Sparks and Hypes

Sequence diagram
Architecture Diagram
Creator dashboard
Subscription
Wallet Desktop view
Delegations view
AML Dashboard
Category Boosts view
Vid Feed desktop view

Inspiration

Current live streaming and video platforms primarily rely on traditional advertising revenue allocation and direct user gifting for creator compensation.

What it does

The project reimagines value-sharing on TikTok. Rather of depending exclusively on advertisements or direct user contributions, users fund their TikTok accounts, and the interest they earn is transformed into Hypes, an in-app currency. Then, users can support creators with Hypes without "spending" their primary balance. As a result, TikTok fortifies its platform, users become more involved, and creators gain from a more sustainable and equitable ecosystem.

How we built it

We created a user-creator-platform loop that combines interest accrual, digital wallets, and easy gifting. The way the system functions is by:

Funds are deposited into TikTok accounts by users. Interest Generation: To create interest, deposits are consolidated and deposited in safe bank accounts. Interest is transformed into "Hypes," or in-app money, through the Hype Conversion process. Creator Distribution: Based on user interaction and giving, creators receive their share of hypes, which are subsequently translated into weekly profits. that illustrate how users, creators, and TikTok interact within this ecosystem, we provided sequence diagrams and architecture designs that support the idea.

Challenges we ran into

User behaviour: Since the majority of users don't donate at the moment, we required a method that makes it easy for them to do so.

Fairness: Ensuring that not just the most well-known creators profit, but also smaller or specialised ones. Compliance: Regulatory obstacles (AML/KYC checks, delegation periods) must be overcome when handling deposits. Trust: Creating assurance that money deposited is secure, available, and continues producing value.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

developed a cutting-edge revenue-sharing scheme that is advantageous to TikTok, creators, and users alike. converted inactive participation into active assistance without requiring extra user expenditure. created a scalable architecture that blends in perfectly with the existing TikTok ecosystem. Used a creative financial technique to address a significant inefficiency in creator monetisation.

What we learned

If it doesn't feel like an out-of-pocket expense, users are more inclined to support producers. Many creators are underpaid by traditional monetisation (advertising + direct gifting), particularly those who produce high-value yet specialised content. If a system balances incentives for all stakeholders, it can be both engagement-driven and financially sustainable. As crucial as the technology is, financial systems must be made transparent and trustworthy.

What's next for Sparks and Hypes

Pilot Testing: To confirm adoption and engagement, conduct small-scale testing with users and creators. Optimisation: Improve allocation procedures to guarantee fair distribution among authors. Expansion: Investigate integrating Sparks and Hypes with platforms other than TikTok. Partnerships: Work together with banks to handle deposits and ensure compliance. Building Communities: Present hypes on digital content platforms as a culture of appreciation rather than merely as currency.