TikTok has changed from a platform for brief, short video content into a varied and new economy where creators and consumers can connect and relate with each other in a new way.
Nestled in the ecosystem that makes up TikTok’s economy is a gifting system that allows fans of their favorite creators, especially when they are conducting TikTok live broadcasts, to show their support for those creators through virtual gifts that are made available to consumers. Of the many gifts made available to users, one of the more fun gifts is the Galaxy which is very valuable to TikTok and appealing to users.
For those who might actively and regularly participate on TikTok, it is helpful to know or consider how much a Galaxy gift is worth before gifting or receiving a gift on the platform. But if you ask the question, how much is a Galaxy gift or why does it matter to creators? The following article will cover the value of a Galaxy gift, the function of a Galaxy gift, and ultimately what it means to the economy of TikTok.
Understanding TikTok’s Virtual Gifts
TikTok’s virtual gifts are essentially digital tokens that can be purchased with coins that users buy with real money. They are sent to users during live streams, giving fans a reversal of control on their creator support. Each gift has a value in coins ranging from low-cost gifts, such as Roses, to more substantial gifts like the Lion or Universe. This system strengthens the engagement of the audience while adding benefits to the creators for their work. The gifts have hydra of intrinsic value in addition to their exchanges becoming real money value once converted to diamonds, the TikTok internal creator currency. For users, the gifts are a fun and interactive way to show their appreciation to creators, the gifts are also beneficial, as they are a way for fans to say they ‘see you’ and show creators support and validation. The Galaxy stands out because it is an affordable gift for many fans, while providing meaningful compensation for creators, so it is a good middle-ground option among all the different TikTok gifts in the virtual hierarchy.
How Many Followers Do You Need to Make Money on TikTok: A Creators’ Guide
How Galaxy Gifts Work on TikTok
In order to receive gifts from Galaxy, creators must first meet TikTok’s policy for live streaming, which is to have a minimum of 1,000 followers. After going live, creators can engage with their audience, and fans can send gifts such as the Galaxy to show support. Each gift is displayed on the screen immediately and prompts interaction in real time. After the conclusion of the live, TikTok will change all gifts into diamonds. Creators can withdraw these diamonds for cash; however, creators only earn back half their coins spent from their live audience. This conversion is indicative of the TikTok profit-sharing, where more profits are retained by TikTok. Regardless, Galaxy gifts are perceived as a positive addition to the creator, and encourage daily income for creators whose live stream is engaging and active for their audience.
The Monetary Value of a Galaxy Gift
To purchase a Galaxy with an in-app purchase, it will cost you 1,000 coins, which roughly costs $13-$15 in real money. However, creators will only earn about $7 due to TikTok’s 50% commission cut. Thus, a Galaxy falls between the high-end of gifting (like the Universe, which costs over $500), and the low-end of gifting (which are generally only a few cents in worth). For viewers, sending a Galaxy can be seen as a more significant appreciation than lower-end gifts, without the price-tag of the platform’s high-end gifts. For creators, every Galaxy counts as both a sign of fan appreciation, as well as a modest payment. The affordability and income balance explain why the Galaxy is a consistently utilized gift in the live-streaming space.
How Much Does TikTok Pay For 1 Million Views?
Comparing Galaxy Gifts to Other TikTok Gifts
TikTok features more than 200 different virtual gifts, which can range in value from one coin, to tens of thousands of coins. The Galaxy is a mid-tier gift that has significant value compared to other gifts like roses that are worth less than a penny to the value of gifts, like the Lion or Universe, which can cost hundreds of dollars and provide huge earnings but far fewer viewers can ever afford to send. The Galaxy sits perfectly in between both of those gifts. It is relatively inexpensive enough for many fans to send multiple times, yet still has enough value to provide creators with substantial income. This makes the Galaxy one of the most viable and popular gifts in TikTok’s live-streaming ecosystem.
Creator Earnings From Galaxy Gifts
For content creators, the value of a Galaxy comes from the user engagement and loyalty the Galaxy may help achieve and not just the total earned money. Each Galaxy gift is converted to diamonds and can be redeemed by the creator once they have met TikTok’s minimum payout of $50. Thus, while it may not seem like a lot at $7 for a Galaxy, if one creator gets multiple gifts in one live, then it can add-up. Creators often will engage viewers in conversations, play interactive games, or do shoutouts to get fans to send gifts. This engagement drives stronger engagement, can lead to repeat tipping, and is a sustainable income source. A Galaxy will probably not make a creator wealthy immediately, but these gifts are part of the incremental earnings that many TikTok creators rely on.
Payout Methods and Thresholds
After accumulating enough diamonds from Galaxy and other gifts, creators can cash out their profits. TikTok provides various payout options, such as PayPal and bank transfers, based on the creator’s location. Creators cannot cash out until they reach the $50 minimum threshold. Payments typically take 3 – 7 business days to process. This system guarantees that creators are consistently paid, but TikTok still has significant control over the distribution process. In spite of the high commission that TikTok receives, the ease of cashing out makes Galaxy gifts a secure income for many creators, especially streamers who are on their streams consistently and have an engaged audience.
Image Credit: source
FAQs
Q1: What is the monetary value of a Galaxy on TikTok?
The Galaxy is worth 1,000 coins, which translates to around $13-$15. After TikTok takes its share, the creator earns approximately $7 off every Galaxy.
Q2: Can creators withdraw a cash value for Galaxy gifts?
Yes, Galaxy gifts turn into diamonds, which can then be cashed out through PayPal, or to a bank account when the creator’s balance is $50 or over.
Q3: Do variations of the Galaxy gift value exist from one country to another?
Yes. Due to TikTok coins being purchased with real money, the actual value of the Galaxy gift may fluctuate based on the currency and conversion rate.
Q4: Is a Galaxy gift more valuable than other gifts?
The Galaxy is a mid-level gift. A Galaxy is more valuable to a creator than low-tier gifts like the Rose but less valuable than the highest-tier gifts like the Universe or Lion.
Q5: Do Galaxy gifts help a creator to grow?
Galaxy gifts led to engagements during a live event for a creator, helping build the connection between the creator and fans. This engagement increases the activity around the live event and likely leads to more visibility for the content being produced.
What Does Nudge Mean on TikTok? New Feature Explained
Conclusion
TikTok’s virtual gifting system has transformed interaction between creators and their audience while creating a marriage between entertainment and monetization. Among the gifts available, the Galaxy is one of the most popular and, in terms of price and value, one of the more fair gifts. The Galaxy costs 1,000 coins, or roughly $13 or $15 in U.S. dollars, and is a reasonable way for fans to support the creators they know or love while ensuring that creators will make reasonable revenue from it as well.
After TikTok takes the 50% commission on the gift price from fans, creators receive roughly $7 per Galaxy – making it a decent, reliable gift choice. While the Galaxy will never match gifts like the Universe, the Galaxy is still an essential gift on TikTok that helps creators make revenue while providing fans a way to engage with creators they love. On TikTok’s side, the Galaxy increases the value of its virtual economy; on the creator’s side, the Galaxy provides a measurable payout and signals a loyal fan giving fans a pathway to support their favorite creators in a tangible way.
Ultimately, the Galaxy gift is, for creators and fans alike, more than just an animation to see in the chat; the Galaxy is a testament of appreciation, connection, and realization of TikTok’s growing potential as a creator’s platform on a global scale.