TikTok has completely changed the way people interact online, especially with live streaming and virtual gifts. One of the most popular gifts users send during live streams is the Galaxy, a flashy animation that costs real money. But how much is a TikTok Galaxy actually worth? And how much do creators really earn from it?
As of 2025, TikTok has 1.5 billion monthly active users, making it one of the biggest social media platforms in the world. The app generated $23 billion in revenue in 2024, with a significant portion coming from in-app purchases like virtual gifts. TikTok’s virtual economy is booming, with millions of users buying and sending gifts every day. But here’s the catch TikTok takes a huge cut from every gift sent, leaving creators with only a fraction of the actual value.
Table of Contents
What Is a TikTok Galaxy?
If you’ve spent any time on TikTok Live, you’ve probably seen people sending Galaxies and wondered what the hype is all about. TikTok has a whole system of virtual gifts that users can send to creators during live streams – check our guide how to live stream on Tiktok, and the Galaxy is one of the most popular ones. It’s a flashy, animated gift that appears on the screen when sent, making it a big deal for both the sender and the creator receiving it.
TikTok gifts work like digital tips. Instead of just liking a video or commenting, users can buy and send gifts to show appreciation. These gifts range from small, inexpensive ones like roses (1 coin) to high-value ones like the Galaxy (1,000 coins). When someone sends a Galaxy, it creates a cool animation that grabs attention, making it a favorite among viewers who want to stand out.
Creators love receiving Galaxies because they signal strong support from their audience. However, TikTok takes a big cut from every gift, meaning creators don’t get the full value. Even though a Galaxy costs around $16 USD, the creator only earns about $2.50 USD from it. Despite this, Galaxies remain one of the most sought-after gifts on TikTok Live.
How Much Does a TikTok Galaxy Cost?
If you’ve ever watched a TikTok Live, you’ve probably seen people sending Galaxies, but how much do they actually cost? A TikTok Galaxy is priced at 1,000 coins, which translates to about $16 USD. However, the price of TikTok coins fluctuates depending on how many you buy at once. For example, purchasing a larger coin package might give you a slight discount per coin, while smaller purchases can be more expensive.
But here’s the kicker creators don’t get the full amount. TikTok takes a big cut from every gift sent. When someone sends a Galaxy, the creator only receives about 500 diamonds, which converts to roughly $2.50 USD. That means TikTok keeps the majority of the money spent on gifts, making it a lucrative business model for the platform.
Despite this, Galaxies remain one of the most popular gifts on TikTok Live. Viewers love sending them because they create eye-catching animations, and creators appreciate them as a sign of support. However, if you’re looking to financially support a creator, direct donations or brand collaborations might be a better option than relying on TikTok gifts.
How Do TikTok Gifts Work?
TikTok gifts are a huge part of the platform’s live-streaming experience, allowing users to support their favorite creators in a fun and interactive way. These gifts are purchased using TikTok coins, which users buy with real money. The price of coins varies depending on how many you buy at once larger purchases often come with discounts, while smaller ones can be more expensive per coin.
Once you have coins, you can use them to send gifts during live streams. The more expensive the gift, the bigger and flashier the animation that appears on the screen. For example, a rose (1 coin) is a simple animation, while a Galaxy (1,000 coins) creates a stunning visual effect that grabs attention. Some gifts even trigger special reactions from creators, making them a popular way to engage.
Creators receive diamonds in exchange for gifts, which they can later convert into real money. However, TikTok takes a significant cut, meaning creators only get a fraction of the actual value. Despite this, gifts remain a major part of TikTok’s economy, with millions of users sending them daily to show appreciation and gain recognition in live streams.
Why Do People Send Galaxies?
People send TikTok Galaxies for all sorts of reasons, and it’s not just about generosity. Some users genuinely want to support their favorite creators, while others see it as a way to flex and grab attention. When you send a Galaxy, your name gets highlighted in the chat, and the creator usually gives you a shoutout—sometimes even interacting with you directly. It’s a way to stand out in a crowded live stream and maybe even get a moment of recognition.
For some, sending gifts is a status symbol. TikTok Live has a competitive culture where viewers try to outdo each other by sending bigger and better gifts. Some users even engage in gift battles, where they compete to send the most expensive gifts to their favorite creators. This can lead to intense moments where multiple people send Galaxies back-to-back, creating a spectacle.
Others send Galaxies as part of challenges or dares. Some creators set up fun games where they promise to do something wild if they receive a certain number of gifts. This turns gifting into an interactive experience, making it more exciting for both the sender and the audience. Whatever the reason, Galaxies remain one of the most popular gifts on TikTok Live.
How Much Do Creators Actually Earn?
TikTok creators don’t get the full value of the gifts they receive. While gifts like the Galaxy cost $16 USD, creators only receive a fraction of that amount. TikTok takes a huge cut, leaving creators with about $2.50 USD per Galaxy. That means TikTok keeps the majority of the money spent on gifts, making it a highly profitable system for the platform.
Beyond gifts, creators can earn through TikTok’s Creator Fund, brand deals, and sponsorships. In 2025, TikTok influencers earn anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000 per year on average, but top creators can make six figures per sponsored post. The Creator Rewards Program pays $0.40–$1.00 per 1,000 views, a significant improvement from the old Creator Fund. However, most creators rely on brand partnerships rather than TikTok’s built-in monetization.
While gifts can add up, they’re not a goldmine. Many creators see them as a bonus rather than a primary income source. If you’re looking to support a creator, direct donations or buying their merch might be a better way to help them financially. TikTok’s system favors engagement, but it doesn’t always translate to big earnings for creators.
Are TikTok Gifts Worth It?
This really depends on who you ask. If you’re a viewer, sending TikTok gifts can be a fun way to engage with creators, but it’s not the most cost-effective way to support them. Since TikTok takes a huge cut, only a small portion of the money spent on gifts actually reaches the creator. For example, if you send a Galaxy worth $16, the creator only gets about $2.50. That means most of your money goes to TikTok rather than directly benefiting the person you’re supporting.
For creators, gifts can be a nice bonus, but they’re not a reliable income source. Many influencers rely on brand deals, sponsorships, and merchandise sales to make a living. While gifts can add up, they’re not a goldmine, and creators often encourage fans to support them in other ways, like subscribing to their content or purchasing their products.
Some users send gifts just for fun or recognition. When you send a big gift like a Galaxy, your name gets highlighted, and the creator might give you a shoutout. This makes gifting more about engagement than financial support. Ultimately, if you want to truly support a creator, direct donations or buying their merch might be a better option.
Other Popular TikTok Gifts
Galaxies aren’t the only gifts people send on TikTok Live. There’s a huge variety of virtual gifts, ranging from tiny, inexpensive ones to extravagant, high-value ones. Some gifts are seasonal, appearing only during special events or holidays, while others are permanent and available year-round.
At the lower end, you have gifts like roses (1 coin), which are simple but still appreciated by creators. Then there are mid-tier gifts like golden stars (300 coins) and fireworks (700 coins), which create bigger animations and get more attention. But if you really want to make a splash, there are high-end gifts like the TikTok Universe (34,999 coins), one of the most expensive gifts available.
TikTok frequently updates its gift catalog, adding limited-time gifts based on trends or collaborations. For example, in 2025, TikTok introduced neon hearts and cosmic waves, which became instant favorites. Some gifts even come with special effects, like sound or interactive animations, making them even more exciting to send.
Whether you’re sending a small token of appreciation or going all out with a massive gift, TikTok’s gifting system is designed to keep live streams engaging and interactive. It’s all about standing out and showing support in a fun way.
How to Buy and Send a Galaxy
Buying and sending a TikTok Galaxy is pretty simple, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you need TikTok coins, which are the platform’s virtual currency used to purchase gifts. You can buy coins directly in the TikTok app, and the price varies depending on how many you purchase at once. Larger coin bundles often come with slight discounts, while smaller purchases may cost more per coin.
Once you have coins, head to a TikTok Live stream. You’ll see a gift icon at the bottom of the screen—tap it to open the gift menu. Scroll through the available gifts until you find the Galaxy, which costs 1,000 coins (about $16 USD). Tap the Galaxy, confirm your purchase, and send it. The animation will pop up on the screen, making a big visual impact, and the creator will likely acknowledge you with a shoutout or reaction.
Keep in mind that once you send a gift, it can’t be refunded. Also, while the Galaxy costs $16, the creator only receives about $2.50 USD after TikTok takes its cut. If you’re looking to support a creator financially, direct donations or buying their merch might be a better option. But if you want to stand out in a live stream, sending a Galaxy is a fun way to do it!
Conclusion
The Galaxy gift on TikTok is a significant token of appreciation that carries both monetary value and social prestige. Understanding its cost, how it works, and its impact on creators can enhance your experience on the platform, whether you’re a viewer or a creator. If you’re considering sending a Galaxy gift, it’s essential to be aware of its cost and the implications for both you and the recipient.
FAQ:
How much is a Galaxy gift worth in real money?
The Galaxy gift costs approximately 1,000 TikTok Coins, which equates to about $10 to $15 USD, depending on the region and the package purchased.
How do creators earn money from gifts?
Creators convert the gifts they receive into Diamonds, which can then be exchanged for real money. However, TikTok takes a commission from the total value of the gifts.
Can I send a Galaxy gift from any country?
Yes, you can send a Galaxy gift from any country, but the cost in real money may vary depending on the region and exchange rates for TikTok Coins.
Are there any restrictions on sending high-value gifts?
While there are no specific restrictions, sending high-value gifts requires a sufficient balance of TikTok Coins, which can be purchased through the app.
Do creators know who sent them a Galaxy gift?
Yes, creators can see the usernames of viewers who send them gifts during live streams.
Can I send multiple Galaxy gifts to a creator?
Yes, you can send multiple Galaxy gifts, provided you have enough TikTok Coins.
How can I purchase TikTok Coins?
TikTok Coins can be purchased through the app using real money. Navigate to your profile, tap on the three dots to access settings, and select “Balance” to purchase Coins.
Is there a limit to how many gifts I can send?
There is no specific limit, but sending high-value gifts requires a substantial balance of TikTok Coins.
Can I refund a gift after sending it?
TikTok’s policy typically does not allow refunds for gifts once they have been sent.
How does sending a Galaxy gift affect the creator?
Sending a Galaxy gift provides financial support to the creator and serves as a form of recognition, boosting their morale and encouraging continued content creation.
