Copper Stripping: The New TikTok Trend and the Reality of Profit
A peculiar new trend has emerged on TikTok: users are sharing videos of themselves performing what they call "copper stripping." The footage shows individuals dismantling various pieces of equipment, removing insulation from wires, and selling the recovered copper as scrap. While the process looks like tedious manual labour, it is racking up millions of views on the platform.
Why has copper become so popular?
Scrapping copper is not a new concept, but the price of the metal reached an all-time high this year. According to International Monetary Fund data, the cost of one metric tonne of copper was approximately $14,473 in September—double the 2020 figure. This price surge has turned the activity into a potential source of extra income for many.
However, as experts point out, the "easy money" portrayed on TikTok differs from reality. One popular blogger, who was saving for a house, admitted that after six months of work, they only earned $99 from selling 14 kilograms of copper. The vast majority of their income came not from selling the metal, but from video views and promoting special tools through TikTok Shop.
Business or social media show?
TikTok videos of copper stripping generally fall into two categories. Some creators focus on making the process aesthetically pleasing, while others—the so-called "copper kings"—organise large-scale "hunts." The latter group buys old equipment, strips it, and tries to recover as much pure metal as possible. In terms of labour efficiency, however, this is often unprofitable, as the time and energy spent rarely match the profit gained.
Specialised wire-stripping tools are also being actively sold via TikTok Shop. Some bloggers admit that the commission earned from selling these tools is far more profitable than selling the copper itself. This is compounded by AI-generated advertisements promising users thousands of dollars a week, which are often far from reality.
What should we know?
As a hobby, copper stripping can be relaxing and fun, but as a financial strategy, it requires immense effort. Criminology experts warn that the rising demand for copper often leads to an increase in theft, as some individuals take risks due to economic hardship.
In Georgia, where scrap metal collection points are common, the popularity of such videos may pique the interest of those seeking alternative ways to generate extra income. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that the success stories seen on social media are often part of marketing campaigns rather than viable business plans.