How this Filipino content creator earns six figures with AI Live trend

The TikTok Al (Artificial Intelligence) Live trend has gained immense popularity, attracting both influencers and content creators. In this trend, individuals pretend to be Al systems, adopting a monotone voice and mimicking Al behavior during their live streams. Viewers have the option to send virtual gifts such as roses, chocolates, or even a lion, which are converted into coins. These coins can then be exchanged for cash.

Adrian Navarro, 18 years old from Antipolo, also known as “Taypeng,” has embraced this trend not only for entertainment purposes but also to support his family.

When we asked him what year he started joining the TikTok wave, he told Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, “During the pandemic, I began creating videos since going outside wasn’t an option. Some of my videos went viral, ‘yung iba naman po hindi.”

“I started doing AI Live or NPC in August of this year, but I had second thoughts if I could really make money from this, but I did, and I gave my first earnings to my mom,” he says in Filipino.

Taypeng also mentioned that, through his hard work, he is now earning six digits a month. “I wasn’t going viral then, but we were able to withdraw money in less than a month. Now, I am earning six digits already,” he reveals.

He shared that he used the money to renovate their house and set up a sari-sari store for his single mother. “Para tulungan ang aking nanay dahil wala na kaming tatay. Tuwang-tuwa ang mama ko dahil natulungan ko na s’ya sa mga gastusin sa bahay at pinahinto ko na din siya sa pagtatrabaho, at mag-focis na lang sa aming sari-sari store. (So I could help my mom, since we lost our father already. She’s so happy that I could help in supporting the household finances. I also asked her to stop working and focus on our sari-sari store).” he continues. “Pinaayos ko na rin ang aming kwarto, at ‘yung ibang kita ko po ay para sa pag-aaral ko (I also had our room renovated. I’ve also set aside money for my studies).”

Taypeng admitted that he would receive hateful comments during his live stream. “Marami akong nakikita na pangit na comments gaya ng, ‘sira na ang ulo mo,’ ‘nakakahiya ang ginagawa mo,’ at marami pang ibang masasakit na salita (I would receive negative comments about what I do, such as ‘you’re crazy,’ ‘what you do is embarrassing,’ and many more hurtful words).”

Despite receiving criticisms, Taypeng continues to entertain his viewers, hoping that it would help his family financially. “For me, it’s a platform for people like me who can showcase their talent and make people happy. And I will continue doing this to help provide for my family.”