How to make money on TikTok

Key takeaways:

• TikTok provides various ways for creators to earn money. Creators can leverage their creativity to tap into these monetization methods.
• TikTok’s algorithm favors content relevance over follower count, so even creators with a smaller following can earn money through the platform.
• Don’t rely on just one method of earning. Creators should consider multiple revenue streams to maximize the platform’s income potential.

TikTok isn’t just about catchy dance trends and viral challenges anymore—it’s become a powerhouse platform where creators and businesses are cashing in big. With almost two billion monthly active users worldwide, TikTok offers endless opportunities to turn your creativity into cash. Ever wondered how to make money on TikTok?

In this guide, we’ll explore strategies to help you tap into TikTok’s money-making potential, whether you’re a business owner looking to promote products or just someone with a passion for content creation. Let’s show you how to make money on TikTok and turn your screen time into a serious payday!

7 proven methods to monetize your TikTok content

There are several ways to make money on TikTok, but the best option depends on your audience, content style, and business goals. Some creators earn income directly through TikTok programs, while others use the platform to sell products, promote services, or drive traffic to their website or online store.

Here are seven common ways to monetize your TikTok content:

• Build a strong TikTok presence
• Join the Creator Rewards Program
• Sell products and merchandise
• Become an affiliate on TikTok’s Creator Marketplace
• Collect tips or donations
• Offer exclusive content and subscriptions
• Run TikTok ads and promotions

1. Build a strong TikTok Presence

If you want to learn how to make money on TikTok, the first step is to build a rock-solid presence on the platform. Without an engaged audience, it would be like trying to sell lemonade in an empty park—nobody’s there to buy. 

Know your audience

Before you can effectively utilize any money-making ways on TikTok, you need to know your audience first. Are your followers teens looking for relatable humor, beauty enthusiasts craving makeup tips, or small business owners searching for marketing hacks?

The key to creating content that connects is understanding your target audience. Dive into your analytics to learn about your viewers’ demographics, interests, and behaviors. Once you know what makes them tick, you can tailor your content to meet their needs.

Create engaging content

The heart of a strong TikTok presence lies in engaging content that people want to watch, like, and share. Here are some tips to make your videos stand out:

• Hook them in 3 seconds: The first three seconds of your video are pivotal. Begin with a compelling statement, a striking visual, or a question that captures attention.
• Be consistent: Upload regularly so your followers know when to anticipate new content. Aim for a posting schedule that aligns with the time your audience is most active.
• Tap into trends: Keep up with trending sounds, challenges, and hashtags, but don’t forget to put your unique spin on them.
• Provide value: Whether it’s entertainment, education, or inspiration, make sure your content offers something your audience finds valuable.

Engagement is king

Building an audience is more about keeping them engaged than just gaining followers. Reply to comments, interact with viewers during TikTok LIVE, and encourage your audience to participate in your videos. The more engaged your followers are, the more TikTok’s algorithm will boost your content to new viewers.

A strong TikTok presence is the foundation for monetization. When you know your audience and consistently deliver newsworthy content that speaks to their interests, the path to making money on TikTok becomes much clearer.

2. Join the creator rewards program

Joining the Creator Rewards Program is one of the simplest ways to begin earning on TikTok. The program was built to reward creators for their valuable contributions to the platform. If you’ve been consistently posting and growing your audience, the program would be a great opportunity to turn your creativity into cash.

How do I get paid through TikTok’s Content Rewards Program?

While details of the program’s specific structure can vary by region and eligibility, the general idea is to reward creators for their video performance and engagement.

The creator starts collecting rewards after every 1,000 qualified views on the “For You” feed. The amount of reward you collect per 1,000 qualified views varies depending on the following factors:

• Video performance: How well your videos perform in terms of average watch time and completion rates.
• Search value: The amount of search traffic your content generates, including views from TikTok’s search page.
• Location: The region where you’re located and where your videos are being viewed.
• Video engagement: The level of interaction your audience has with your content, such as likes, comments, and shares.
• Advertising value: The time your viewers spend watching ads on TikTok while engaging with your content.

To increase the reward you receive, focus on creating original, high-quality content that accounts for these factors.

Although a good opportunity for creatives to earn on the platform, not everyone is eligible to join the Creator Rewards Program. TikTok has a few key requirements:

• Location: The program is available in select regions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Brazil, Japan, and South Korea. Availability may change, so check your TikTok app to see whether the program is available in your country.
• Age: You must be at least 18 years old to participate.
• Account type: You need a personal account to qualify. Business accounts and accounts representing governments, politicians, political parties, public-sector entities, private-sector entities, brands, merchants, or organizations may not be eligible.
• Account metrics: Your account must have at least 10,000 followers and at least 100,000 views in the last 30 days.
• Content guidelines: Your account and videos must comply with TikTok’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service.

You can apply through the TikTok app if you meet the requirements. Once approved, your earnings will start accumulating based on your video performance.

The Creator Rewards Program is a fantastic way to earn as you grow your TikTok presence. Think of it as TikTok’s way of saying “thanks” for contributing great content to the platform. And who wouldn’t love to get paid for doing what they enjoy?

3. Sell products and merchandise

If you’re wondering how to make money on TikTok beyond views and engagement, selling products and merchandise is another way. TikTok offers creators and businesses the tools to showcase their creativity and turn followers into customers. Here’s how you can leverage your TikTok presence to boost merchandise sales.

Turn creativity into products

Think about what makes you or your brand unique. Are you an artist? Create merchandise featuring your original artwork. Have a knack for catchy phrases? Turn your quotes into designs for t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases. Even your TikTok bio or signature phrases can inspire products your followers will love. TikTok creators often find that fans love owning something that connects them to their favorite content.

Feature your products in TikTok content

To drive sales, integrate your products naturally into your TikTok posts. If you sell through TikTok Shop, you can also tag products in your videos, manage orders in the app, and let viewers buy without leaving TikTok.

For example:

• Use your merchandise in your videos or create tutorial content. Show how a product works or fits into everyday life.
• Highlight unique features of your product in engaging videos that resonate with your target audience.
• Share behind-the-scenes clips of how your merchandise is made. These videos help your audience understand your product more. Knowing how they came about makes your audience feel more included and attached to your products, which can, in turn, increase sales.
• Go live to showcase your products in real time and answer questions from interested viewers.

Build a strong call to action

To maximize sales, use clear calls to action (CTAs) in your video descriptions. Encourage viewers to check out your store, attend a live shopping event, or tap the link in your personal account bio. Examples of these include:

• Shop CTA: “Love this look? Tap the product link to shop it before it sells out.”
• Live shopping invite: “Join our live sale tonight for exclusive deals and real-time product demos.”
• Bio link prompt: “Want the full collection? Tap the link in our bio to browse the store.”
• Comment CTA: “Which shade should we restock next? Tell us your favorite in the comments.”
• Limited-time nudge: “This deal won’t stay up for long. Grab yours while it’s still available.”
• Save reminder: “Save this video so you can come back when you’re ready to shop.”
• Follow-up hook: “Follow us for more product drops, styling tips, and live shopping updates.”

Don’t forget to stay genuine. Authentic content resonates more with TikTok audiences, helping build trust and drive sales.

What types of products can I sell on TikTok Shop?

TikTok Shop allows you to sell a variety of products, as long as they comply with TikTok’s guidelines. Here are some product categories that are popular on the shop:

• Fashion and apparel: Clothing, shoes, accessories, and jewelry.
• Beauty and personal care: Makeup, skincare, hair care, grooming products, and wellness items.
• Health and fitness: Supplements, fitness equipment, workout gear, and health-related products.
• Home and living: Furniture, home decor, kitchen gadgets, and cleaning products.
• Tech and gadgets: Electronics like headphones, smart devices, phone accessories, and gaming equipment.

While TikTok Shop allows you to sell a diverse range of products, there are items TikTok prohibits on its platform. Here are some of what is not allowed:

• Illegal products: Anything that violates local laws or regulations, including counterfeit or pirated goods, illegal drugs, and weapons.
• Tobacco and alcohol: Cigarettes, tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and alcohol.
• Prescription drugs and medical devices: Prescription medication and certain medical devices that require professional handling.
• Gambling and betting products: Items related to gambling or gambling services, including casino games and online betting products.
• Adult products: Explicit adult content, services, or products intended for adult use.

4. Become an affiliate on TikTok’s Creator Marketplace

If managing inventory or creating merchandise isn’t your thing, affiliate marketing offers a hands-off alternative. Your TikTok content can earn you commissions from sales generated by partnering with brands and promoting their offerings. TikTok’s Creator Marketplace makes it even easier by connecting TikTok creators directly with brands looking for authentic partnerships.

Here’s how it can help you succeed with affiliate marketing:

• Discover opportunities: Brands post partnership opportunities, letting you pitch affiliate campaigns.
• Build authentic relationships: The marketplace connects creators and brands that align well, fostering genuine partnerships.
• Access analytics: The data TikTok provides can help you adjust your tactics and create more powerful affiliate campaigns.

Leverage the Creator Marketplace and turn affiliate marketing into a reliable way to make money on TikTok. It’s a win-win—you earn commissions while providing value to your followers through thoughtful recommendations.

How can I increase my chances of getting brand partnerships on TikTok?

To improve your likelihood of securing brand collaborations on TikTok, follow these steps to build your credibility, showcase your value, and connect with potential partners:

• Create high-quality content consistently: Brands look for creators who produce engaging, high-quality content regularly.
• Engage with your audience: When creators engage with their followers, it signals to brands that a potential partnership is more likely to succeed.
• Optimize your profile: A well-optimized profile makes it easy for brands to find and contact you. Ensure your bio is clear, reflects your niche, and includes an email or contact link.
• Reach out to brands directly: Taking the initiative to pitch brands shows you’re serious about building a meaningful partnership. When crafting your pitch, take the time to highlight why you love the brand, how your content aligns with their values, and how your audience can connect with their products.
• Leverage analytics: Brands value data that proves your content performs well. Use TikTok’s analytics to track video performance and highlight engagement rates when reaching out to potential partners.
• Be professional: Brands prefer creators who are reliable and easy to work with. Respond promptly to inquiries, meet deadlines, and maintain a positive, professional tone and presence.

5. Collect tips or donations

Another fantastic way to make money on TikTok is by receiving tips or donations from your fans. TikTok’s tipping feature allows creators to earn directly from their most dedicated followers, offering a simple and rewarding way to monetize their TikTok presence.

TikTok’s tipping feature is available to select content creators who meet specific criteria. The feature is only available to those in the U.S., Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, or Spain. If you’re eligible, fans can show their appreciation for your engaging videos by sending virtual gifts or tipping directly through your profile. This feature allows you to connect with your audience more deeply while earning money on TikTok.

Suppose you have yet to qualify for TikTok’s tipping feature or want to expand your possibilities. External platforms like Tipeee and Buy Me a Coffee are excellent alternatives. These platforms allow your fans to send donations to support your work. You can integrate links to these platforms into your personal account bio or share them in your video descriptions.

6. Offer exclusive content and subscriptions

If you’re looking for advanced ways to make money on TikTok, offering exclusive content through Series on TikTok is a powerful strategy. This monetization tool allows TikTok creators to create premium videos available only to paying subscribers. The feature lets you give back to your dedicated fans while providing you with a steady revenue stream.

What is Series on TikTok?

Series on TikTok is a newer feature that enables creators to create a collection of premium content that lives behind a paywall. Think of it as a way to offer curated, exclusive videos that can’t be accessed through regular TikTok posts. Fans can purchase access to this exclusive content directly within the app, making it seamless for creators to monetize their expertise, creativity, or behind-the-scenes insights.

Here are some ways to take full advantage of this feature:

1. Create value-driven content.
2. Set the right price.
3. Promote your series.
4. Engage with your subscribers.

Create value-driven content.

Your exclusive content should offer something your audience can’t get anywhere else. Some examples are:

• In-depth tutorials or masterclasses.
• Behind-the-scenes footage of your creative process.
• Personalized advice or coaching sessions.
• Early access to upcoming projects or special announcements.

Set the right price.

TikTok allows you to set your own prices for the content in your Series. Set a price that reflects the value of your content while keeping it affordable for your audience.

Promote your series.

Use your regular TikTok content to tease what’s included in your Series. Highlight the benefits of subscribing and include a clear CTA in your video descriptions or TikTok bio.

Engage with your subscribers.

Building a stronger connection with your most dedicated fans is what makes exclusive content worth offering, beyond simply selling videos. Interact with subscribers by responding to comments or hosting private Q&A sessions.

Exclusive content through TikTok Series leverages your TikTok presence and caters to the growing trend of fans wanting deeper, more personal access to their favorite creators. This feature is perfect for creators with a loyal fanbase who are willing to pay for unique insights, entertainment, or early access to compelling content.

7. Run TikTok ads and promotions

Another effective way to make money on TikTok is to leverage its advertising platform. It isn’t just for big brands, it’s a goldmine for creators and businesses ready to showcase their content to millions. Running ads on TikTok can supercharge your visibility, grow your audience, and open the door to new monetization opportunities.

To run ads on TikTok, you’ll first need to create a TikTok Ads Manager account. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Sign up for TikTok Ads Manager: Go to the TikTok Ads Manager and sign up for an account. Provide details about your business or personal profile.
2. Create a campaign: Once logged in, click on “Create Campaign” and choose a marketing objective. TikTok offers objectives like increasing traffic, boosting app installs, or driving conversions.
3. Set your budget: Choose between a daily or total budget. TikTok allows for flexible budgeting, making it accessible to creators and businesses of all sizes.
4. Define your target audience: Use TikTok’s targeting options to reach specific demographics, interests, and behaviors. You can even create custom audiences based on previous engagement.
5. Design your ad: Upload a high-quality video, add engaging captions, and include a clear CTA. TikTok’s video-first platform means your ad should be visually appealing and instantly captivating.

TikTok offers various ad formats to suit different goals. Here are some of the most popular options:

In-feed ads

These ads appear organically in a user’s For You feed, blending in with regular TikTok content. They’re ideal for promoting products or services in a non-intrusive way. Use compelling visuals and authentic messaging to make your ad stand out.

TopView ads

TopView ads are the first thing users see when they open the TikTok app. These full-screen ads are perfect for maximum visibility and can drive significant engagement.

Branded hashtag challenges

Encourage TikTok users to engage with your brand by creating a hashtag challenge. This format is highly interactive and has the potential to go viral, bringing massive exposure to your product or message.

Branded effects

Add a fun, creative twist by designing custom filters or effects that users can apply to their own videos. This format encourages organic interaction with your brand.

TikTok’s ad platform is designed for creators and businesses to showcase their content in a way that feels seamless to users. The platform’s algorithm ensures your ads reach the right people, while its diverse ad formats allow for creative freedom.

How much money do people on TikTok make?

TikTok has become a serious platform for creators to earn money to the point where they are turning their content into lucrative careers. The amount of money TikTok influencers earn can vary widely depending on audience size, engagement, and other factors, but it’s clear that top creators earn millions each year.

• Charli D’Amelio: One of TikTok’s biggest stars, Charli D’Amelio, made around $7 million to $11.75 million in 2024, thanks to her millions of followers and views. While the payout per view isn’t huge, it can add up significantly when you’re consistently uploading content that clicks with a massive audience.
• Addison Rae: Addison Rae, another top TikTok star, has amassed over 80 million followers since 2019. She has an estimated $8.5 million earnings from the platform and over $5 million through TikTok-related brand deals in 2020. She’s one example of how creators can make substantial income by partnering with brands that align with their content and audience. 
• Spencer X: Spencer X, a renowned beatboxer and one of the top influencers on TikTok, has built a lucrative career on the platform. With millions of followers, he has monetized his TikTok presence through various revenue streams. Forbes reported that Spencer X earned around $1.2 million in 2020 from sponsorships and content revenue.

How do people get paid on TikTok?

TikTok has developed several structured processes for paying creators who meet eligibility requirements and participate in its monetization programs.

Before creators can get paid, they need to meet the requirements for the specific monetization feature they want to use. The Creator Rewards Program, LIVE Gifts, TikTok Shop, Series, and other TikTok monetization options each have their own rules, so one set of requirements does not apply to every earning method.

For example, Creator Rewards pays eligible creators for qualified video views, LIVE Gifts let eligible creators collect Diamonds during live streams, and Series pays creators based on the number of Series access purchases. Once eligibility is confirmed, creators can apply for these programs directly within the app.

When a creator starts earning, TikTok collects the funds and processes them according to its payout schedule. For most programs, creators must earn a certain amount before they can withdraw funds. For the Creator Rewards Program, the minimum threshold is $10 or the equivalent local currency. Then, TikTok typically releases payments monthly, though timelines may vary by program and region.

Payments through the Creator Rewards Program are typically sent on the 15th of the month when the creator meets the minimum payout threshold. For LIVE Gifts, creators collect Diamonds from eligible gifts during live streams, which may then be converted into a payment based on TikTok’s rules and available payment methods.

Frequently asked questions

Expand your TikTok success with a strong online presence

TikTok has revolutionized short-form video content, becoming a cultural phenomenon and a hub for creativity. It has empowered countless creators to transform their hobbies into thriving businesses, achieving both financial and professional success. With the right strategies, dedication, and a focus on creating quality materials that resonate with your target audience, you can turn your passion into a full-time career.

Ready to turn your TikTok journey into a thriving online business? Your success doesn’t stop at creating compelling content—having a strong online presence is just as important.

Build a professional website with us to support your TikTok presence beyond the app. TikTok can help people discover your content, products, and offers, while your website provides a stable platform to grow, connect, and keep customers engaged. With our website and marketing tools, you can turn TikTok into one part of a stronger online presence.