The TikTok Al (Artificial Intelligence) Live trend has gained immense popularity, attracting both influencers and content creators. In this trend, individuals pretend to be Al systems, adopting a monotone voice and mimicking Al behavior during their live streams. Viewers have the option to send virtual gifts such as roses, chocolates, or even a lion, which are converted into coins. These coins can then be exchanged for cash.
How does one purchase virtual gifts to send to content creators? They simply need to tap the gift icon and then select "recharge.” Now, the value of the virtual coins is displayed, such as P49 for 65 coins or P249 for 330 coins. To recharge or purchase coins, users need to connect their debit and credit card, or Gcash to their TikTok account.
These coins can be used to purchase a variety of virtual gifts, such as roses and chocolates for 1 coin each, corgis for 299 coins, lions for 29,999 coins, to name a few. Each virtual gift received by content creators is converted into diamonds. These diamonds can then be exchanged for monetary compensation, usually in US dollars.
For content creators to request for cash withdrawal, they should have a withdrawal method that is supported in their country and provide the platform with accurate and complete information
Adrian Navarro, 18 years old from Antipolo, also known as "Taypeng," is one of those creators who are currently successful in adapting to this trend, not only for entertainment purposes but also to support his family. Once he goes live, viewers will send him virtual gifts such as a cute corgi. He then acted like a dog, even barking—wherever he may be, be it while having his meal at a fast food chain or on his way to buy an MRT ticket.
When asked how he started, Adrian told Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, "During the pandemic, I began creating videos since going outside wasn't an option. Some of my videos went viral, while some didn't.”
“I started doing AI Live or NPC (Non-Player Character) in August of this year, but I had second thoughts if I could really make money from this, but I did, and I gave my first earnings to my mom,” he says in Filipino.
Taypeng also mentioned that, through his hard work, he is now earning six digits a month. "I wasn’t going viral then, but we were able to withdraw money in less than a month. Now, I am earning six digits already,” he reveals.
He shared that he used the money to renovate their house and set up a sari-sari store for his single mother. "Para tulungan ang aking nanay dahil wala na kaming tatay. Tuwang-tuwa ang mama ko dahil natulungan ko na s'ya sa mga gastusin sa bahay at pinahinto ko na din siya sa pagtatrabaho, at mag-focus na lang sa aming sari-sari store. (So I could help my mom, since we lost our father already. She’s so happy that I could help in supporting the household finances. I also asked her to stop working and focus on our sari-sari store)." he continues. “Pinaayos ko na rin ang aming kwarto, at 'yung ibang kita ko po ay para sa pag-aaral ko (I also had our room renovated. I’ve also set aside money for my studies)."
Taypeng admitted that he would receive hateful comments during his live stream. "Marami akong nakikita na pangit na comments gaya ng, 'sira na ang ulo mo,' 'nakakahiya ang ginagawa mo,' at marami pang ibang masasakit na salita (I would receive negative comments about what I do, such as ‘you’re crazy,’ ‘what you do is embarrassing,’ and many more hurtful words).”
Despite receiving criticisms, Taypeng continues to entertain his viewers, hoping that it would help his family financially. "For me, it’s a platform for people like me who can showcase their talent and make people happy. And I will continue doing this to help provide for my family."