In the ever-evolving landscape of TikTok, a new trend has emerged that’s both bewildering and fascinating: the NPC trend.
But what exactly is this trend, and why has it taken the internet by storm?
What is the NPC Trend?
The NPC trend, or NPC streaming, is named after the non-playable characters in video games.
These characters are known for their repetitive, pre-programmed phrases and movements.
On TikTok, creators have embraced this concept, mimicking the awkward repetitions of these game characters.
The most recognisable face of this trend is Pinkydoll, a Montreal-based content creator, ,who has become a sensation in the TikTok NPC streaming community.
Her “ice cream so good” clips, which are her real-time reactions to gifts from viewers, went viral.
These gifts, ranging from digital ice cream cones to roses, pop up as cartoon graphics on the screen.
And while they might seem trivial, they can translate into significant earnings. In a day of NPC streaming, Pinkydoll claimed to have earned more than $7,000.
What does NPC stand for on TikTok?
On TikTok, NPC stands for non-playable character, a term borrowed from the gaming world.
In video games, NPCs are characters that players can’t control. They often repeat the same lines and actions, creating a sense of the “uncanny valley” for players.
Who started the NPC trend?
While it’s hard to pinpoint the exact origin, Pinkydoll has become the face of the NPC trend on TikTok.
Her quirky reactions to viewer gifts and her unique take on the NPC persona have made her a standout figure in this trend.
What’s an NPC streamer?
An NPC streamer is a TikTok creator who adopts the persona of a non-playable character from video games.
They engage in live streams, reacting in real-time to gifts from their audience with pre-determined phrases or actions.
For instance, Pinkydoll, one of the most viral NPC streamers, says “Ice cream so good” when gifted a digital ice cream cone.
Diving Deeper: The Cultural Impact
The NPC trend isn’t just about mimicking video game characters; it’s a reflection of our current cultural zeitgeist.
It touches on the convergence of erotic work and gaming in online culture and mirrors our anxieties over technology.
Interestingly, the NPC concept isn’t new to cultural discourse. During the Trump presidency, the term NPC was used derogatorily by some far-right internet users to describe liberals.
The idea has also been embraced by those who believe we might be living in a simulation.
However, TikTok’s NPC streamers aren’t pushing a political or conspiracy-driven agenda.
Instead, they’re evolving a form of online performance that has been around for years.
Christine Tran, a researcher from the University of Toronto, likens the NPC streamers to the ‘e-girls’ influencers of the early 2020s.
These creators combined gamer culture aesthetics with cam-girl influencing.
The Allure of the NPC Meme
The NPC meme and trend have an undeniable allure. They offer viewers a sense of control over the creator and a feeling of intimacy.
This is especially true for streamers like Pinkydoll and Cherry Crush, who maintain OnlyFans accounts with explicit content.
Their NPC streams, however, are not overtly sexual, yet they play into the npc control kink with subtlety.
Moreover, the NPC persona offers a shield against online harassment. By adopting exaggerated appearances and behaviours, streamers can maintain some level of privacy.
In Conclusion
The TikTok NPC trend is a testament to the platform’s ability to birth and nurture unique subcultures, making npc streaming a fascinating phenomenon.
It’s a blend of gaming, performance, and online culture, offering both creators and viewers a novel form of engagement.
As with all trends, only time will tell how long the NPC meme will dominate our feeds. But for now, it’s more than just a fad, it’s a vibrant part of TikTok npc streaming culture.
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