连麦PK (liánmàiPK): livestream PK battle

连麦PK is a defining 抖音 / 快手 livestream format: two streamers' rooms are 连麦 (linked via mic), and during a 5-10 minute 'PK' both sides' fans pour in 礼物 (paid gifts) to fill a meter. The losing streamer pays a 惩罚 (penalty / punishment) on stream — chugging water, doing pushups, getting their face drawn on. Drives huge gifting spend.

usage

PK is borrowed from English 'player kill' / 'player vs player' but in Chinese pop culture means 'duel / face-off' generically — popularized by 超级女声 (Super Girl) talent shows around 2005. 连麦PK is the livestream-era specialization.