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How to go live on TikTok and value of gifts you get in Kenyan shillings
06th August, 2026 12:27 AM
TikTok has grown far beyond funny videos and dance trends. Today, it is a platform where thousands of creators make money by sharing their talents, chatting with followers and building communities through livestreams. Whether someone is teaching people how to cook, reviewing gadgets, selling clothes or simply cracking jokes, TikTok LIVE has become a powerful way to connect with audiences in real time.
One of the biggest attractions of going live is receiving virtual gifts from viewers. These gifts look like colourful animations on the screen, but behind every rose, galaxy or lion is real money. While TikTok keeps a share of the value before paying creators, livestream gifts can still become a reliable source of income for people who consistently create engaging content.
If you have been thinking about pressing that LIVE button, here is what you need to know.
1. Make sure your account qualifies for TikTok LIVE
Before you can start livestreaming, your account must meet TikTok’s eligibility requirements. In most cases, you need at least 1,000 followers, your account should be at least 30 days old, and you must be 18 years or older to host a LIVE and receive gifts.
If you meet these requirements, going live is straightforward. Open the TikTok app, tap the plus (+) button at the bottom of the screen and swipe until you reach the LIVE option. Add an interesting title that tells viewers what they can expect, choose any filters or effects you want, then tap Go LIVE.
The technical part only takes a few seconds. The real challenge is keeping viewers entertained once they join. The internet moves fast, and people can scroll away just as quickly as they arrived. A little energy, personality and confidence go a long way.
2. Understand how TikTok gifts actually work
TikTok gifts are virtual items that viewers purchase using TikTok Coins. During your livestream, anyone watching can choose to send you a gift as a way of saying thank you for your content.
These gifts are then converted into Diamonds in your creator account. Diamonds are what TikTok uses to calculate your earnings. Once you reach the minimum withdrawal amount, you can cash out your earnings through the payment methods available in your country.
It is important to remember that creators do not receive the full amount viewers spend. TikTok deducts its commission before paying creators, meaning your earnings are lower than the original value of the gift.
That is why experienced creators focus on building loyal audiences instead of chasing expensive gifts. A room filled with regular viewers often earns more over time than one lucky gift from a stranger.
3. Here is what popular TikTok gifts are worth
The prices of gifts can change from time to time because TikTok updates its virtual currency system and exchange rates vary. However, these are rough estimates of what viewers spend in Kenyan shillings when sending some of the most popular gifts.
- Rose – about Ksh1
- Finger Heart – approximately Ksh5
- Doughnut – around Ksh33
- Hand Hearts – about KSh110
- Perfume – roughly Ksh330
- Galaxy – around Ksh1,100
- Drama Queen – about Ksh5,500
- Rocket – approximately Ksh22,000
- Lion – about Kshh54,000
- Universe – roughly Ksh38,000
Keep in mind that these figures represent the amount spent by viewers. After TikTok deducts its share, creators usually receive only part of that value.
It might not sound exciting to receive a single Rose, but many successful creators have built their earnings from hundreds or even thousands of small gifts over time.
4. Create livestreams that people actually want to watch
The secret to receiving more gifts is surprisingly simple. Give people a reason to stay.
The most successful TikTok LIVE creators are always doing something interesting. They answer questions, share useful tips, tell stories, cook recipes, perform music, play games or review products. Their streams feel like conversations instead of one-sided broadcasts.
Make viewers feel welcome by greeting them when they join, responding to comments and thanking everyone who sends a gift, no matter how small it is. People appreciate being noticed, and that simple interaction often encourages them to return for future livestreams.
Consistency also matters. If followers know you go live every evening after work or every Saturday afternoon, they are more likely to make your stream part of their routine.
5. Think beyond gifts and build a community
While gifts can generate income, they should not be your only goal. Some of the biggest creators use TikTok LIVE to grow businesses, market products, secure brand partnerships and strengthen relationships with their followers.
A loyal audience is worth far more than one expensive gift. Viewers who trust you are more likely to return, recommend your livestream to friends and support your work in different ways.
Remember that likes, comments and shares also help your livestream reach more people. The more people who discover your content, the greater your chances of attracting supporters who enjoy what you do.
