The practice of artificially inflating viewership numbers on TikTok live streams, without cost to the user, involves employing automated programs designed to mimic genuine user engagement. These programs simulate viewers joining and watching a live broadcast, creating the appearance of a larger audience than is organically present. An example of this would be utilizing a software application that repeatedly connects to a TikTok live stream, generating multiple simultaneous views from fabricated accounts, all without requiring any payment from the individual initiating the stream.
The perceived value of such methods stems from the desire to increase visibility and attract authentic viewers. A live stream with a high viewer count may appear more popular and engaging, potentially prompting genuine users to join. Historically, this type of manipulation has been employed across various online platforms seeking to boost perceived value or relevance. However, the use of these tools is often in violation of platform terms of service and can lead to penalties.