How to Make Money on TikTok?

Gone are the days when TikTok was merely a platform for watching and creating fun videos. Today, it has evolved into a powerful platform for earning money and building careers. In fact, many people now use TikTok as a full-time income source. The platform’s rapid growth has also attracted brands and advertisers, contributing to billions of dollars in TikTok ad revenue each year. 

Even small TikTok creators can grow fast and earn money on TikTok with the right plan. So, in this guide, you will find out the best ways to make money on TikTok. We’ll also talk about how to generate revenue on this platform even if you have no followers.

Let’s break down the top methods step by step.

How to Make Money on TikTok: 10 Easy Ways

Currently, there are numerous ways to earn money on TikTok. Some methods pay you directly, while others help you sell products or secure brand deals.

Here are some of the most popular options that creators are using today.

1. Join the TikTok Creator Rewards Program

Perhaps one of the easiest ways to earn money on TikTok is by joining the creator rewards program. This program pays eligible creators based on how well their videos perform. Of course, there is a set of criteria for getting selected.

TikTok evaluates factors like video views, watch time, engagement, region, and video length. Your videos must be original and at least one minute long. Once you are declared eligible, the money starts flowing.

Some sources report earnings of $0.40 to $1 per 1,000 views. Others say it can be $4 to $8 per 1,000 views. TikTok also claims creators earn 250% more than the old creator fund.

Now, to qualify, you must follow the TikTok Community Guidelines. You also need:

• Age 18+
• At least 10,000 followers
• 100,000 video views in the last 30 days
• A TikTok account in good standing

Currently, the program is available in the U.S., Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the UK.

💡 Pro Tip: To qualify for the Creator Fund, you need both followers and views. You can buy real TikTok followers and video views to hit both thresholds faster — unlocking monetization sooner.

2. Partner With Brands Through Sponsored Content

Sponsored content is currently one of the biggest ways to make real income on TikTok. Brands pay creators to promote their products in videos. In 2025, 77% of brands plan to use TikTok for influencer marketing. And that means more opportunities for brand deals.

The best part about it is that you do not need huge numbers. Around 88% of TikTok influencers are what we call “nano-creators” with 1K to 10K followers. About 8% are micro-influencers with 10K to 50K followers. For instance, a creator named Tiffany Yu earned six figures through brand partnerships while still a micro-influencer. That shows how powerful TikTok can be.

So, to get found by brands, you need to  (inside TikTok One). And for that you need at least 10K followers. You can also pitch brands directly. Create a media kit and reach out to companies you already love.

Try to blend sponsored posts into your regular content format. For example, skincare routines, tutorials, or “get ready with me” videos work particularly well.

3. Submit Video Ads Through TikTok Creative Challenges

TikTok also compensates creators through TikTok takes and Creative Challenges, which are part of TikTok One. This method is fantastic because you don’t have to pitch brands yourself. You simply choose a challenge and create a video based on the provided brief.

The video does not show on your profile. Instead, it becomes part of TikTok ads that run in the For You feed. Rewards depend on performance, like views, clicks, and conversions. You can track your money on TikTok monthly.

To qualify, you need:

• U.S.-based account
• Age 18+
• At least 50K followers
• Content that follows TikTok Community Guidelines

This tactic is considered one of the best ways to build multiple revenue streams on TikTok.

4. Tap Into TikTok Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a trending and smart way to earn money without needing sponsorships. You promote products and earn commission when people buy through your link.

You can join affiliate programs such as:

• TikTok affiliate program (through impact.com)
• Amazon Associates
• AvantLink
• CJ Affiliate
• Rakuten Advertising

TikTok also provides creators with a Shop tab where they can promote products, making it easier to earn. But how exactly do you use affiliate links?

Well, it’s pretty simple, actually. All you need to do is simply add them in your tiktok bio. You can also use a link in bio tool like Buffer’s Start Page to add many links.

The best content formats include:

• Product reviews
• Tutorials
• Step-by-step how-to content.
• Unboxing videos

Remember always to disclose affiliate links. This builds trust with your audience and keeps you safe legally.

5. Earn Through TikTok LIVE Gifts and Video Gifts

You might already know that TikTok has a feature where fans can send virtual gifts, which are purchased with coins.

When you receive gifts, they convert into Diamonds. Then you can cash them out as real cash.

To earn from TikTok LIVE, you need:

• At least 1,000 followers
• Age 18+

You can enable LIVE Gifts in the LIVE settings menu. TikTok also offers video gifts for regular videos on your profile, but for that, you need at least 10K followers. The next step is to enable the video gifts option.

For that, you need to go to TikTok Studio, then Monetization, and there you can enable Video Gifts. Once you are done with this process, the Gift button will appear in comments. So, if your audience is active and willing to support you, you can earn more diamonds over time.

6. Launch TikTok Subscriptions for Monthly Income

TikTok Subscriptions are perfect if you want a steady income. Fans pay a monthly fee to access special perks, functioning similarly to Patreon. You offer exclusive content to your most loyal followers.

To qualify, you need:

• 10K followers
• 100K video views in the last calendar month

Subscription perks can include:

• Subscriber-only videos
• Exclusive LIVEs
• Custom stickers
• Badges
• Early access

Creators keep around 50% of the revenue. TikTok also offers bonus programs, such as a 20% Video Creator Bonus for creators with 10K followers and 1M views, along with a Growth Bonus of up to 15%.

Tiers start at $2.99 per month, and you can easily set this up inside TikTok Studio.

7. Set Up a Virtual Tip Jar for Donations

Tips are another way to earn money on TikTok. This is good if your followers want to support you. Tip jars allow fans to donate anytime. Not just during LIVE.

You can use platforms like:

• Tip Top Jar
• Buy Me a Coffee
• Ko-fi

Many famous creators, like wardrobe stylist Payton Dale, used Buy Me a Coffee to get support from fans. So, make sure to add your tip link to your TikTok bio. You can also remind viewers gently in videos. This is a great option for creators to build a community.

8. Get Paid to Promote Music Through Work with Artists

TikTok has a program called “Work with Artists,” which pays creators for promoting music tracks.

This helps songs go viral. It also helps creators get paid without sponsorship stress. TikTok Creator Academy says this method reduces demonetization risks.

To qualify:

• Age 18+
• At least 1,000 followers

To sign up, go to TikTok Studio → Monetization. From there, you can select a campaign track and create a video featuring the song. Your earnings depend on the campaign and video performance. Better videos earn more.

This method works pretty well for creators who love trends and music, especially if their audience is music-oriented as well.

9. Crowdfund Projects with Your Audience

TikTok is a powerful platform for building trust. Once you gain a loyal audience, they will follow you anywhere. So, you can use that trust to fund big projects. Many creators crowdfund apps, products, and businesses.

Popular crowdfunding platforms include:

• Kickstarter (high visibility)
• Indiegogo (flexible goals)

A famous creator named “Osien Gwynned” built an audience for 18 months before launching his denim brand. He hit a £25K goal in only 9.5 hours – how cool is that? That’s the beauty of this idea as it allows you to use your influence in a constructive and lucrative manner.

However, before you crowdfund, you must post behind-the-scenes content. This not only shows your journey but also represents the legitimacy of your idea. It also helps the engaged audience feel like part of the project.

10. Sell Products or Merch Through TikTok Shop

Last but not least, if you want a higher income, it’s time you started selling your own products. Fortunately, our lovely fan favorite platform gives us a TikTok shop for exactly this purpose.

You can sell products directly within the app and utilize shoppable videos. TikTok Shop is currently available in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Mexico, Spain, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

To join, you need a TikTok Business account and a Seller Center setup.

Ways to sell pa roduct on TikTok include:

• Shop Page tab: A dedicated shop section on your profile where people can browse and buy your products anytime.
• Shop Tab recommendations: TikTok recommends your products to users who may be interested based on their activity and preferences.
• Product links in videos: You can tag products inside your videos so viewers can click and purchase instantly.
• TikTok Shop Ads: Paid ads that help you push products to more people for faster sales and better reach.
• Shoppable videos: Videos that allow users to shop directly while watching without leaving the TikTok app.
• LIVE Shopping Ads: Ads that promote your LIVE shopping sessions to bring more viewers and buyers in real time.

A good example is Sophie Nistico’s brand “See the Way I See.” She has 612K followers and sold over 43K items. Pretty cool, eh?

You can sell your own products, merchandise, or physical items and establish a stable revenue stream.

How to Make Money on TikTok Without Followers: 6 Simple Ways

At this point, you might be wondering if making money on TikTok requires a large follower count, and how beginners can even start. Don’t worry—you don’t need to stress about that.

Your TikTok videos can reach thousands of users even with a new account, and that’s what really matters.

Here are some of the best ways to earn without followers:

1. Create UGC (User-Generated Content) for Brands

UGC, or user-generated content, is one of the easiest ways to earn fast. What does it mean though? Well, it simply means that you create short ad-style videos for brands.

These videos may not even be posted on your own account; brands pay for content they can use in their ads. This is perfect for new users with a low follower count.

You can find UGC jobs through influencer platforms, direct outreach, or TikTok brand campaigns. Ergo, if you are good at filming and editing, this can become a full-time income.

2. Earn Through Affiliate Marketing (No Audience Needed)

Affiliate marketing can be effective even without followers—one viral video can generate sales. Make sure to join programs like Amazon Associates, Impact, or TikTok Shop affiliates.

Create content such as:

• Reviews
• Tutorials
• Unboxings

This content can drive traffic to your link. Even if your account is small, you can still earn commission. Again, as mentioned earlier, always disclose affiliate links to keep trust. This method is one of the best few ways to start quickly so jump on it as soon as possible.

3. Sell Digital Products or Services

TikTok is an excellent platform for selling digital products. You can promote:

• Ebooks
• Templates
• Coaching
• Freelance services

Even if you have a small TikTok account, the platform can promote your videos. Use a link-in-bio tool to direct viewers to your offer. However, you can’t simply expect your audience to buy without engaging them first.

To actually attract, your videos should show value. They should teach something small, then offer something bigger. This method turns TikTok into a sales funnel, allowing you to sell and generate revenue over time.

4. Join TikTok Creative Challenges and TikTok One Opportunities

TikTok Creative Challenges enable you to earn directly from brands. You can choose a challenge, create a video based on the brief, and submit it. If approved, your video may run as an ad.

However, payment depends on performance. The more views your video receives, the more money you make. This is pretty awesome for beginners because you can earn even before building followers.

This is also a strong monetization strategy for U.S.-based creators, as it helps you build a community over time.

5. Offer Freelance Services Using TikTok as a Portfolio

Among many other things, TikTok can also serve as a portfolio. You can post content that shows your skills for which you can get hired.

For example:

• Video editing
• Fitness coaching
• Graphic design
• Consulting

When people see your skill, they message you for paid work. You can also monetize before becoming famous. However, this works best when you create niche content and post consistently.

6. Work With Small Businesses for Early Sponsorships

Small businesses often love working with beginners. They want authentic videos and do not want to pay huge influencer fees.

So, make sure to reach out with a simple offer:

• Short product video
• Review
• Tutorial

These early deals help you build credibility. After that, it becomes easier to land bigger brand partnerships later.

How Many Followers Do You Need to Make Money on TikTok?

To be honest, there is no specific number of followers required to earn money on TikTok. What matters most is having an engaged audience. If people watch, comment, share, and recreate your videos, you can monetize in various ways.

Still, some TikTok programs require a certain benchmark. For example, the creator rewards program usually needs 10,000 followers. For bigger influencer campaigns and high-paying deals, brands often prefer creators with around 100,000 followers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many views do you need on TikTok to make money?

It directly depends on the method. For the creator rewards program, you need 100,000 views in the last 30 days. However, for affiliate marketing, even one viral video can generate income.

2. How much does TikTok pay per view?

TikTok payouts vary by region and other factors. Some sources report earnings of $0.40 to $1 per 1,000 views, while others suggest $4 to $8 per 1,000 views. Factors like region, watch time, and engagement play a significant role.

3. How long does it take to make money on TikTok?

Some creators earn in weeks – others take months. It depends on your niche, posting style, and how often you are posting regularly.

4. How much money can you make on TikTok?

It depends on the time and effort you invest. With multiple revenue streams, creators can build a consistent income over time.

5. How to make money on TikTok for beginners?

Start with easy options:

• Affiliate marketing
• UGC content
• Freelance services·
• Tip jar

Then grow into bigger options like TikTok shop and brand deals.

6. How much money can I make on TikTok?

There is no limit. Many creators earn hundreds, thousands, or more per month. If you create engaging content and build trust, TikTok can become a real income platform.