Did you know some TikTok creators make more money in a month than most full-time jobs? It’s true! TikTok isn’t just about fun dances and viral videos-it’s also a place where people are earning serious cash.
Now, you might be wondering: How do they do it? And more importantly, how can you do it too?
Whether you’re:
- A new creator just getting started, or
- Someone who’s been posting on TikTok for a while,
The big question stays the same: How to make money on TikTok?
Don’t worry- RecurPost has got you covered! This guide will take you beyond basic tips. With real-life stories and methods, we’ll show you exactly how creators are turning their TikTok content into income.
Let’s get started!
1. TikTok Creativity Program
TikTok’s original Creator Fund, launched in 2020, was designed to reward creators for producing engaging content. However, over time, many creators expressed dissatisfaction with the low payouts, despite having high video views and engagement. This led to TikTok revamping its monetization strategy and introducing the Creativity Program in 2023.
What It Was Before: The Creator Fund
The TikTok Creator Fund was an incentive program where eligible creators were paid based on their video views and engagement. While it opened monetization doors for many, the payouts were inconsistent and often minimal, making it hard for creators to rely on it as a primary income source.
What It Is Now: The TikTok Creativity Program
The TikTok Creativity Program is the new and improved version of the Creator Fund, aiming to address the shortcomings of its predecessor. It also helped creators in a better way on how to earn money on tiktok. It provides higher payouts and encourages longer, more engaging videos.
To be eligible for this program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Followers: A minimum of 10,000 followers is required.
- Recent Video Views: You need at least 100,000 authentic video views in the past 30 days.
- Account Status: Your account should be in good standing, adhering to TikTok’s Community Guidelines.
- Content Requirements: Eligible videos must be original, high-quality, and longer than one minute.
- Account Type: Only personal accounts are eligible; business accounts do not qualify.
- Geographical Availability: The program is currently available in specific regions, including the U.S., U.K., Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, and Korea.
Case Study: Claudia’s Viral Journey to TikTok Monetization
For Claudia Brookes, TikTok became more than just a creative outlet—it was a lifeline. Facing financial hardship, Claudia turned to TikTok to share her struggles, hoping to connect with her audience.
She shared, “Guys, I literally don’t know what to do anymore. I am so stressed with money, I don’t even know how I’m gonna pay rent this month.”
In a heartfelt video, she opened up about her inability to afford rent, and her raw vulnerability struck a chord with viewers. She mentioned her attempt to join TikTok’s Creator Fund, however, Claudia’s application was rejected due to her follower count.
The Turning Point
Claudia’s emotional plea went viral, amassing over 4.1 million views and skyrocketing her follower count from just 25 to an impressive 35,000.
This sudden influx of support not only helped her raise the funds she needed but also positioned her for future monetization opportunities on TikTok. With her increased following, Claudia now qualifies for TikTok’s revamped Creativity Program, giving her a clear path to discover how to make money on TikTok more sustainably.
2. Brand Partnerships and Sponsorships
Working with brands is a great way to make money on TikTok. By promoting products or services that match their niche and audience, creators can build genuine connections and earn a good income. For those wondering how to make money on TikTok, brand collaborations offer a win-win opportunity for both creators and companies.
- Types of Collaborations:
- Fixed Payments: Brands offer a set fee for content aimed at boosting sales and visibility.
- Affiliate & Gifting: Creators receive products or services to promote, often earning commissions through affiliate links.
- Content Creation: Creators produce compelling content that brands can repurpose across their marketing channels.
Case Study: Vi Luong’s $10,000-a-Month TikTok Income
Vi Luong, a TikTok creator with over 1.1 million followers, has mastered the art of monetizing her content through brand partnerships.
Specializing in lifestyle, fashion, and beauty content, Vi collaborates with brands to promote products in an authentic, engaging way. She typically works with fashion and beauty brands including Revolve and Nivea.
“Luong explained that for one sponsored TikTok post, at the beginning she was charging between $3,000 to $4,000, but can now charge between $8,000 and $10,000 per sponsored video.”
How She Does It:
- Diverse Revenue Streams: Luong earns up to $10,000 a month by working with brands for sponsored TikToks, affiliate deals, and paid collaborations.
- Average Earnings: For a single TikTok, she typically charges $2,000 to $3,000, depending on the scope of the project.
- Choosing the Right Brands: Luong is selective with her sponsorships, ensuring they align with her personal brand and resonate with her audience.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Creators:
- Focus on Quality: Create engaging, value-driven content that benefits both brands and followers.
- Be Authentic: Work with brands that align with your personal style and audience interests.
- Start Small: You don’t need millions of followers—niche markets can open doors.
3. Selling Products or Merchandise
From handmade jewelry to custom art, creators are utilizing TikTok’s viral nature to showcase their products, engage with loyal audiences, and build profitable brands. For those curious about how to earn money on TikTok, selling merchandise is a proven and direct approach to turn creativity into income.
How It Works:
- Product Showcase: Creators use TikTok to display their products, often through engaging videos that highlight the creation process, unique features, or personal stories behind the items.
- Audience Engagement: By interacting with followers and incorporating feedback, creators build a loyal customer base eager to support their ventures.
- Sales Channels: Many link their TikTok profiles to online stores or marketplaces like Etsy, facilitating seamless transactions.
Case Study: Liz Fox Roseberry’s Jewelry Business Soars on TikTok
Liz Fox Roseberry, a former graphic designer, turned to jewelry design during the COVID-19 pandemic. She launched her Etsy shop in February 2023 and utilized TikTok to promote her creations. Her engaging content and unique designs resonated with viewers, leading to viral success.
Key Achievements:
- Viral Content: Liz’s TikTok videos showcasing her jewelry designs garnered significant attention, contributing to nearly 20,000 sales on Etsy.
- Business Growth: Her success on TikTok enabled her to expand her operations, now involving a team of five, including her husband.
- Media Recognition: Her pieces have been featured in popular media, including being worn by Lily Collins in “Emily in Paris.”
Key Insights from Liz’s Journey:
- Show the Behind-the-Scenes Magic: Liz’s videos of her jewelry-making process made her audience feel connected and excited about her creations.
- Post Regularly and Chat with Your Audience: Sharing updates and responding to comments kept her followers hooked and eager to support her.
- Be Open to New Ideas: Liz turned her graphic design skills into a whole new career, proving that sometimes a little flexibility can lead to big opportunities.
“In March 2023, with only $400 left in my bank account and facing the prospect of returning to a profession I didn’t love, I took a leap of faith. I put up a few listings on Etsy and announced to the internet that I was going for it.Since then, I’ve sold over 15,000 PAIRS of earrings! Can you believe it?”
Liz Fox Roseberry, Bold Journey
4. Affiliate Marketing
Want to explore the potential of a TikTok affiliate program? This method is both accessible and profitable. Affiliate marketing allows TikTok creators to earn commissions by promoting products or services and driving sales through unique affiliate links. This strategy enables creators to monetize their influence without the need to develop their own products.
How It Works:
Earnings: Receive a commission for every sale made through the affiliate link, with rates typically ranging from 5% to 50%, depending on the program.
Affiliate Partnerships: Creators join affiliate programs such as Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or specific brand affiliate programs.
Promotion: Share product reviews, tutorials, or lifestyle content featuring affiliate products, and include unique TikTok affiliate links in bios or video captions.
Case Study: Brett Boles’ Success with Affiliate Marketing on TikTok
Brett Boles, a former school choir teacher, transitioned into a successful digital entrepreneur by leveraging TikTok for affiliate marketing.
Creator Profile:
- Niche: Music education and songwriting
- Followers: Over 200,000
- Monetization Method: Affiliate marketing and digital product sales
The Strategy:
Brett utilized TikTok to share engaging content related to music education and songwriting, attracting a substantial following. He incorporated affiliate marketing by promoting relevant products and services to his audience.
Key Results:
- Revenue Growth: Through strategic content creation and affiliate partnerships, Brett achieved significant income, allowing him to transition from teaching to full-time digital entrepreneurship.
- Audience Engagement: His authentic and informative content fostered a loyal and engaged community, enhancing the effectiveness of his affiliate promotions.
“One thing Brett emphasized to us is how skeptical he was about affiliate marketing when he first looked into it! Affiliate marketing seemed too good to be true. But he gave it a try – and made hundreds of dollars while he was sleeping that first night.” – ClickBank
5. TikTok Live Gifts
If live streaming is your thing, TikTok Live Gifts might be one of the most exciting ways to make money on TikTok. Creators go live, interact with their audience, and receive virtual gifts from viewers as tokens of appreciation. These gifts aren’t just fun—they can be converted into real cash, making it a practical option for anyone exploring how to make money on TikTok.
How Gifts Work:
- Viewers buy coins with real money.
- They use these coins to send virtual gifts during your live streams.
Conversion Process:
- TikTok turns these gifts into Diamonds for you.
- Diamonds can then be converted into real cash.
TikTok’s Commission:
- TikTok keeps 50% of the value of the gifts. For example, if viewers send gifts worth 1,000 coins, you’ll only receive the Diamond equivalent of 500 coins.
Diamond Value:
- Each Diamond is worth about $0.05 (5 cents).
- You’ll need to collect enough Diamonds to reach TikTok’s minimum withdrawal threshold, which is typically $100.
Case Study: Sweet Journey of Candice Bannister
Candice Bannister, a 42-year-old entrepreneur from the UK, significantly boosted her cake business’s revenue through TikTok live streams. By showcasing her baking process and engaging with viewers in real-time, she earned approximately £6,000 per week from TikTok, totaling £167,000 in under a year.
Key Takeaways:
- Engagement: Live interactions foster a sense of community, encouraging viewers to support creators financially.
- Consistency: Regular live sessions can lead to a steady income stream.
- Authenticity: Sharing genuine content resonates with audiences, enhancing support and loyalty.
TikTok LIVE Gifts offer creators a direct avenue to monetize their content by building meaningful connections with their audience.
“We started off with 2,000 followers and now we have 25,000 followers. It’s grown massively.”
Candice hired two presenters, who go live on TikTok for 11 hours a day.
“We went down the angle of decorating the cakes live – people would place an order and we would decorate their cakes live and then it would get packed and sent.”
Candice revealed that the business has generated £167,000 in less than a year thanks to TikTok.
“Our turnover since September, just from TikTok, is £167,000.”
Candice Bannister, The Scottish Sun
6. Offering Services
If you’re looking for how to make money on TikTok, showcasing your skills is not just effective—it’s a genuine way to turn your expertise into income. By creating engaging content that highlights your expertise, you can attract clients and generate income.
How It Works:
- Showcase Expertise: Professionals share informative and engaging content related to their field, demonstrating their knowledge and skills.
- Audience Engagement: By interacting with followers through comments, live sessions, and personalized content, creators build trust and establish themselves as authorities in their niche.
- Service Promotion: Creators direct interested followers to their websites or booking platforms to inquire about or purchase services.
Case Study: Hank Green’s Educational Content and Merchandise Success
Hank Green, a well-known educator and content creator, has effectively utilized TikTok to share educational content, which has significantly boosted his merchandise sales and overall online presence.
Creator Profile:
- Niche: Educational content, science communication
- Followers: Over 8 million on TikTok
- Monetization Method: Educational content leading to increased merchandise sales and book promotions
The Strategy:
Hank Green shares concise and engaging educational videos on TikTok, covering a wide range of topics. His approachable style and ability to simplify complex subjects have garnered a substantial following. This popularity has translated into increased sales of his merchandise and books.
Key Results:
- Increased Sales: After a TikTok video positively highlighted his book, “An Absolutely Remarkable Thing,” there was a reported 3,200% increase in sales on Amazon.
- Audience Engagement: His educational content has fostered a large and engaged community, enhancing his brand’s reach and impact.
7. TikTok Shop
TikTok Shop is one of the most seamless ways to explore how to make money on TikTok. This feature allows creators and businesses to sell products directly within the app, eliminating the need to redirect audiences to external websites.
How It Works:
- Set Up a TikTok Shop: Eligible creators and businesses can register for TikTok Shop through TikTok’s Seller Center.
- Product Showcase: Creators can tag products directly in their videos and live streams, allowing viewers to purchase them without leaving the app.
- Earnings Potential: With TikTok’s highly engaged audience, creators can drive significant sales, especially when leveraging trending content.
Case Study: Pink Honey’s $2 Million Success
Pink Honey, a beauty brand, skyrocketed their sales by leveraging TikTok Shop and the platform’s viral nature. Here’s how they achieved incredible results:
Brand Profile
- Niche: Beauty products (brow and face cosmetics)
- Followers: Over 500,000
- Monetization Method: TikTok Shop and viral marketing
The Strategy
- Live Selling: Pink Honey frequently hosted TikTok Live sessions, demonstrating their products and answering customer questions in real-time.
- Product Tags: Their videos featured TikTok Shop tags, enabling seamless purchases directly from the app.
- User-Generated Content: The brand encouraged customers to share their experiences with the products, amplifying their reach through organic, viral content.
Key Results
- Revenue Milestone: Within six months, Pink Honey generated over $2 million in sales through TikTok Shop.
- Increased Brand Awareness: TikTok’s algorithm pushed their videos to millions of viewers, significantly boosting their visibility.
- Customer Engagement: The combination of live demonstrations and interactive Q&A sessions built trust and drove conversions.
Why TikTok Shop Works
- Integrated Shopping Experience: Users can discover, learn about, and purchase products without leaving the app.
- Viral Potential: TikTok’s algorithm promotes content that resonates, giving products a chance to go viral.
- Engagement-Driven Sales: Interactive videos and live streams create an engaging shopping experience.
TikTok Shop offers an excellent opportunity for creators and businesses to generate substantial revenue while using the platform’s unique features.
Additional Strategies to Learn How to Make Money on TikTok
8. TikTok Pulse: Sharing in Ad Revenue
TikTok Pulse is a revenue-sharing program that allows creators to earn a share of the ad revenue generated from their content. By placing ads alongside top-performing videos, TikTok enables creators to monetize their content effectively. It’s an exciting way to explore how to earn money on TikTok.
How It Works:
- Ad Placement: Ads are displayed next to the top 4% of content on TikTok, determined by engagement metrics.
- Revenue Sharing: Creators whose content is featured in this top tier receive a portion of the ad revenue, with TikTok offering a 50% split to eligible creators.
- Eligibility: Creators typically need at least 100,000 followers and consistently high engagement to qualify.
Benefits:
- Increased Earnings: TikTok Pulse creates a steady income stream for creators learning how to earn money on TikTok.
- Enhanced Visibility: Association with top-performing content can boost a creator’s profile.
- Community Engagement: Encourages creators to produce high-quality, engaging content.
9. Collecting Tips or Donations on TikTok
TikTok offers features that allow creators to receive monetary support directly from their audience. This enables fans to show appreciation for content by contributing financially, providing creators with an additional income stream.
How It Works:
- TikTok’s Tipping Feature: Eligible creators can activate a “Tip” button on their profile, allowing followers to send monetary tips directly through TikTok. This feature is available to creators who meet specific criteria, such as having a minimum number of followers and adhering to TikTok’s community guidelines.
- Third-Party Platforms: Creators may also link to external platforms like PayPal, Venmo, or Ko-fi in their bios, providing additional avenues for fans to offer financial support.
Benefits:
- Direct Support: Allows fans to contribute directly to their favorite creators, fostering a sense of community and appreciation.
- Additional Income Stream: Provides creators with supplementary income, enhancing financial stability.
- Encourages Engagement: Monetary support can motivate creators to continue producing high-quality content, knowing their audience values their work.
Considerations:
- Eligibility Requirements: Access to TikTok’s tipping features may be limited to creators who meet certain criteria, such as follower count and account standing.
- Platform Fees: Be aware of any fees associated with receiving tips or converting virtual gifts into cash, as platforms may take a percentage of the earnings.
Creators curious about how to make money on TikTok should note that while direct tipping and donations may not constitute the primary income source for most creators, they serve as valuable supplementary revenue streams and indicators of audience appreciation.
For more detailed information on TikTok’s tipping features and eligibility criteria, you can refer to TikTok’s official guidelines.
Conclusion
TikTok isn’t just for dances and challenges anymore-it’s a platform where creativity turns into real income. If you’ve been wondering how to earn money on TikTok or searching for ways to monetize your talent, the opportunities are truly limitless.
From live gifts and brand deals to ad revenue and affiliate marketing, TikTok gives creators the tools to build their dream income. The best part? You don’t need millions of followers-just a solid strategy and authentic connection with your audience.So, why wait? Your next viral video could be the one that changes everything. Get out there, start creating, and let TikTok show you how fun it can be to earn while you entertain!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can start monetizing your TikTok account with as few as 1,000 followers if you’re using methods like live streaming and receiving virtual gifts. However, to join the TikTok Creator Fund, you need at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 video views in the last 30 days.
Content that is niche-specific tends to perform well for affiliate marketing. For example, product reviews, tutorials, and “best of” lists can effectively drive sales when linked with affiliate programs. It’s important to choose products that align with your audience’s interests to maintain trust and increase conversion rates.
To attract brand sponsorships, focus on building a strong personal brand and a highly engaged audience. Create a press kit that highlights your analytics, including follower demographics and engagement rates. Brands are more likely to partner with influencers whose audience aligns with their target market.
As of now, TikTok Shop is primarily available in regions like the U.S., U.K., and certain parts of Asia. The availability of TikTok Shop in other regions may vary, so it’s important to check the latest updates from TikTok to see if it’s available in your area.
To join the TikTok Creator and receive virtual gifts during live streams, you must be at least 18 years old. However, younger creators can still monetize through affiliate marketing or by selling products, provided they have parental consent and comply with TikTok’s guidelines.
RecurPost is a highly recommended social media management tool for TikTok. It allows you to schedule posts, track analytics, and repurpose content across different platforms, all from a single dashboard. This can save you time and ensure consistent posting, which is crucial for growing your TikTok presence.
Vrinda Jagga is a dedicated content writer with over 2 years of experience in the field. She excels in creating engaging and informative content that resonates with diverse audiences. Vrinda’s expertise spans various industries, and she has a knack for crafting narratives that captivate readers.