Checking a TikTok Viral Claim: Does KFC Have a Free Refill Policy for Chicken Buckets?
TikTok is a social media platform that has exploded in popularity over the past few years, with over one billion active users as of 2022. However, with such a massive user base, it's no surprise that fake claims and misinformation can spread quickly. One recent example is a TikTok video that claimed KFC has a […]
TikTok is a social media platform that has exploded in popularity over the past few years, with over one billion active users as of 2022. However, with such a massive user base, it's no surprise that fake claims and misinformation can spread quickly. One recent example is a TikTok video that claimed KFC has a policy where customers can refill their chicken buckets.
Social Media Claim
A widely shared video on TikTok featured a user ordering an 8-piece chicken bucket. After finishing it, the user asked a staff member if he could get a free refill. The staff member mentioned "that" policy and instantly gave him eight more chicken pieces at no additional charge.
In the video, the TikTok creator claimed that the policy applies 60 minutes after purchase and can be requested with a receipt, and the policy is no longer valid once the customer leaves the restaurant.
The video quickly went viral, currently having over 22 million views.
Then, the refill policy at KFC gained momentum instantly due to its tempting nature.
While the video may be convincing and could prompt people to visit KFC, the truth is that KFC does not offer a chicken bucket refill policy.
Fact-Checking
To begin our investigation, we searched for other videos featuring this trend. We found that some TikTok users have shared clips of themselves going to KFC and asking for the refill policy. Unfortunately, they were told that the restaurants did not have that policy. You can watch the videos here and here.
Later, on March 16, KFC tweeted to debunk the rumor about the free refill policy on its official Twitter account.
Moreover, KFC has also responded to that viral video on TikTok:
"Here's the tea: KFC does not have a free refill policy but y'all should check out our app for the special offer we really are running on buckets 😉"
Also, according to a spokesperson from KFC, the "KFC Refill Hack" is definitely a hoax. They clarified that "We love the widespread enthusiasm for our buckets, but to clarify our policy, KFC does not offer free refills," according to Today.com.
As shown in the video, the claim was initially made by another TikTok user, "jordan_the_stallion8". We looked at his TikTok content and found that he had also made several other claims about fast food secrets, some of which were also true. For example, he talked about the McDonald's secret menu and the McBrunch burger (watch the TikTok video here), which was confirmed to be true (source). However, as we can see in this case, not all claims made on their channel were valid.
Conclusion
In summary, the claim circulating on social media about KFC's free-refill policy is not true. Despite a viral TikTok video suggesting customers could refill their chicken buckets for free, KFC has confirmed that they do not offer such a policy.
The spread of fake claims like this can have real-world consequences. In this case, the false claim could encourage people to waste food by over-ordering, hoping they would stand a chance to get a free refill. It could also lead to confusion and disappointment among customers who try to take advantage of the supposed policy, only to be told that it doesn't actually exist.
Title:Checking a TikTok Viral Claim: Does KFC Have a Free Refill Policy for Chicken Buckets?
Fact Check By: Fact Crescendo TeamResult: False
Source:
- KFC Official:
- The Star:
- Today.com:
- Mashed.com:
