams. Here’s how:

Engage with Viewers – Respond to comments, ask questions, and acknowledge frequent gifters.
Use Call-to-Actions (CTAs) – Encourage viewers to send gifts by saying things like “Drop a Rose if you’re enjoying this!”
Set Goals & Challenges – Announce gifting milestones (e.g., “If we reach 5,000 Coins, I’ll do a special dance!”).
Go Live Consistently – Regular live sessions increase the chances of receiving gifts.
Leverage Trending Topics – Aligning live content with viral trends can boost visibility and engagement.
Offer Exclusive Perks – Give special shoutouts or follow-back top gifters to encourage more contributions.

How Users Can Support Their Favorite Creators Using TikTok Coins?

TikTok Coins are an excellent way for fans to financially support their favorite creators and encourage them to continue producing content. Here are the best ways users can use Coins to support creators:

1. Buying Gifts and Sending Them in TikTok Live Sessions

  • Users can purchase and send virtual gifts (like Roses, Lions, or Universes) using their TikTok Coins during a TikTok Live stream.
  • These gifts show appreciation and help creators earn Diamonds, which can be converted into real money.
  • The more engagement and gifts a creator receives, the more likely they are to continue producing content and interacting with their audience.

2. Supporting Creators Through Subscriptions & Exclusive Perks

  • TikTok offers a Live Subscription feature where fans can subscribe to their favorite creators for a monthly fee.
  • Subscribers get exclusive perks, such as:
    Custom badges will stand out in the chat.
    Exclusive content or subscriber-only live streams.
    Priority responses from creators during Live sessions.
  • Subscribing is an excellent way to provide consistent financial support to creators beyond one-time gifts.

3. Engaging With Creators to Increase Their Visibility

  • Liking, commenting, and sharing a creator’s content helps boost their visibility on TikTok’s For You Page (FYP).
  • More visibility = More views → More followers → More opportunities for the creator to earn.
  • Even if you can’t purchase gifts or subscribe, simply being active in the comments, joining live streams, and sharing videos can help creators grow their audience and increase their earnings.

How to Buy & Manage TikTok Coins Safely?

Buying TikTok Coins is simple, but doing it safely and securely is essential to avoid scams. Here’s a step-by-step guide on purchasing Coins, protecting yourself from fraudulent sellers, and using TikTok’s official payment methods.

1. Step-by-Step Guide to Purchasing TikTok Coins

You can buy TikTok Coins directly from the TikTok app or website. Follow these steps:

Buying Coins on the TikTok App

  1. Open TikTok and go to your profile.
  2. Tap the Menu (☰) in the top right and select “Settings and Privacy.”
  3. Select “Balance” to view your current Coins.
  4. Tap “Recharge” and choose the number of Coins you want to buy.
  5. Complete the payment using a credit/debit card, PayPal, or other available methods.
  6. Once the payment is processed, your Coins will appear in your balance instantly.

Buying Coins on the TikTok Website (Often Cheaper)

TikTok sometimes offers lower prices on Coins when purchased through their official website:

  1. Go to TikTok’s Coin Purchase Page.
  2. Log into your TikTok account and select the number of Coins.
  3. Complete the payment via credit/debit card, PayPal, or other options.
  4. Your Coins will be added to your account immediately.

2. Avoiding Third-Party Sellers & Scams

Many websites claim to sell discounted or free TikTok Coins, but they are often scams. Here’s how to stay safe:

Avoid Third-Party Coin Sellers – These sites may steal your payment information or give you fake Coins.
Never Share Your Login Details – TikTok does not ask for your password to buy Coins.
Be wary of “Free TikTok Coin” Generators. These scams trick users into providing personal data and may contain malware.
Always Buy Directly from TikTok – Use only TikTok’s app or website for purchases.

3. TikTok’s Official Payment Methods

TikTok supports secure payment methods for Coin purchases, including:

Credit/Debit Cards – Visa, Mastercard, American Express.
PayPal – A secure way to pay without sharing your card details.
Apple Pay & Google Pay – Available for quick payments on mobile devices.
Regional Payment Methods – Depending on your country, options like bank transfers or digital wallets may be available.

Final Tip: Regularly check your TikTok balance and set spending limits to manage your Coins wisely. By following these steps, you can safely buy and use TikTok Coins without risking scams or fraud.

TikTok Coins v/s. Diamonds: Understanding the Difference

TikTok uses two virtual currencies in its gifting system: Coins and Diamonds. While they are interconnected, they serve different purposes for users and creators. Understanding the distinction is crucial for supporters and content creators who want to maximize their earnings.

1. TikTok Coins = Purchased by Users

  • Users buy TikTok Coins with real money through the app or website.
  • These Coins are used to purchase virtual gifts (e.g., Roses, Lions, Universes) and send them to creators during TikTok Live sessions.
  • TikTok Coins do not have real-world cash value once purchased—they can only be spent within the app.

2. TikTok Diamonds = Earned by Creators from Gifts

  • When a creator receives a gift from a fan, TikTok converts the value of that gift into Diamonds.
  • The conversion rate is approximately 50% of the Coins’ value (e.g., a 1,000 Coin gift converts to 500 Diamonds).
  • Diamonds can be cashed out for real money, but TikTok takes a percentage of the earnings.

3. How Much Do Creators Get After TikTok’s Cut?

TikTok applies a significant commission fee before paying creators. Here’s how the process works:

  1. The user buys Coins (e.g., 1,000 Coins for around USD 10).
  2. The user sends gifts worth 1,000 Coins to a creator.
  3. TikTok converts these Coins into Diamonds (e.g., 1,000 Coins = 500 Diamonds).
  4. Creators can cash out their Diamonds, but TikTok takes a cut (up to 50% of earnings).
  5. Final payout: If 500 Diamonds = USD 5, the creator may receive only $2.50 – USD 3.00 after TikTok’s fee.

Maximizing TikTok Coin Earnings: Pro Tips for Creators

To increase TikTok Coin earnings, creators need to strategically engage their audience and make their live sessions as interactive and rewarding as possible. Here are some pro tips to boost gift revenue:

1. Engage with Your Audience in Live Streams

  • Acknowledge gifters in real-time to encourage more people to send gifts.
  • Ask viewers questions and encourage interaction to keep them engaged.
  • Use call-to-actions (CTAs) like “Drop a Rose if you’re enjoying this!” to drive more gifts.

2. Use Trending Challenges & Hashtags to Attract More Viewers

  • Go live around trending topics to increase visibility.
  • Use popular hashtags in your video descriptions to attract a wider audience.
  • Collaborate with trending creators to bring new viewers to your live sessions.

3. Offer Exclusive Content for Loyal Supporters

  • Give special shoutouts, Q&A sessions, or behind-the-scenes content for top gifters.
  • Consider subscriber-only live streams for paying supporters.
  • Host contests or challenges where gifters can win unique interactions or follow.

4. Promote Your Live Streams on Other Platforms

  • Announce your upcoming live streams on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
  • Use stories and countdowns to remind followers when you’ll be live.
  • Embed TikTok live stream links in your bio or pinned comments.

5. Collaborate with Other Creators to Increase Exposure

  • Go live with another creator to cross-promote audiences and get more gifts.
  • Participate in TikTok challenges together to boost engagement.
  • Engage in duet battles with creators to encourage viewers to send gifts to “support” their favorite streamer.

Common Issues & Solutions with TikTok Coins

Like any online platform, TikTok Coins can sometimes come with technical issues. Here’s how to solve the most common problems:

1. Coins Not Showing Up After Purchase – How to Resolve It

Check your TikTok balance – Sometimes, Coins take a few minutes to reflect.
Ensure your payment went through – Look for a confirmation email or check your bank statement.
Restart the app – Log out and back in or clear your cache.
Contact TikTok Support – If Coins still don’t show up, go to TikTok’s Help Center and submit a ticket.

2. Gifts Not Converting into Diamonds – Understanding TikTok’s System

Wait for processingTikTok may take a few hours to convert gifts into Diamonds.
Check TikTok’s payout policies – Some gifts have specific processing times.
Ensure you meet TikTok’s requirements – Diamonds may not convert appropriately if your account violates policies.

3. Withdrawal Problems – Common Payout Issues and How to Fix Them

Meet the minimum withdrawal amount – TikTok requires at least $50 worth of Diamonds before you can cash out.
Ensure your PayPal or bank details are correct – Incorrect info can cause payout delays.
Check for processing times – Payouts can take up to 15 business days.
Verify account standing – Any violations of TikTok’s monetization policies may delay withdrawals.

Final Thoughts: Is TikTok Coin Monetization Worth It?

TikTok Coins can be a great way for creators to earn money, but is it the best option? Let’s weigh the pros and cons.

Pros of TikTok Coin Monetization

Direct fan support – Viewers can instantly contribute to creators.
Higher earnings for live streamers – Creators with engaged live audiences can earn significant income.
Encourages real-time interaction – Gifts make live streaming more fun and interactive.

Cons of TikTok Coin Monetization

TikTok’s high commission cut – Creators only receive around 50% of the money spent on gifts.
Limited to live streaming – Earnings will be low if you’re not streaming often.
Payout delays & thresholds – Creators must accumulate at least $50 worth of Diamonds to withdraw.

Alternative Monetization Methods for Creators

If TikTok Coins aren’t your preferred method, consider these:

  • TikTok Creator Fund – Earn money from video views.
  • Brand Sponsorships – Partner with brands for sponsored content.
  • Affiliate Marketing – Promote products and earn commissions.
  • Selling Merchandise – TikTok is used to market personal products.

Future Predictions for TikTok Coins & Creator Earnings

  • More monetization options – TikTok may introduce better revenue-sharing models for creators.
  • Lower commission fees? – If creators push back, TikTok may reduce its commission cut.
  • Increased competition from other platforms – YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels offer better monetization, which may influence TikTok to improve its creator payouts.

FAQs

1. How much is 1,000 TikTok Coins worth?

1,000 TikTok Coins typically cost around 10 USD, but prices vary by country.

2. How do I get free TikTok Coins?

TikTok does not officially offer free Coins, but you can:

  • Participate in TikTok’s promotional events.
  • Earn Diamonds from gifts and cash them out.
  • Avoid scams – Any “free Coin generator” is likely fake.

3. How much do creators earn per gift?

Creators receive 50% or less of the Coins’ value in Diamonds, and TikTok takes a cut before payouts.

4. Can I refund TikTok Coins?

  • TikTok does not allow refunds on Coins once they are spent on gifts.
  • If you accidentally purchased Coins, you can request a refund through the App Store or Google Play Store.

5. What happens if I send a gift by mistake?

  • TikTok does not allow gift refunds after sending.
  • You can message the creator and ask them to return the favor, but it’s not guaranteed.

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