Social Media Guide
Dec 23, 2025
What Are TikTok Coins?
A complete breakdown of TikTok Coins in 2026, including how they work, how to buy them, and how creators earn real money from virtual gifts.
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What TikTok Coins Are
TikTok Coins are a virtual currency used within the TikTok app to support creators during live streams. Users purchase coins with real money and then spend them on virtual gifts that appear on-screen during live broadcasts.
These gifts convert into Diamonds, which creators can later exchange for real-world payouts. Coins themselves hold no value outside TikTok and cannot be transferred between users.
How TikTok Coins Work
Once coins are purchased, they can be used to send virtual gifts during live streams. Each gift has a set coin value, and TikTok keeps a percentage before the remaining balance is credited to the creator as Diamonds.
The more engagement a creator generates, the more likely viewers are to send gifts. TikTok’s system rewards real-time interaction, making live engagement one of the strongest monetization tools on the platform.
For an overview of how gifting works, TikTok explains this process in its official Creator Rewards documentation.
How to Buy TikTok Coins
To buy TikTok Coins, users go through the app or TikTok’s web platform. Prices can vary slightly depending on location and device due to platform fees.
Most users purchase coins by opening their profile, tapping Balance, and selecting a coin package. Payments can be made using credit cards, app store balances, or other supported methods.
Buying coins through the web version of TikTok can sometimes cost less, as it avoids mobile app store fees.
What TikTok Coins Are Used For
TikTok Coins are primarily used to send gifts during live streams. These gifts act as digital tips and help creators earn income directly from their audience.
Popular uses include supporting favorite creators, standing out during live sessions, or participating in live challenges. While gifts are fun and interactive, they are not refundable and do not carry real-world value outside the platform.
How TikTok Coins Compare to Other Monetization Options
Compared to affiliate marketing or brand deals, TikTok Coins offer a more immediate but smaller payout. Creators often treat coins as a bonus rather than a primary income source.
While coins provide instant engagement, methods like sponsorships or digital products usually generate higher long-term revenue. Many successful creators combine multiple monetization streams rather than relying on a single source.
Are TikTok Coins Worth It?
Whether TikTok Coins are “worth it” depends on your goals. For viewers, they’re a way to support creators and participate in live streams. For creators, they can provide a steady but variable income stream.
Coins work best as part of a broader monetization strategy rather than as a sole source of income.
FAQ
What are TikTok Coins used for?
TikTok Coins are used to purchase virtual gifts during live streams, which can be converted into Diamonds by creators.
Can TikTok Coins be converted back to cash?
Creators can convert Diamonds earned from gifts into cash, but viewers cannot convert coins back into money.
Are TikTok Coins refundable?
No, all coin purchases are final and non-refundable.
Do TikTok Coins expire?
Coins do not expire but remain tied to the account that purchased them.
