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Look out! There is yet another strange TikTok trend, but this one involves users live-streaming themselves acting like an “NPC”, or a “non-player character” complete with nonsensical phrases which earn streamers money. The trend has gone viral, completely confusing the internet along the way, but it’s making some streamers some serious money.
During these live-streams, viewers can send emojis to creators like an ice cream cone or a rose, to which the creator reacts in real-time with a catchphrase depending on what appears on the screen. In exchange, creators earn money.
One of the most viral NPC streamers, "Pinkydoll", for example, says, “Ice cream so good” when given an ice cream gift, or “You got me feeling like a cowgirl” when given a cowboy emoji.
Pinkydoll has over 500,000 followers and recently told Vice she spends at least 6 hours a day on TikTok making NPC content and makes up to $7,000 a day through her live-streams.
Producer and rapper Timbaland has been called a top supporter of Pinkydoll’s NPC live-streams, when on July 16, 2023, he paid out the most donations.