TikTok isn’t just about short videos anymore—it’s a full-blown live entertainment platform where creators earn real money through virtual gifts. One of the most popular and eye-catching gifts you can send during a TikTok Live is the Galaxy. But what does it actually cost? And how much does the creator receive from it?
Let’s explore everything you need to know about the Galaxy gift on TikTok—from its price and meaning to how TikTok’s coin and diamond systems really work.
Understanding TikTok’s Virtual Gift System
Before we talk about the Galaxy, it’s important to understand how TikTok’s virtual gift economy operates.
TikTok runs on a coin-based system. Users buy TikTok Coins using real money, and then use those coins to send gifts during live streams. Each gift has its own coin value, from as little as 1 coin (for a Rose) to thousands of coins for premium gifts like the Galaxy or Universe.
When a creator receives a gift, TikTok converts those coins into Diamonds—which can later be cashed out for real money.
So, there’s a three-step process happening behind the scenes:
- You buy coins with real money.
- You use those coins to send gifts.
- The creator receives diamonds that can be withdrawn as real cash.
This setup sounds simple, but there are layers to how much money actually reaches the creator’s pocket.
What Exactly Is the Galaxy Gift?
The Galaxy is a mid-to-high tier gift on TikTok that’s famous for its dazzling animation. When you send it during a livestream, a glowing galaxy effect fills the screen—everyone watching can see your username appear with a “sent a Galaxy!” message. It’s visually impressive and instantly grabs attention.
Many viewers send Galaxies to show extra support or to stand out during busy live streams. From experience, I’ve seen how creators often pause what they’re doing just to thank the sender, sometimes even giving a shoutout or special recognition.
These reactions make the Galaxy more than a gift—it becomes a form of social interaction and online status.
Sending one is like saying:
“Hey, I really appreciate your content—and I want everyone else to see that I do too.”
How Much Does a Galaxy Cost in Coins?
According to TikTok’s official coin pricing system, the Galaxy gift costs 1,000 coins.
This coin value doesn’t change often, but what does change is the real money value of those coins depending on where you’re located. TikTok adjusts coin prices by region, taxes, and app store policies.
For example:
- In the United States, 1,000 coins cost around $13 to $15 USD.
- In Pakistan, or some Asian regions, that same 1,000-coin Galaxy might be closer to $10–$12 USD, depending on exchange rates and bundles.
- In Europe, due to taxes, it may go slightly higher, around €14–€16 EUR.
So, while the Galaxy always requires 1,000 coins, what you pay in real money can vary quite a bit depending on where you buy your coins and what bundle you choose.
How Much Does a Galaxy Gift Give to the Creator?
Here’s where things get interesting—and sometimes a bit disappointing for new creators.
Even though you might spend $13–15 to send a Galaxy, the creator doesn’t receive that full amount. TikTok takes a significant portion as a platform fee.
Here’s a typical breakdown:
- TikTok takes around 50% of the value in the coin-to-diamond conversion.
- The remaining amount is converted to diamonds, where 1 diamond ≈ 0.5 coin in value.
- When the creator cashes out, TikTok may apply further small fees or local taxes depending on their country and payout method.
So, after all deductions, a creator might receive roughly $6 to $7.50 USD for a Galaxy gift.
That means:
Viewer pays: around $15
Creator earns: around $7
It’s not a one-to-one exchange—but it’s still a meaningful gift, especially if a creator receives several Galaxies in one live session.
Why Does TikTok Take Such a Big Cut?
Many people are surprised by how much TikTok keeps, but there’s logic behind it.
The 50% cut covers:
- Transaction fees: Payment gateways (like Apple or Google Play) take a percentage when you buy coins.
- Platform operation costs: TikTok maintains servers, content moderation, and live video infrastructure.
- Security and compliance: Ensuring all transactions are verified and users aren’t scammed.
TikTok also designs the system to keep users spending within the platform rather than directly paying creators. It’s part of their business model.
As someone who has worked in digital marketing, I see it as TikTok’s way of balancing creator incentives with its own sustainability. The cut might seem harsh, but it ensures a secure, scalable global system.
Regional Price Differences: Why Location Matters
TikTok’s pricing isn’t the same worldwide. Depending on your country, coin bundles can cost more or less, and that affects the effective value of a Galaxy.
For example:
- In the U.S., 350 coins might cost $4.99 USD.
- In India, the same number might be cheaper due to local pricing adjustments.
- In Europe, VAT (value-added tax) can raise the total cost per coin.
This means that two people sending a Galaxy from different regions might pay different amounts in their local currency, even though both gifts are technically “1,000 coins.”
If you’re a creator with a global audience, it’s useful to know this—viewers from some countries might find it easier to send premium gifts like Galaxies because their local coin prices are lower.
Galaxy vs. Other TikTok Gifts
To understand how “expensive” a Galaxy really is, it helps to compare it to other gifts:
| Gift Name | Coin Value | Approx. USD Value | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rose | 1 coin | $0.01 | Low |
| Perfume | 20 coins | $0.20 | Low |
| Love Balloon | 100 coins | $1.30 | Mid |
| Galaxy | 1,000 coins | $13–15 | High |
| Universe | 34,999 coins | $400–500 | Ultra High |
As you can see, the Galaxy sits near the top of TikTok’s premium gift list, just below massive ones like the Universe or Lion. It’s a major show of support for most creators—sending one is like sending a virtual “super tip.”
From my observation, when someone sends a Galaxy, it almost always sparks excitement in the chat. The animation lights up the screen, the crowd reacts, and the creator usually stops to acknowledge it.
How to Send a Galaxy Gift on TikTok (Step-by-Step)
If you’re new to TikTok Live, here’s how to send a Galaxy gift properly:
- Open a live stream of the creator you want to support.
- Tap the “Gift” icon at the bottom of the screen.
- You’ll see a list of gifts, each with a coin price. Find and select “Galaxy.”
- If you don’t have enough coins, TikTok will prompt you to buy coins.
- Once you have 1,000 coins, tap Send—and watch the animation appear on-screen!
After you send it, your username will appear with the Galaxy animation, and the creator will instantly see who sent it. It’s one of the most visible gifts you can send.
What Happens After the Creator Receives a Galaxy?
When the creator gets your Galaxy, TikTok adds the coin value (converted into diamonds) to their “Balance” in the app.
Creators can later withdraw this money, but only if they meet TikTok’s requirements:
- Must be part of the TikTok Creator Program or TikTok Live Gifts Program.
- Must meet the minimum age (usually 18+).
- Must have a verified payout method, like PayPal or a linked bank account.
TikTok usually allows creators to withdraw once their balance crosses a minimum threshold—often around $100. Payouts can take a few business days.
It’s worth noting that TikTok also applies an additional small service fee during withdrawal, depending on the region.
Why People Send Galaxies: Beyond the Money
Sending a Galaxy isn’t always about giving money—it’s about connection and recognition. Here’s why viewers send them:
- Appreciation: It’s a way to say “thank you” to creators they genuinely enjoy.
- Visibility: A Galaxy gift flashes across the screen, making the sender’s name stand out.
- Status: Some viewers compete to be “top gifters” on a live stream.
- Encouragement: It motivates creators to keep streaming and producing content.
I’ve personally seen small creators light up with joy after receiving their first Galaxy. It’s not just the money—it’s the emotional boost of knowing that someone values their effort.
Tips for Creators Who Want to Receive More Gifts
If you’re a creator trying to attract Galaxy gifts or other rewards, here are a few strategies that actually work:
- Engage actively: Respond to comments, smile, and keep your audience involved.
- Set small goals: For example, “Let’s reach 5,000 coins today!” gives viewers a reason to help.
- Acknowledge your gifters: When someone sends even a small gift, say thank you. Recognition goes a long way.
- Create themed live sessions: Fun events or challenges often encourage gifting.
- Go live consistently: The more often you appear, the more chances people have to support you.
I’ve worked with digital influencers who used these exact strategies to boost their TikTok Live income by over 40%. Consistency and genuine interaction always win.
Important Rules About TikTok Gifts
TikTok has strict policies for sending and receiving gifts. Both creators and viewers should keep these in mind:
- Age restriction: You must be at least 18 to send or receive gifts.
- No exchange for services: Creators can’t promise gifts in return for actions or shoutouts that break community guidelines.
- Anti-fraud measures: TikTok may hold payments temporarily if there’s suspicious activity.
- Withdrawal limits: Daily or weekly cashout limits apply, depending on the region.
- Transparency: TikTok can adjust rates and policies without prior notice.
These rules are in place to prevent abuse and protect both sides of the transaction.
The Real-World Value of a Galaxy Gift
Let’s translate everything into simpler terms.
Imagine you’re watching your favorite creator, and you decide to send a Galaxy gift worth 1,000 coins.
- You spend around $14 USD.
- TikTok takes roughly 50%, keeping around $7.
- The creator receives $7 USD worth of diamonds.
Now, if 20 viewers each send a Galaxy, that’s about $140 in total gifts, of which the creator might earn $70 after TikTok’s cut.
For a creator who goes live daily and receives even a few Galaxies per stream, that can add up quickly to hundreds of dollars a week.
That’s why live streaming has become a real income stream for many TikTok users.
Common Misconceptions About Galaxy Gifts
There’s a lot of confusion online about how much gifts are really worth. Let’s clear up a few myths.
1. “Creators get all the money.”
No, they don’t. TikTok keeps a share through coin-to-diamond conversion and payout deductions.
2. “Galaxy value is the same everywhere.”
Not true. Regional pricing, taxes, and exchange rates affect both coin and cash values.
3. “You can get banned for sending too many gifts.”
Only if TikTok suspects spam or fraudulent activity. Otherwise, gifting is allowed as long as it follows policy.
4. “Diamonds convert directly to dollars.”
They don’t. TikTok uses a fixed exchange rate for diamonds that may not match real-time currency values.
Understanding these details saves you confusion later.
How TikTok Gifts Compare to Other Platforms
TikTok isn’t the first platform to use virtual gifting. YouTube, Twitch, and even Likee have similar systems.
But TikTok’s model stands out because of:
- Highly visual effects (like Galaxy, Lion, Universe).
- Global participation—anyone can send gifts worldwide.
- Integrated community engagement through leaderboards and ranks.
On Twitch, users send “Bits.” On YouTube, they send “Super Chats.” The Galaxy is TikTok’s version of these, combining flair with financial support.
From a marketing point of view, it’s a brilliant mix of emotion and gamification.
Final Thoughts: Is Sending a Galaxy Worth It?
In the end, sending a Galaxy is about appreciation and connection. It’s a way for viewers to support creators in a flashy, memorable way—and for creators, it’s one of the most rewarding gifts to receive.
To recap:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Gift name | Galaxy |
| Coin cost | 1,000 coins |
| Viewer price | $13–15 USD |
| Creator earnings | $6–8 USD |
| Visibility | High (featured animation) |
| Purpose | Support and recognition |
If you enjoy someone’s live content, sending a Galaxy is a meaningful gesture. Just remember—TikTok takes its share, and prices vary by country. But for both sides, it’s part of what makes TikTok Live an exciting, interactive experience.
