Is TikTok Slash actually legit or are we all just pretending it makes sense?

I keep seeing people talk about TikTok’s slash to free feature. The setup looks simple. You tap a progress bar and occasionally invite someone until it reaches one hundred percent. It feels similar to older internet mechanics that used engagement loops to keep users active.

At first I assumed it was just another gimmick. But now a few people I know offline have received small items like kitchen gadgets or phone accessories without paying anything.

So now I am confused. Is this an actual legitimate feature where the platform is simply exchanging engagement for low cost items Or is it something that only works sometimes and we are collectively convincing ourselves that it is normal

I am not trying to promote it or criticize it. I just feel like everyone seems to understand it except me and I am trying to figure out if there is anything I am missing.