How Much Is a Galaxy Worth on TikTok? Complete Guide to Cost & Value

The Quick Answer: How Much Does a Galaxy Cost on TikTok?

Sarah had been watching her favorite TikTok creator for months. One evening, during a particularly entertaining live stream, she decided it was finally time to send something more meaningful than a simple rose. She wanted to send a Galaxy. But when she opened her wallet, she paused. How much is a Galaxy worth on TikTok, exactly?

The answer surprised her – and it might surprise you too.

What You Pay as a Viewer

A Galaxy gift on TikTok costs 1,000 TikTok coins. In real money, that translates to roughly $13 to $15 USD. The exact price depends on which coin package you purchase and where you live. Some regions see slightly different pricing due to local currency conversions.

That might sound like a lot for a virtual animation. But for many viewers, the Galaxy hits a sweet spot. It’s flashy enough to grab attention without breaking the bank like the Lion or Universe gifts.

What Creators Actually Earn

Here’s where things get interesting. When someone sends a Galaxy gift, the creator doesn’t pocket the full $13-15. TikTok takes its cut first.

After the platform’s 50% commission, creators receive approximately $5 to $8 from each Galaxy gift. Some sources estimate even lower – around $3-5. The exact amount depends on diamond conversion rates and regional factors.

It’s not a fortune. But multiply that by dozens of Galaxy gifts during a popular live stream, and the numbers start adding up quickly.

Understanding TikTok’s Virtual Gift System (And How It Actually Works)

Picture a parent sitting at Thanksgiving dinner while their teenager tries explaining TikTok’s gift economy. Coins? Diamonds? Gifts that aren’t actually gifts? The whole system sounds like a video game currency designed by a committee.

But once the pieces fall into place, the system makes more sense than it first appears.

The Coins to Gifts to Diamonds Flow

Think of it like a three-step currency exchange:

1. You buy coins – This is where your real money enters the TikTok ecosystem. You purchase coins directly through the app using your credit card, PayPal, or other payment methods.
2. Coins become gifts – During a live stream, you use coins to purchase virtual gifts like roses, hearts, or yes, galaxies. Each gift has a coin price.
3. Creators receive diamonds – When you send that Galaxy, the creator receives diamonds. These diamonds have a cash value they can eventually withdraw.

It’s complicated on purpose. This layered system makes it harder to track exactly how much real money you’re spending – a psychological trick common across many apps and games.

Why TikTok Takes 50%

That 50% commission might sound steep. But it’s actually standard across the streaming industry. Twitch, YouTube Live, and other platforms take similar cuts.

TikTok argues this covers server costs, payment processing, and platform development. Critics point out that creators are doing the real work of entertaining audiences. Both sides have a point.

Understanding digital communication dynamics helps explain why viewers still send gifts despite this split. They’re not just paying for entertainment – they’re building a connection.

Breaking Down the Galaxy Gift: What You’re Really Paying For

Not all TikTok gifts are created equal. Some are subtle. Others take over the entire screen. The Galaxy falls somewhere in the middle – but closer to the dramatic end.

The Visual Animation That Makes Galaxy Special

When someone sends a Galaxy during a live stream, something magical happens. The screen fills with a swirling galaxy animation. Stars sparkle. Colors dance. Every viewer in the chat sees your username attached to this cosmic display.

It’s a moment. And that moment is what you’re really buying.

The creator notices. Other viewers notice. For a few seconds, you’re the center of attention in a chat that might have thousands of people.

Where Galaxy Ranks Among TikTok Gifts

TikTok offers gifts ranging from a single coin to nearly 45,000 coins. The Galaxy sits comfortably in the mid-tier premium range.

• Rose: 1 coin (less than $0.02) – The bare minimum
• Heart: 10 coins – A step up, still affordable
• Galaxy: 1,000 coins ($13-15) – Statement piece territory
• Lion: 29,999 coins (~$400) – Serious supporter level
• Universe: 44,999 coins (~$562) – The ultimate flex

Galaxy gives you the best balance of impact and affordability. You’re showing genuine appreciation without needing a small fortune.

How Much TikTok Coins Cost (And the Math Behind Galaxy)

Understanding coin pricing helps you spend smarter. And honestly, the math can work in your favor if you know what you’re doing.

TikTok Coin Pricing Packages

TikTok sells coins in bundles. The more you buy, the less each coin costs. Here’s what the pricing typically looks like in 2025:

Why Buying Larger Packages Saves Money

If you know you’ll be sending gifts regularly, buying coins in bulk makes sense. You’ll spend less per coin. Those savings add up over time – especially if you’re supporting multiple creators.

Just be careful. The convenience of having coins in your account makes it easier to spend impulsively. Set a monthly budget and stick to it.

What Creators Actually Earn from Galaxy Gifts

Anyone who has spent time in the business world knows one universal truth: follow the money. And that’s exactly what smart viewers should do before sending gifts.

The 50% Commission Breakdown

When someone sends a Galaxy gift, here’s what happens behind the scenes:

1. Viewer spends 1,000 coins (worth $13-15)
2. TikTok immediately takes 50%
3. Creator receives approximately 500 diamonds
4. Those diamonds equal roughly $5-8 in real money

It’s a significant cut. But creators accept it because TikTok brings them an audience they couldn’t reach otherwise.

Converting Diamonds to Real Money

Each TikTok diamond is worth approximately $0.005 USD. That’s half a penny. Creators need 100 diamonds just to earn 50 cents.

From a single Galaxy gift, a creator receives about 500 diamonds. That’s roughly $2.50 at the base rate. However, bonus programs and conversion rates can push this higher – which is why estimates range from $5-8.

Cashing out requires meeting minimum thresholds and linking payment information. The process takes a few days, and some creators report additional processing fees.

How Galaxy Compares to Other Revenue Streams

Virtual gifts are just one piece of the creator income puzzle. Research shows that approximately 70% of creator income comes from brand partnerships – not gifts or platform payments.

The TikTok Creativity Program pays around $0.40 to $1.00 per 1,000 views. TikTok Shop commissions offer another revenue stream. Live gifts supplement these earnings but rarely form the bulk of a creator’s income.

That said, TikTok creators earned an estimated $4.1 billion in 2024. Projections suggest this could reach $5.7 billion in 2025. The creator economy is booming, and understanding how Gen Z uses social media explains why.

How Galaxy Compares to Other Popular TikTok Gifts

Choosing which gift to send can feel overwhelming. Here’s a straightforward comparison to help you decide:

Galaxy offers the best balance. It’s impactful enough to make creators genuinely excited without requiring a massive financial commitment.

Why People Send Galaxy Gifts on TikTok Live

Money doesn’t appear from nowhere. So what motivates someone to spend $13-15 on a virtual animation?

The Psychology of Virtual Gifting

Humans crave connection. Even digital connection. When you watch a creator regularly, you develop feelings of familiarity. Psychologists call this a parasocial relationship – a one-sided emotional bond with a media figure.

Sending a Galaxy transforms that relationship, even briefly. Suddenly, the creator sees your name. They might say thank you. They might read your message aloud. For a moment, the connection feels real.

Understanding TikTok terminology helps you feel like part of the community. Sending gifts deepens that belonging.

What Galaxy Signals to Creators and Other Viewers

A Galaxy gift broadcasts a message to everyone watching:

• To the creator: “I genuinely appreciate your content”
• To other viewers: “I’m a dedicated fan, not a casual lurker”
• To yourself: “I support people who entertain me”

There’s status involved too. Regular gifters develop reputations. Creators remember their top supporters. Other viewers recognize familiar names. It’s a small community within the larger TikTok ecosystem.

How to Send a Galaxy Gift on TikTok (Step-by-Step)

Sending your first gift can feel confusing. But the process is simpler than it looks.

Buying TikTok Coins First

Before sending any gift, you need coins in your account:

1. Open TikTok and tap your profile icon
2. Tap the three lines (menu) in the top corner
3. Select “Settings and Privacy”
4. Tap “Balance” to access your coin balance
5. Choose “Recharge” and select a coin package
6. Complete payment through your preferred method

Coins appear instantly. Now you’re ready to gift.

Sending Gifts During Live Streams

1. Join a live stream you want to support
2. Tap the gift icon at the bottom of the screen
3. Scroll through available gifts to find Galaxy
4. Tap Galaxy to send it
5. Watch the animation fill the screen

The creator receives a notification immediately. Your username appears in the chat. And if you’re watching their reaction, you’ll often see a genuine smile.

While you’re exploring TikTok settings, you might also want to learn about managing your TikTok privacy settings to control who can interact with your account.

Is Sending a Galaxy Worth It? What to Consider

The value of any purchase depends on your circumstances. A Galaxy gift isn’t inherently worth it or worthless – it depends on you.

When It Makes Sense to Send a Galaxy

Consider sending a Galaxy when:

• You genuinely enjoy a creator’s content over time
• You have disposable income you’ve budgeted for entertainment
• You want to stand out and make a creator’s day
• You’re celebrating a special live stream moment

If you’re stressed about affording groceries, a Galaxy gift probably isn’t wise. But if $13-15 fits comfortably in your entertainment budget? It can be a meaningful way to support someone who brings you joy.

Alternatives If You’re on a Budget

Not everyone can afford Galaxy gifts regularly. That’s completely okay. There are other ways to support creators:

• Smaller gifts: Roses and hearts add up. Sending 50 roses over time costs less than one Galaxy but shows consistent support.
• Engagement: Comments, shares, and saves help algorithms boost creators. This costs nothing.
• Following and notification bells: Showing up consistently matters more than occasional big gifts.
• Purchasing their products: Many creators sell merchandise or use TikTok Shop. These purchases often benefit them more than gifts.

Creators from POV content on TikTok to dancing to comedy all appreciate support in whatever form it takes. Don’t feel pressured to spend beyond your means.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money is 1,000 TikTok coins?

1,000 TikTok coins costs between $9.99 and $13.00 USD, depending on which coin package you purchase and your region. Buying larger packages reduces the per-coin cost.

How much does a creator make from one Galaxy?

After TikTok’s 50% commission, creators earn approximately $5-8 from each Galaxy gift. Some estimates put this figure lower at $3-5 depending on diamond conversion rates.

What’s the most expensive TikTok gift?

The Universe gift costs 44,999 coins, approximately $562 USD. The Lion gift is second at 29,999 coins (around $400).

Can I send gifts on regular TikTok videos?

No. Virtual gifts including Galaxy can only be sent during live streams. Regular videos don’t have the gifting feature enabled.

Are TikTok gifts refundable?

Generally, no. Once you send a gift, the transaction is final. TikTok’s terms of service don’t typically allow refunds on virtual currency purchases.

The Bottom Line on TikTok Galaxy Gifts

So how much is a Galaxy worth on TikTok? The simple answer: about $13-15 from your wallet, $5-8 in the creator’s pocket.

But the real worth depends on what you value. If supporting creators brings you joy, if that moment of recognition feels meaningful, if you’ve budgeted for digital entertainment – then a Galaxy gift might be worth every coin.

Just remember: creators appreciate consistent engagement just as much as occasional big gestures. Show up regularly, interact genuinely, and spend only what you can comfortably afford.

The creator economy is growing rapidly, with TikTok at its center. Over 60 million creators are building audiences and income streams on the platform. Whether you’re watching, creating, or gifting – you’re part of something bigger.

Want to learn more about navigating TikTok and social media culture? Explore our other guides on everything from platform terminology to creator strategies. The digital world moves fast, but understanding the basics helps you stay connected.