When TikTok was launched internationally in 2017, no one imagined it would get the attention it has received. Today, TikTok is among the most popular social media platforms. It boasts a whopping 1 billion monthly active users. The best part? TikTok shares its success with its users. For instance, TikTokers like Charli D’Amelio rake over $17 million doing what they love—and so can you.
TikTok users who want to profit from their passion have several ways to earn money on TikTok. You can benefit from selling your merchandise or join the TikTok Creativity Program—your options are endless.
In this article, we take you through 5 ways to earn money on TikTok. Our list includes only realistic and the most effective methods. You’ll also get tips and examples on getting started.
Let’s dive in!
Join the TikTok Creativity Program
The TikTok Creativity Program Beta (formerly known as TikTok Creator Fund) pays eligible TikTok creators for their engaging and original content.
How Does it Work?
To earn through this program, you need to apply for and join the program using the TikTok app. You then receive payments based on the following factors:
- Video views
- Engagement
- Region
- Followers
In addition to the previously mentioned factors, it's important to ensure that your videos adhere to TikTok's Community Guidelines and Terms of Service. It's worth noting that not all videos on your account will be considered for the Creator Fund.
How Much Can You Earn?
The amount you earn on this program varies depending on how your video performs. However, some creators earn between $0.02 to $0.04 for every 1,000 views.
What are the Requirements?
Here’s what you need to qualify for the Creativity program Beta:
- You need to be at least 18 years
- You need at least 10,000 video views in the last 30 days
- You should have at least 10,000 followers
- You should comply with TikTok’s community guidelines and terms of service
Meeting these requirements allows you to showcase your creativity to a wider audience, gain recognition, and connect with like-minded individuals in the TikTok community. It's an exciting opportunity to develop your skills further and engage with the vibrant world of social media.
Pros and Cons
Let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks of the Creativity Program Beta.
Pros
The program allows you to earn money directly from TikTok, doing what you enjoy.
This means you no longer rely solely on other sources such as merchandise sales, donations, or brand deals. All you need is a video over a minute long that meets TikTok's quality standards. By meeting these requirements, you can unlock the potential to generate income from your TikTok content, providing a new avenue for financial support and growth as a creator.
You can reach a large and diverse audience with your content.
With over 1 billion active monthly users, you can grow your fan base and influence.
You can foster originality and creativity with your content.
That’s because the program rewards quality videos that are over 1-minute long. This allows you to showcase your personality and skills.
Cons
You earn relatively low pay compared to other platforms like YouTube or Instagram.
Some creators only make $0.01 per 1,000 views. The pay is low compared to YouTube’s $0.18 and Instagram’s $0.08 for the same number of views.
You pitch yourself against competitors in your niche.
All eligible creators who meet the minimum requirements can use it. Now, you have to compete for engagement, views, and revenue. That makes it challenging to stand out and bag more money.
You may have to adjust your content style and strategy to meet the set criteria.
This could limit your creative flexibility and freedom. You must create over 1-minute long videos with good lighting and sound quality. Furthermore, your video shouldn’t have watermarks or logos from other platforms.
Sell Merch and Other Products to Your Fans
Selling merch and other products to TikTok fans is a way of monetizing your personal brand and fan base. It allows you to sell physical and digital products related to your niche or content.
How Does it Work?
You can create products—digital or physical or partner with a third-party platform to help you with production, shipping, and customer service. You then promote the products in your videos.
You also leave your link in the bio to direct your fans to your online store.
How Much Can You Earn?
The amount you earn from selling merch and other products to your TikTok fans depends on several factors. These include:
- The type of product you’re selling
- The profit margin
- The demand from fans
Remember to create quality content, build trust with your fans, then market your products effectively.
Examples of successful TikTok merchandise sellers include:
- Addison Rae – Sells clothing and accessories under her brand, Shop Addison Rae
- David Dobrik – Sells puzzles under David’s Disposable—his brand
- Charli D’Amelio – Sells phone cases and hoodies under her brand, Charli D’Amelio
What are the Requirements?
Here’s what you need to start selling your merch to your TikTok fans:
- You need to have a loyal and engaged fan base interested in buying the products
- You need to have a clear brand identity. You also need a value proposition that helps you stand out from the competition
- You need to create or source for products related to your content or niche
- You need a platform or partner who will help with essential services. These include production, shipping, and customer service
Do you have a loyal fanbase, a clear brand identity? Now, search for a partner who will help you with production, shipping, and customer service, and you are good to go.
Pros and Cons
Below are the pros and cons of selling merchandise to your TikTok fans:
Pros
You can create a steady stream of income from your existing audience.
That’s because you sell products that your fans want to buy. You can make money from sales, repeat customers, or referrals.
You can showcase your creativity and personality through your products that reflect your niche, brand, or content.
We recommend using your logo or signature style to help increase your brand awareness.
Cons
You invest your time and money into creating and marketing products.
However, there are chances that it may not generate enough profit. That’s because your products may not be in demand, your costs may be too high, or your competitors may be better.
You risk facing legal or ethical issues.
You could infringe on another person’s intellectual property without proper credit or permission. You may even violate TikTok’s policies by selling or promoting prohibited or restricted products.
The Simple 5-Step Process We Used To Generate $64,000 In 12 Months Working Part Time On Etsy.
Yes, Send Me The Roadmap!Go Live and Collect Virtual Gifts
Image by Pexels
This feature allows you to broadcast live videos to your followers. You also get to interact with them in real time. During the video, you can collect virtual gifts from your viewers.
How Does it Work?
To start your live stream, click the “+” button and select “Live.” Viewers send you virtual gifts like coins, emojis, and stickers during the live stream. Afterward, you can convert them into real money using the Creativity Program Beta.
How Much Can You Earn?
The amount you earn depends on the following factors:
- The number of gifts you receive
- The type of gifts you receive; the different gifts have different values in coins
- The number of times you go live. More videos attract more viewers and gifts.
According to TikTok, a single coin is worth $0.01. You can always use the coins to send gifts to other creators when they go live. You can also collect diamonds from your viewers' gifts and later redeem them.
You’ll need to accumulate at least $50 worth of diamonds to cash out.
Below is a table to help you understand the values of diamonds and coins.
| Coins | Diamonds | Value |
| 100 | 50 | $0.50 |
| 500 | 250 | $2.50 |
| 1000 | 500 | $5.00 |
| 5000 | 2500 | $25.00 |
| 10000 | 5000 | $50.00 |
What are the Requirements?
To use this feature, you need to fulfill the following requirements:
- You need to be at least 16 years old to do live streams
- You need to be at least 18 years old to receive gifts
- You need to have at least 1,000 followers
- You must comply with TikTok’s community guidelines
As a beginner, reaching 1,000 followers on TikTok can be a challenging task. However, remember to stay consistent with your content and engage with your audience.
With dedication and persistence, you'll reach that milestone before you know it. Additionally, it's crucial to strictly adhere to TikTok's community guidelines, ensuring a safe and respectful platform for all users.
Following these guidelines creates a positive and inclusive environment for everyone on TikTok.
Pros and Cons
Here are the pros and cons of the feature for going live and collecting gifts on TikTok:
Pros
You can connect with your fans at a deeper level.
That’s because you communicate with the viewers in real time. You answer their questions, and they get to know your personality. This helps to build trust, engagement, and loyalty with your audience.
You increase your exposure and engagement.
You gain more exposure when more people discover you on the For You page or through notifications. Creators get more engagement when the viewers comment or send gifts during the live stream.
You get instant feedback and support from your viewers.
Your viewers will give their opinions and suggestions. Their generosity and appreciation help you improve your content, understand your audience and earn money.
Cons
You need a large following to make more money.
As stated earlier, you need at least 1,000 followers to do live streams. However, you need a bigger audience to increase your chances of receiving more viewers.
You may encounter trolls or technical issues during your live stream.
Trolls may post spam, offensive, and abusive comments to harass or provoke you. Technical issues may result from interruptions, delays, or glitches. These can ruin your streaming experience or damage your reputation.
Partner with TikTok Influencers or Other Brands
This form of influencer marketing involves working with other TikTokers or brands. You promote their products and services to your fans and get paid.
How Does it Work?
Creators can opt for these options:
- Contact potential partners directly via their TikTok profile or other social media platforms. It’s a cheaper alternative. However, you won’t have more control over the outcome or partnership.
- Join the TikTok Creator Marketplace. This is TikTok’s official platform. It’s where brands and creators connect for paid campaigns. This option is usually slow and costly. However, you have more control over the selection and performance of your partnership.
Have you selected an option? You can now create sponsored videos showcasing your partner’s products or services. The videos should be creative and authentic. Even more important, they should represent your voice and personal style.
You should also include a hashtag and the client’s website link. That helps to increase awareness and drive traffic.
Examples of sponsored videos include:
- Product reviews: You show your fans how to use or benefit from a particular service or product.
- Challenge or giveaways: You encourage viewers to test or purchase a service or product.
- Testimonials: You show how the service or product has improved or helped solve a problem
How Much Can You Earn?
What you earn depends on several factors. These include:
- Your niche
- Your number of followers
- Your engagement rate
- The type of partnership and content
Some influencers charge anywhere between $200 and $20,000 per post. The cost usually depends on one’s level of influence.
Here’s a table showing the average rates:
| Influencer Type | Followers | Average Rate per Post |
| Nano-influencers | 1,000–10,000 | $800 |
| Micro-influencers | 10,000–50,000 | $1,500 |
| Mid-tier influencers | 50,000–500,000 | $3,000 |
| Macro-influencers | 500,000–1,000,000 | $5,000 |
| Mega-influencers | 1,000,000+ | $7,000+ |
What are the Requirements?
To partner with TikTok influencers or other brands as a creator:
- You need a large and relevant audience that matches the client’s target audience
- You need to produce quality, consistent content. Your content should align with the partner’s values and goals
- You need to negotiate the terms and rates of a partnership and sign a contract if necessary
Easy, right? You can start earning today with the right audience, content, and partnership.
Pros and Cons
Below are the pros and cons of partnering with TikTok influencers or other brands as a creator:
Pros
You earn money from trusted brands.
You receive a commission for every sale when you create sponsored content for their services or products.
You still provide entertainment and value to your audience with your sponsored videos.
You can create fun, creative, and authentic videos relevant to your niche. However, you need to create a safe balance between your sponsored and organic content. Follow the 80/20 rule, where you have 80% original and 20% sponsored content.
Cons
You risk losing the credibility or trust of your fans if the product fails to work as advertised.
There have been instances where some products even caused problems or health issues. You can escape this trap by researching the product or service, testing it, and being transparent about your partnership.
You risk facing legal issues or backlash if you fail to show your partnership properly.
Disclosing or labeling your partnership prominently as paid or sponsored content is important. Remember to comply with TikTok regulations. There are other regulations like FTC and ASA that you should consider.
Create In-Feed Ads With the TikTok Ads Manager
Have you noticed the videos that usually appear as you browse the videos on the “For You Page?” They appear as native videos between organic videos. They are usually about 60 minutes long and include CTAs. That’s what TikTok calls in-feed ads.
In-feed ads often feature polls, countdowns, and quizzes. You can use them to engage your audience and collect feedback.
How Does it Work?
To get started with in-feed ads on TikTok, you need to have a TikTok ads account. Once you’ve signed up, use the ads manager to create the in-feed ads.
Let’s take you through the detailed steps. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Sign up for a TikTok ads account at https://ads.tiktok.com/
Step 2: Use the ads manager to create the in-feed ads.
Step 3: Choose from these three creative options:
- Video creation kit
- Smart video
- Upload your video. The uploaded video should meet the specifications for in-feed ads. So, you need to pay attention to the:
- Video format
- Size
- Duration
Step 4: If the video requires some tweaking here and there, you can edit it using the tools on ads manager.
Step 5: Include your preferred title and call-to-action for the in-feed ad. Make your heading relevant and catchy. Remember, you want to stand out from the competition.
Step 6: Add the call to action for the in-feed ad. Make it compelling and clear. Let your target audience know what you want them to do.
Step 7: Lastly, you’ll need to set a budget, target audience, and bidding strategy, then schedule a campaign.
How Much Can You Earn?
The amount you earn from in-feed ads depends on the amount you’ll spend on your campaign. It also depends on how well your ads perform. You need to pay attention to the following:
- Clicks
- Conversions
- Impressions
Creators usually spend a minimum of $500 on an in-feed campaign. The minimum budget for an in-feed ad group is often $50.
What Are the Requirements?
To be able to create in-feed ads:
- You need a product or service you’ll be advertising on TikTok
- You’ll need a landing page or website to direct your traffic
- You’ll need to adhere to TikTok’s advertising policies and guidelines
TikTok makes it quite easy for you to qualify for in-feed ads. However, there are guidelines that are set in place. It is crucial to adhere to TikTok's advertising policies and guidelines. These guidelines ensure that your ads meet the platform's standards and create a positive user experience. Following these guidelines, you can effectively promote your product or service while maintaining a respectful advertising environment on TikTok.
Pros and Cons
Here are the pros and cons of creating in-feed ads:
Pros
You will be able to reach a wide and ready audience.
TikTok has over 1 billion active and engaged users. That means you have a higher chance of reaching potential customers who are already interested in your topic or product.
You can track and optimize ad performance with reports and analytics.
You can use different metrics and tools to check for the number of impressions, clicks, and conversions your ads generate. You can also see the cost per result and return on ad spent, which allows you to better your ad strategy.
Cons
You need to invest money into the ads up front.
The minimum cost for an ad campaign is $500. This cost can be expensive for a beginner or small business.
You risk losing to other advertisers or organic content.
Other creators are using the same strategy as you. As a result, you might not be quite successful in beating them—especially if they have bigger budgets or organic content that are more popular.
Start Earning From What You Enjoy
There you have it. You can now join millions of TikTokers like Charli D’Amelio in earning while doing what you enjoy. You can benefit from the different options we’ve discussed. You can join the TikTok Creative Program or sell your products to your fans.
Choose any of the five ways to earn money on TikTok and begin your journey to financial freedom.
Scott Voelker
Over the years I’ve helped thousands of people TAKE ACTION to UNLOCK their true potential on building their ultimate freedom business, by developing the skills to make them resilient, confident and FUTURE PROOF. I’ve clocked my 10,000 hours over the years working in the trenches myself and helping others build and grow their brands. I know the power in TAKING ACTION better than anyone and I’ve seen people lives changed as a result of it...including my OWN!The Simple 5-Step Process We Used To Generate $64,000 In 12 Months Working Part Time On Etsy.
Yes, Send Me The Roadmap!