TikTok introduces 'TikTok Pro' in Europe featuring a charity program

TikTok Pro debuts in Europe to promote charity with virtual sunshine rewards.

: TikTok has introduced 'TikTok Pro' in Germany, Portugal, and Spain, offering a unique feature called the 'Sunshine Programme.' This program enables users to accumulate 'virtual sunshine' by engaging with charity-related content such as liking, reposting, or following charities. The collected virtual sunshine can then be used to support charitable organizations, prompting TikTok to make actual donations. Unlike the standard TikTok app, TikTok Pro omits livestreams, shopping features, and ads, focusing on allowing people to support charities while enjoying entertaining content.

TikTok has launched TikTok Pro in Europe, beginning with Germany, Portugal, and Spain. This new version of the app removes live-streaming, shopping features, and advertisements, offering users a simplified experience focused solely on the main content feed. It is designed to promote positive engagement while avoiding the distractions and commercial aspects of the original app.

A key feature of TikTok Pro is the Sunshine Programme, a built-in charity initiative. Users can earn virtual “sunshine” points by performing specific in-app actions like liking or sharing charity-related videos, inviting others to the app, or following charity accounts. These points can be directed to participating nonprofit organizations, prompting TikTok to make actual monetary donations on behalf of the user.

While the content feed is identical to regular TikTok, the user interface is refined and stripped down. This version emphasizes purpose-driven interaction and positions TikTok Pro as a more socially responsible platform. The removal of ads and commercial features aligns with the app’s goal of fostering a more focused and positive experience.

The timing of TikTok Pro’s release comes amid increasing scrutiny from EU regulators. European lawmakers have raised concerns about the platform’s influence on mental health and civic discourse, including criticism of trends like #SkinnyTok. TikTok Pro appears to be a strategic response, potentially satisfying some requirements under the EU Digital Services Act and building goodwill through its nonprofit model.

At launch, TikTok Pro has partnered with well-known charities such as Médecins Sans Frontières, WaterAid, Aktion Deutschland Hilft, and NABU. TikTok has stated it will continue to expand the list of charity partners, signaling an ongoing commitment to integrating social good into its digital ecosystem.

Sources: TechCrunch, Social Media Today, TikTok Newsroom, Tubefilter

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