Social media is dominated by platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. However, that doesn’t mean that new ones don’t need your attention, especially if it compensates users for using it. Yes, you heard that right. A social media platform that “pays” you by using the service and interacting with other users, and it’s called Lyka. If this is the first time you’re hearing about it, read on to learn more.
What is Lyka?
Lyka is a digital community in which users share their interests by posting a photo or a video. Apps are available for Android and iOS. Users will be rewarded with GEMS (Gift card in Electronic Mode) when they upload a photo or a video on this platform. Also, every time that a Lyka user engages with other people’s posts, both parties will earn a certain amount of GEMS.
How does it work?
Posting a photo on the app is equivalent to 0.05 GEMS. The same amount when a user gives your image an MR (Max Rate). When you MR another user’s photo, that is equivalent to 0.02 GEMS. 1 GEM is equal to 1 PESO.
When you sign up, Lyka will give you 5 GEMS as a starting point. Lyka users can also send you gems if they feel generous, and if you get verified on Lyka, they will send you 15,000 GEMS as a welcoming gift. One good thing about this app is that the verification process isn’t limited to well-known people. Anyone can sign up and get verified.
Who is using it?
As of now, there are thousands of Filipinos on this app and counting. Celebrities and social media Influencers are also trying out this app to extend their fanbase, and sometimes these online celebrities are giving away GEMS to their followers.
Where Can I Use My Gems?
As mentioned earlier, 1 GEM is equivalent to 1 PESO, meaning the GEMS you will be getting on this app as good as cash. Many merchants accept Lyka GEMS, including Adidas, Guess, Aeropostale, PlainsandPrints, to name a few.
You can also use Lyka Gems to buy furniture and appliances in select Abenson stores or even have some leisure time with your friends and family at supported hotels and restaurants around the country. Or, if you earn enough GEMS, you can use it to buy a car at select Ford dealerships. Also, there are shops on Instagram that accept Lyka GEMS like GadgetsManila.
Who Should Participate in this?
Everyone, because aside from sharing your interests on Lyka, you can also earn money when you post and engage with other people on this app. But still, if you are going to use Lyka, use it responsibly and don’t post any personal information for your safety.
Is It Sustainable? Can it be a Major Source of Income?
As of the moment, you can’t directly withdraw a Lyka GEM into cash or buy cash and convert it to Lyka GEMS. The money you’ll be getting from Lyka, as of the publishing of this article, won’t be enough to sustain you compared to a full-time job. BUT, if you are looking for a way to earn small cash to suffice your simple ‘Luho’ needs in your spare time, you can try it out. Aside from that, generous people on this platform send GEMS to people who follow them. Sometimes these people are giving out up to 3,000 worth of GEMS.
One thing I slightly hate about this platform is the app itself, as it has plenty of bugs that need to be fixed. For instance, every time I post a photo, the Lyka app will crash or even log out of your account. Some features are still in the works, like being able to get notified when someone follows you, MR-ed your photo, and purchasing GEMS. If you have the patience, though, the pros trump the cons.
So, what do you guys think? If you have tried this app before, share your experience by commenting below.
If you happen to have an account on Lyka, follow me at @arelebana because why not?
Paano yun? If people use Lyka Gems to buy goods so it’s like currency. Then there is more LYKA gems used more than the amount of Pesos in circulation. Hindi ba masisira ang economy ng Pilipinas? I feel like using Lyka to buy goods is like picking up any stone on the ground and using that as payment for anything.