[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2px||2px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-80px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Scrolling through TikTok Live can feel a little dystopian at the best of times. You can watch people sleep, and wake them from their slumber with Homer Simpson noises. Or you can look on, incredulous, as a grown man munches on an entire aloe vera plant, all in the name of \u201chealth benefits\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It might seem like we\u2019re past the point of no return, but with so much content out there, <\/span>live<\/b> streamers have to get more and more <\/b>out there<\/i><\/b> if they want to draw in viewers<\/b> – which perhaps explains TikTok\u2019s latest trend, NPC streaming, and why it might just be one to watch out for.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Put simply, NPC streaming is an online phenomenon, primarily on <\/span>TikTok<\/span><\/a>, where <\/span>creators act like characters in a video game, and people pay for them to do it<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n NPC stands for non-playable character. These are characters that you\u2019ll see in the background or come across in video games. They normally have limited movements, and say a few choice phrases, never deviating from their script. In NPC streaming, creators take to the internet to play as these characters – usually over TikTok Live –<\/span> acting as if they have been pre-programmed with set repetitive phrases and reactions<\/b>, just like the folks in the background you might encounter in a video game. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2023\/08\/29102247\/Blog_WhatisNPCstreamingInside-Image.png” alt=”all about the NPC streaming trend” title_text=”Blog_WhatisNPCstreamingInside-Image” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n During TikTok livestreams, the phrases and movements the \u201ccharacter\u201d reacts with come from virtual gifts, which viewers can purchase and send to creators as they stream. <\/span>NPC creators simply just have to channel their inner Alexa<\/b>, responding to particular gift commands with their own set of selected phrases. For example, one of the trend\u2019s pioneers, TikToker Pinkydoll, responds to gifts with phrases like \u201cice cream so good\u201d,\u00a0 \u201cslay, huh\u201d, and balloon popping noises.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The sounds and reactions tap into already popular trends on TikTok<\/b>, such as <\/span>ASMR<\/span><\/a>, where streamers speak or make a variety of sounds very close to their microphone, such as calming rain or the purr of a cat, to trigger a physical or emotional response in their viewers.<\/span><\/p>\n So what\u2019s the motivation for NPC streamers? Like most things online, there\u2019s <\/span>the potential to go viral, teamed with an opportunity to make some money<\/b>. Considering some of TikTok\u2019s gifts are priced at well over $700 a pop, it stands to reason that there\u2019s some serious cash to be made for creators giving the new phenomenon a go.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n While some find the trend a little strange, to say the least, others are drawn to NPC streaming videos because they\u2019re entertaining: <\/span>viewers might find them funny, goofy and silly<\/b>. Because NPC streamers perform specific actions when sent particular \u201cgifts\u201d during their stream, <\/span>others may enjoy the engagement aspect<\/b> of the live show. They want to see how the real-life person reacts in real time, while still playing a character – and what happens if they break it at any point.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There is some speculation that <\/span>NPC streaming has sexual undertones<\/span><\/a>, as these <\/span>live videos let viewers feel a sense of control over the streamer.<\/b> Essentially, payments are being offered in exchange for the watcher feeling like they are able to make the human on the other side of the screen perform for them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While the livestreams themselves aren\u2019t explicit or overtly sexual – they\u2019d be banned if they were – you might also say that<\/span> it isn’t a coincidence that the most successful NPC streamers are conventionally attractive young women<\/b>. Many of the popular NPC streamers, such as Pinkydoll and Cherry Crush, have their own <\/span>OnlyFans<\/span><\/a>, but that doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019re using sexual content on their TikTok pages, and the two spaces are kept entirely separate.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ssebRIF5GpI” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”80%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If your child has TikTok, it\u2019s safe to say <\/span>they will <\/b>come across inappropriate content<\/b><\/a> at some point during their scroll <\/b>– it\u2019s just a matter of time. TikTok\u2019s algorithm is tailored to the individual that uses it, but if a trend has gone viral, it\u2019s highly likely that a related video will pop up in your child\u2019s FYP (for you page).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n NPC streaming certainly isn\u2019t dangerous, and while it\u2019s not explicitly inappropriate, it\u2019s hard to tell what exactly it even <\/span>is<\/span><\/i>, apart from watching a stranger online repeat the same gibberish over and over again while popping individual popcorn kernels with a set of hair straighteners (no, really). With any luck, <\/span>this trend is simply one which will fade into nothingness<\/b> – though it could easily be replaced with something even more surprising.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The real issue behind trends like this is whether it\u2019s safe or not to let your children watch <\/span>livestream content<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>TikTok Live is full of questionable, often downright strange content<\/b>, and because it\u2019s difficult to moderate, your child could come up against pretty much<\/span> anything<\/span><\/i> as they explore. Criminals have even broadcasted from inside jails, and <\/span>TikTok streamers trying to scam viewers <\/span><\/a>is also relatively common. And there\u2019s no way to control it: even with <\/span>TikTok\u2019s Family Pairing service<\/span><\/a>, the platform\u2019s own set of native parental controls, under-18s can still watch TikTok Live, although they won\u2019t be able to send gifts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n TikTok is everywhere, and it\u2019s such a part of popular culture, especially among younger people, that it\u2019s difficult to avoid. To stay one step ahead, it\u2019s best to <\/span>have <\/b>healthy conversations about your teen\u2019s social media use<\/b><\/a> and the type of content they\u2019re consuming online<\/b>. Be curious and open, and learn about the app yourself. Watch some videos to get a feel for what your child might be up against.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhat is NPC streaming?<\/b><\/h2>\n
What do NPC streamers do? <\/b><\/h2>\n
Why is NPC streaming so popular on TikTok?<\/b><\/h2>\n
What\u2019s the controversy over NPC streaming?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Is NPC streaming safe for kids?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Talking to your teen about their TikTok feed<\/b><\/h2>\n