TikTok battles, also known as PKs or player knockouts, are a monetization feature within the TikTok platforms livestreaming function. Creators can initiate battles where they go head to head in 5-minute competitions to see who can get the most gifts from viewers. Gifts are virtual stickers that viewers can purchase with real money and send to creators during the livestream. The battles are often dominated by trash-talking and TikTokers hyping up their followers to donate. Some talent-based streamers incorporate skills like dancing or rapping to earn gifts, but critics argue battles now focus more on pleading than performance. Despite criticisms, battles satisfy viewers desires for accessibility, community, and "realness" compared to highly polished Instagram. The popularity of TikTok battles stems from accessible discovery of everyday micro-influencers rather than professional gamers on Twitch. While international branded battles garner huge profits, most individual creator earnings come from corporate sponsorships rather than viewers. However, TikTok takes a large commission percentage from the gifts viewers send to creators, and there are concerns about the lack of transparency around how much streamers take home. Toxicity is also an issue as clashes between creators result in harassment.