A new viral trend is sweeping TikTok, and it's not your typical dance or comedy routine. Creators on the platform are now acting like non-playable video game characters, or NPCs, in what is being called "NPC streaming." These mesmerizing live streams feature creators repeating pre-programmed catchphrases and actions, responding to virtual gifts from their viewers in real-time. While it may seem strange, this trend is proving to be incredibly profitable for some content creators.
One of the most recognizable faces of the NPC streaming trend is PinkyDoll, a content creator based in Montreal. Her videos, where she cheerfully strings together phrases like "Mmm, ice cream so good" and "Yes, yes, yes," have gone viral, attracting thousands of viewers who shower her with digital gifts. These gifts, which range from half a cent to a few dollars, are worth much more when combined with a large audience. PinkyDoll revealed that in a full day of NPC streaming, she has earned over $7 000.
The process of earning money through these live streams involves viewers buying virtual coins with real money. These coins are then used to acquire gift tokens like cartoon roses and pandas, which are sent to the creators during their live streams. The creators can then convert these tokens into virtual diamonds and, eventually, cash them out. However, TikTok takes 50% of the net revenue generated by cashing out virtual gifts.
PinkyDoll's catchphrases are directly tied to the virtual gifts she receives during her streams. For instance, when she receives a virtual ice cream cone gift token, she exclaims, "Mmm ice cream so good." Her interactions with viewers have resulted in a massive increase in her viewership, with some live streams now attracting upwards of 30 000 live viewers.
While the NPC streaming trend is entertaining, it also holds deeper meanings. Researchers and streamers see it as a convergence between erotic work and gaming in online culture, reflecting our current anxieties over technology. Despite this, creators like PinkyDoll have embraced the trend and turned it into a profitable business.
In a recent interview with The New York Times, PinkyDoll disclosed that she is making around $7 000 a day from a combination of her TikTok streams, OnlyFans, and Instagram. Her TikTok streams alone bring in $2 000 to $3 000 per day. Other creators, like Nerdywinter, have also reported substantial earnings from trying the NPC trend, making $700 in just three hours of streaming.
Despite facing criticism for her content, PinkyDoll remains unfazed, stating, "I don't really care what people say about me. If they want to think I am this or that, it's fine with me. At the end of the day, I'm winning." The trend has also attracted other streamers like iShowSpeed and ExtraEmily, who have jumped on the NPC bandwagon to explore this unique and profitable form of content creation.
As the TikTok NPC trend continues to grow, it's clear that these virtual characters are more than just video game references; they're becoming a new and innovative way for creators to engage with their audiences and make a substantial income.
Kai Cenat Reveals insane Earnings from NPC TikTok Livestream in Only One Hour
The NPC TikTok livestream trend continues to make waves in the content world, with creators like Kai Cenat and IShowSpeed joining in and reaping significant financial rewards.
Kai Cenat, a well-known Twitch star, decided to test the NPC trend on TikTok Live for one hour, and the results were nothing short of astonishing. During the stream, he proudly displayed his earnings on-screen, revealing that he had made an impressive $6 000.
Although the exact amount shown was slightly under $6 000 at $5 372.45, it's still an extraordinary sum for just an hour's work.
The NPC trend, which involves creators acting like non-playable video game characters in response to virtual gifts from viewers, has caught on like wildfire, turning creators into viral sensations. Despite its seemingly absurd nature, the trend has proven to be a goldmine for many streamers.
IShowSpeed also Joined the NPC Livestream Bandwagon
IShowSpeed, another streamer and content creator, also hopped on the NPC bandwagon and went live on TikTok. Like Kai Cenat, IshowSpeed acted like an NPC while pretending to walk on a spot, reacting to the donations given by the fans.
The fans were also loving the streamer doing the viral trend and sent a lot of paid stickers on his TikTok live. While the exact amount of IShowSpeed's earnings remains undisclosed, it's reported to be between an impressive $25 000 to $30 000.
Our Verdict
The NPC challenge involves viewers sending paid stickers to the performer, who then reacts with pre-defined responses, creating an NPC-like experience. Despite its simplicity, the trend has captured the attention of audiences, and the revenue stream it generates for creators is undeniably substantial.
Pinkydoll, the 19-year-old TikToker who started the NPC trend, has set off a chain reaction, with other streamers like Kai Cenat and IShowSpeed finding immense success and profitability through their participation.
As the NPC trend reaches a fever pitch, content creators continue to embrace it to engage their fans and capitalize on the surprising financial opportunities it presents. The question remains: will the NPC trend stand the test of time, or will it fade away as quickly as it appeared? Only time will tell, but for now, it seems to be a trend worth exploring for streamers looking to make a substantial income from their content.
