TikTok has launched a new version of its app – TikTok Pro – in Germany, Portugal, and Spain, aiming to connect social media engagement with charitable giving. The new app introduces the Sunshine Programme, a built-in feature that enables users to indirectly support nonprofit organizations through regular app activity.
The initiative allows users to earn “virtual sunshine” by performing specific actions such as watching, liking, or reposting charity-related content, following nonprofit accounts, or searching for charitable causes. These virtual tokens can then be allocated to a listed organization, prompting TikTok to make a real-world donation on the user’s behalf.
While the core content experience on TikTok Pro mirrors that of the standard TikTok app, there are some key differences. Notably, TikTok Pro removes livestreaming, in-app shopping, and advertisements—features that are increasingly central to TikTok’s commercial ecosystem. This stripped-down model is positioned more as a content-viewing platform with a purpose-driven twist, focusing on user engagement tied to social good.
According to the company, the app is intended “to enable people in Europe to support charitable organizations while discovering engaging and entertaining TikTok content.”
The rollout of TikTok Pro comes as platforms face growing scrutiny in the EU regarding monetization practices and user data usage. While it remains unclear whether TikTok Pro is a long-term strategy or a regional test, it reflects a broader trend of platforms experimenting with cause-driven engagement models. No timeline has yet been announced for a broader European rollout or expansion beyond the three launch markets.
