Recently, TikTok users have been circulating misinformation regarding the platform’s streaks feature, falsely claiming that they can earn money through it. TikTok has debunked these claims, stating unequivocally to Forbes, “There is no way to be paid for using Streaks on TikTok.”
Despite TikTok’s clarification, videos suggesting substantial earnings from TikTok streaks have gained significant attention, some racking up hundreds of thousands of views. This trend has sparked a wave of curiosity among users, prompting inquiries into how to supposedly monetize streaks. In response, comment sections have become flooded with links to suspicious websites promising monetary rewards, leading TikTok to advise creators to filter out potentially fraudulent comments.
The streaks feature, which TikTok began rolling out in June, bears similarities to Snapchat’s Snapstreaks. It tracks the number of consecutive days users exchange direct messages on the app. A fire icon badge accompanies the streak count, indicating its duration. Streaks reset if no messages are exchanged within 24 hours.
TikTok provides optional notifications for users nearing the end of a streak or when a streak begins. These notifications can be managed through the app’s settings under Profile > Settings and privacy > Notifications > Streaks > In-app notifications.
This isn’t the first instance of TikTok adopting features reminiscent of competitors. Earlier introductions include a longer video format akin to YouTube’s, and stories akin to Instagram and Snapchat, launched in 2022. TikTok’s upcoming features, such as the rumored TikTok Notes app for photo sharing, indicate ongoing efforts to compete across social media platforms.
Amidst its feature expansions, TikTok faces ongoing scrutiny, including legislative attempts to restrict its use on government devices. These challenges highlight the platform’s commitment to combating misinformation and maintaining user trust amidst evolving social media trends.