KP Sharma Oli once said, If given a chance, Nepalese can do anything. To see what Nepalese are doing, one only needs to visit TikTok. Once you enter the world of this video-sharing platform, you will witness all kinds of things.
On TikTok live streams, people engage in comedy, arguments, bets, singing, dancing, and even using foul language. Some stream while eating, changing clothes, or even sleeping. Some streamers are active from early morning till midnight, continuously asking viewers to follow and support them.
It seems as if half of Nepal’s population is on TikTok Live at all times. But why do so many people dedicate their time to it? The simple answer is—money.
As the night progresses, TikTok Live becomes even more chaotic. People indulge in inappropriate behavior, arguments, and even obscenities to attract more viewers. The more visitors they get, the more virtual gifts they receive. These gifts can be converted into real money, making it a lucrative activity for many.
One of the regular faces on TikTok Live is Punya Gautam. He claims that TikTok Live is filled with negativity and controversies. He mentions several well-known streamers like Maila Dai, Lute Kukur, Oli King, Biu, and Hency Ayush, who frequently create drama for attention. According to Gautam, the more controversial the content, the higher the viewership.
Many people have become addicted to TikTok Live. Gautam himself spends two to three hours daily on the platform, claiming to have earned a significant amount of money and donated about 3 million rupees to charity. Some streamers reportedly earn up to 100–150 million rupees through TikTok Live.
The addiction to TikTok Live is so intense that some people have sold their cattle to afford mobile recharges for streaming. A woman from the Far-West region of Nepal even took a loan of 50,000 rupees just to stay active on TikTok Live.
The platform allows users to connect with strangers, chat freely, and even make money while sitting at home. Many artists and celebrities, such as Barsha Raut, Rajaram Poudel, Suraj Chapagain and Sushma Karki, have also joined TikTok Live to engage with fans and receive gifts. However, some have been criticized for begging for gifts and have since stepped back.
TikTok Live has become a safe landing for those who thrive on controversy. It provides them with a stage to create drama, attract viewers, and earn money. This trend is not limited to Nepal but is happening worldwide, turning TikTok Live into a hub for outrageous behavior and money-making schemes.
