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.
How It Works:
- 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
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.