TikTok announced a new program that allows viewers to pay to subscribe to the live broadcasters they want to support. Dubbed “TikTok LIVE,” fans buy into the program and enjoy perks like subscriber-only chat, creator-only emotes, and badges that differentiate them from non-subscribers.
According to an announcement video posted on the TikTok Live Creator page, it will launch in beta on May 26.
Earlier this month, TikTok also announced that it would start sharing a portion of ad revenue with eligible creators. Streamers participating in the Creators Program can also receive “gifts,” or tips from viewers. This comes in the form of in-app currency that can be exchanged for real money.
With the TikTok LIVE subscription service, anchors have added new revenue channels. However, at present, TikTok is yet to reveal whether it will take a cut.
According to TechCrunch, the price of a TikTok Live subscription will be “comparable” to Twitch’s subscription service. The latter’s subscription plan starts at $4.99 per month (up to $24.99 per month).
The TikTok announcement also reveals that one must be 18 years old or older to offer or purchase a paid subscription. Furthermore, creators can only offer subscriptions if they have at least 1,000 followers. The company also claims that the program is currently only inviting select users to participate.