Tik Tokers are helping each other go viral to pay off their debts. It says a lot about us.Update 2024

Is one viral video all it takes to wipe out hundreds of thousands in debt? Many TikTokers are banking on it, and thousands more are eager to help them test the theory.

A new trend is sweeping the app, and it’s not about the latest skincare fad or a quirky relationship term. Instead, TikTokers are uniting to help each other achieve viral fame in hopes of earning enough money to pay off student loans and mortgages.

The effectiveness of this strategy remains uncertain, but that hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm.

"So, I've done the math and, apparently, in order for TikTok to pay off my student loans in one fell swoop, I would need 247 million people to watch this video for five seconds, which you've just done," says a TikToker named Jake in a video that has garnered 25.1 million views. He then nonchalantly eats a bowl of cereal and stares out a window, explaining that he needs his video to be at least a minute long to start earning money from TikTok.

While it remains to be seen if this method will lead to substantial financial gains, the collective effort highlights a unique and creative approach to tackling financial burdens in the digital age.

What is the 'pay off my debt' trend?

The aim of the trend, TikTokers say, is to get money from the website's Creator Rewards Program. The program is meant to reward high-quality, original videos over a minute in length, and is based on four metrics: originality, play duration, search value and audience engagement.

According to TikTok's website, in order to be eligible for this program, creators must be at least 18 and have at least 10,000 followers with at least 100,000 views in the past 30 days.

TikTok doesn't note online how much one can earn from the Creator Rewards Program, but making enough to pay off a substantial loan seems unlikely. Despite his video getting more than 25 million views, Jake revealed in a follow-up TikTok he only earned $4,200 for it, barely a dent in his six-figure student debt.

Many TikTokers, however, seem optimistic. According to another user, the trend shows the power of people in coming together to solve problems.

"Understand how grand this is for us as a community," the TikToker says, also asking for 2 million views to pay off debt. "This is why they don't want TikTok happening, because we can help each other faster than they can harm us if we all pull in together."

Sarkis says the trend spotlights how many young Americans are feeling.

"A lot of people are feeling overwhelmed," she says. "I think this does draw attention to the fact that there's a crisis with the educational system and student loans, that there are people in this huge amount of debt and it's crippling."

What does the 'pay off my debt' trend say about us?

Experts say there are various reasons why the "pay off my debt" trend strikes a chord with so many.

For starters, the widespread issue of financial stress is something many can relate to. This shared struggle, combined with the illusion of a quick fix, fuels the trend’s popularity, notes therapist Erik Anderson.

"A lot of people are saddled with debt. They don't feel like they're seeing the benefit of their college degrees, and they really empathize with others in the same boat," Anderson says. "I think it speaks to the fantasy of being debt-free. It speaks to the dream of people collectively working together to tackle their problems."

Beyond this, psychotherapist Stephanie Sarkis highlights another layer: the inherent satisfaction people get from helping others. "Humans tend to feel good when they help others," she explains. The "pay off my debt" trend offers a low-effort, low-cost way for people to feel like they've contributed, even if the actual impact might be minimal.

In an era where Octopus Dad has become the internet's latest fascination, these debt-relief videos provide a communal sense of support and a glimmer of hope in navigating financial hardships.

"Whenever we help somebody out, it has the potential of increasing our dopamine and serotonin, which are part of our feel-good neurotransmitters," says psychotherapist Stephanie Sarkis. "We also feel proactive. We feel less hopeless about things, especially when facing financial struggles. It fosters a connection with others. Altruism in general can even decrease the effects of depression and anxiety."

This trend has also empowered individuals to open up about their financial challenges, creating a sense of solidarity. While the likelihood of paying off substantial loans through video views remains slim, the trend demonstrates that millions are willing to rally behind the cause.

"It's important to share what you're going through, because it creates a feeling of universality," Sarkis explains. "You're not the only one experiencing it."

In this collective effort, TikTokers find not just a potential financial lifeline, but also a community that understands and supports them. The "pay off my debt" trend, beyond its immediate goals, is a testament to the power of shared experiences and mutual aid in the digital age.