Gone are the days when people used to like to sit through long-form content; now they want something short, catchy, and attention-grabbing.
TikTok brought a revolution in this regard, with its short-form video content entertaining people within a few seconds. With the low attention span most people now have, they like to browse through such content and be entertained, turning TikTok into a vastly popular social media platform.
Now that you have stepped into the world of TikTok, you may keep hearing that content creators are leveraging this platform to make money. This may make you wonder how you can do so too.
With over a billion monthly active users, it’s not just a place for trends, dances, and challenges; rather, it’s ripe with revenue opportunities through creator monetization, influencer marketing, and digital commerce.
If you too want to know how to make money on TikTok, this is the only guide you need. Let’s discuss the most effective money making methods on TikTok!
What is TikTok Monetization?
As a content creator on TikTok, you can choose different ways to generate income. TikTok has multiple built-in features, like the TikTok Creativity Program (formerly Creator Fund), TikTok LIVE gifts, and TikTok Series, which you can leverage.
At the same time, TikTok allows external income opportunities through brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, and e-commerce integrations, which can help you generate income through the platform.
TikTok provides creators with the tools to turn views and influence into real earnings. However, the amount of money you’ll make and how quickly you’ll do so will depend heavily on your content niche, your audience engagement, and the program you use.
TikTok vs Other Platforms
You might have this question in mind whether TikTok monetization is better than YouTube or Instagram? The short answer is – it depends.
Currently, YouTube Shorts offers higher direct payouts per view compared to TikTok. YouTube’s Partner Program also provides stable income via ads, which TikTok doesn’t offer in the same way.
Meanwhile, Instagram Reels has a strong brand-collaboration ecosystem, but its direct payout opportunities are less developed and inconsistent compared to TikTok’s structured programs.
However, TikTok stands out among them in terms of audience reach and virality. While the payout rates per view of TikTok may be lower than YouTube, TikTok’s algorithm provides smaller creators a better chance to go viral and land brand deals.
Quick Comparison
TikTok Monetization Requirements
On TikTok, not everyone can just jump straight into earning. The platform has certain thresholds that you, as a content creator, have to meet before qualifying for its monetization programs.
So, if you’re wondering exactly how many followers you may need to make money on TikTok, here’s your answer –
The requirements are more flexible for affiliate marketing and brand deals. Sometimes micro-influencers, who don’t have more than just a few thousand followers, can start earning on TikTok.
Quick Checklist of TikTok Monetization Requirements
Takeaway: You don’t always need 10,000 followers to earn on TikTok; you can unlock some features much earlier. However, reaching the 10k mark opens up most of TikTok’s official monetization tools.
Best Niches for TikTok Monetization
To earn a proper income from TikTok, you must pick a perfect niche that can help you with that. Not all TikTok niches earn equally. While almost any type of content can potentially go viral, there are certain niches that attract higher engagement, brand deals, and monetization opportunities consistently.
Here are some of the top-earning niches on TikTok:
Beauty & Fashion: Makeup tutorials, outfit inspo, skincare reviews
Fitness & Wellness: Workout routines, nutrition tips, mental health advice.
Food & Cooking: Recipe hacks, cooking challenges, food vlogs.
Tech & Gadgets: Product reviews, unboxings, tutorials.
Finance & Side Hustles: Investing tips, “make money online” guides, budgeting hacks.
Travel & Lifestyle: Destination vlogs, hotel reviews, lifestyle inspiration.
Gaming & Esports: Gameplay clips, reviews, live-streamed tournaments.
Education & How-Tos: Language learning, career tips, academic hacks.
Comedy & Entertainment: Skits, memes, reaction videos.
Music & Dance: Covers, original songs, dance trends.
Breakdown Table for TikTok Niches
12 Ways to Make Money on TikTok
There are several ways you can go about trying to make money on TikTok. Currently, the platform offers multiple revenue streams — platform-driven official options and brand or fan-driven external options. Let’s break them down one by one:
1. TikTok Creator Fund (Legacy Model)
The TikTok Creator Fund was TikTok’s first official program to pay creators based on views and engagement. While it’s being phased out, it’s worth understanding since many articles still reference it.
The TikTok Creator Fund is basically a program that pays creators per 1,000 views on their content. And for every thousand views, TikTok typically paid $0.02–$0.04, meaning 1 million views could earn $20–$40.
Eligibility: At least 10,000 followers, 100,000 views in the last 30 days, age 18+, and following TikTok’s community guidelines.
However, many creators felt payouts were too low with this model, which led to the creation of a new model.
2. TikTok Creator Rewards Program (Replaced Creator Fund)
TikTok has introduced the Creator Rewards Program to replace the Creator Fund. It has been launched to pay creators better for original and high-quality content.
How much does it pay per 1,000 views?
Reports suggest that, based on country, niche, and engagement, around $0.04–$0.12 is paid under this model per 1,000 views.
Country payout differences: For example, TikTok content creators from the USA and UK usually earn more per 1,000 views than creators in Asia or Africa due to advertiser demand.
3. Brand Deals & Sponsorships
For many content creators, this is actually the best way to earn money on TikTok.
As a beginner on TikTok, you might be wondering how you can pitch to brands about potential deals over your content. To do so, create a media kit, showcase your audience stats, and reach out directly via email or DMs. And if you’re thinking about getting sponsorships without Creator Marketplace, then you can do so through independent outreach or influencer platforms (Aspire, Collabstr, etc.).
How much do brands pay?
It depends on niche, engagement, and follower size. For example-
Engagement brands look for: A strong engagement rate (5%+) often matters more than follower count
Highest-paid deals: Fashion and beauty collabs often top the list, with some TikTokers getting even six-figure deals
4. TikTok Creator Marketplace
The TikTok Creator Marketplace is the platform’s official collaboration hub for brands and influencers, where businesses find and hire TikTok content creators. Let’s have a proper look into it-
Eligibility: Verified account, usually 100k followers, and strong engagement.
How it works: Brands post campaign briefs → creators apply or get invited → TikTok manages communication and payments.
Fees: TikTok may take a small cut from campaign budgets.
Supported countries: Available in 20+ countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, and several Asian markets.
5. Affiliate Marketing & TikTok Shop
Through TikTok Shop, the social media platform has fully embraced social commerce. In order to sell products there, you will need to sign up as a seller or affiliate, upload products, and link them directly in your TikToks or LIVE sessions.
Do you need to show your face for this?
No. Many affiliate creators run faceless TikTok accounts (e.g., voiceovers, animations, product demos).
How to check commission rates?
Each product shows the percentage of commission before you promote it.
6. Selling Your Own Products or Services
As a TikTok content creator, you can use TikTok as a direct-to-consumer platform. Here-
Can you sell merch? Yes, through TikTok Shop or integrations (Shopify, Printful).
Can you sell handmade items? Yes, that too. TikTok is great for niches like crafts, art, and home décor.
Best niches: Beauty products, fitness gear, lifestyle merch, handmade items, digital downloads.
7. Live Streaming & TikTok Coins
Through TikTok LIVE, fans can send gifts to content creators that convert into coins, and which then, in turn, transform into real cash. Here are some things that you may want to know about it-
8. TikTok Pulse (Ad Revenue Share)
TikTok Pulse is the ad revenue-sharing program of TikTok, similar to YouTube’s Partner Program.
As of 2025, to be eligible for the TikTok Pulse program, a content creator requires at least 100K followers, has to be over 18, and needs to create high-quality videos consistently. It is different from the Creator Fund, as payouts under this model come from a share of TikTok’s ad revenue, not a static pool.
9. Music Promotion & Royalties
Over the years, TikTok has become a powerhouse for music discovery. A lot of popular music these days first gets popular on TikTok after renowned content creators use it on their viral videos.
Does TikTok pay artists directly?
No, TikTok usually pays artists through labels or distributors, not directly.
Case study: Lil Nas X’s Old Town Road got viral on TikTok, and then with the butterfly effect, it became #1 on the Billboard, which helped him earn millions in royalties.
10. TikTok Consulting & Account Management
On TikTok, you don’t always have to be a creator to be a part of its world and earn money. You can also help others grow on this platform. Under this option-
11. Driving Traffic to Other Platforms
TikTok can be a top-of-funnel tool. It can easily grow on YouTube, as many content creators use TikTok to funnel traffic into longer content on YouTube.
TikTok also has strong e-commerce potential, so it can also drive sales on Shopify. Among other things, as a top-of-funnel tool, TikTok can help with lead generation, such as collecting emails, driving to landing pages, or pushing affiliate funnels.
Overall, think of TikTok as the engine that can power your broader ecosystem.
12. Crowdfunding, Patreon & Donations
Support from your fans can also drive income on TikTok. In order to use Patreon with TikTok, promote exclusive content or perks on the platform and direct your fans to subscribe. There are other options too, like Buy Me a Coffee, Ko-fi, and direct donations.
Extra Monetization Ideas
TikTok Monetization by Followers Count
While the first thing most content creators focus on is follower count, you should remember that monetization is less about the numbers and more about niche, engagement, and strategy. Still, there are certain follower milestones that unlock new income opportunities as a TikTok influencer.
Earning with 1,000 Followers
Suppose you have just reached the threshold of 1,000 followers. At this stage, you won’t qualify for TikTok’s bigger programs like the Creator Rewards, but you can still earn money on this platform through other measures, like-
Nano-influencers (who have 1k–10k followers) on TikTok are becoming increasingly of interest to brands due to their higher engagement rates compared to larger influencers. Apart from that, the entry-level income potential for them is around $20–$200/month, which can come from affiliate sales, small gifts, or nano-sponsorships.
Earning with 10,000 Followers
If you have 10k followers and 100k views in the last 30 days, you can apply for TikTok’s Creator Rewards Program. Basically, this is the threshold where TikTok content creators turn into semi-professionals from hobbyists.
What can you earn with 10K followers?
You can earn about $0.04–$0.12 per 1,000 views from Creator Rewards. A viral video with 1M views could earn $40–$120. There are also-
If you manage to produce good content, you can realistically start earning a few hundred dollars a month.
Earning with 100k+ Followers
At this stage, you’re seen as a macro-influencer on TikTok. Earnings can vary widely, like-
Brand deals: $1,000–$10,000 per campaign.
Creator Rewards Program: If videos average 500k views monthly, you can get $200–$600 just from TikTok payouts.
Affiliate/product sales: Hundreds to thousands of dollars per month, depending on niche.
Highest-paid TikTok influencers
Charli D’Amelio – estimated earnings of $17M+ per year (brand deals, merch, partnerships).
Addison Rae – earns around $15M annually from TikTok + business ventures.
Khaby Lame – earns millions through sponsorships, estimated $750,000+ per branded post (Forbes 2023)
Case study
Khaby Lame started posting silent comedy skits in 2020. By 2022, he became the most followed TikToker, with over 160M followers. In present time, he earns mainly from brand sponsorships and partnerships, proving how going viral on TikTok can bring global influence and a high and serious income.
TikTok Monetization by Region
Well, sadly, you can’t monetize your content on TikTok from wherever you want, as TikTok’s monetization programs aren’t available everywhere. Payout eligibility depends on where you live, as TikTok has to comply with local regulations and ad market size. That’s why the Creator Rewards Program (formerly Creator Fund) is available in select regions. Also, TikTok’s global payout policies reflect both advertising demand and government restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start by creating high-quality, engaging content that has the potential to go viral. Use trending sounds, participate in challenges, and focus on storytelling or value-based videos to grow your audience organically.
You can still earn by: - Partnering with brands for sponsored content - Receiving live gifts from your followers during livestreams - Selling through TikTok Shop - Using external platforms like Patreon, Ko-fi, or offering coaching/services linked from your profile
Monetize through passive income streams like: - Repurposing viral content - Adding affiliate links in your bio or captions - Promoting products or services that offer recurring commissions
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0 Comments
Great tips! I never realized how much engagement impacts growth more than just posting frequently. I've been focusing only on content, but now I see how interacting with my audience can make a difference. Time to step up my strategy!
Super helpful article! I always thought Facebook Groups were just for discussions and never really considered them as a tool for growing followers. The idea of actively engaging and sharing valuable content in relevant groups makes so much sense. I'll definitely start participating more and see how it impacts my page. Thanks for the great advice!