On TikTok, NPC stands for "non-playable character". NPCs are characters in video games that are not controlled by the player and have pre-written dialogue and actions. On TikTok, people are pretending to be NPCs by acting like video game characters with repetitive movements and sayings, and no storylines. They perform scripted lines and reactions to purchased "gifts" from their fans that then appear on screen as emojis. These creators make money through virtual gifts sent by users during their livestreams. The trend has gained popularity in recent months and is amassing millions of views and earning top practitioners thousands of dollars per day. People watch NPCs on TikTok for a variety of reasons, including for the absurdity and humor of watching people act like NPCs.