How to Make Money on TikTok: A Complete Guide

TikTok has quickly become one of the most popular social media platforms, with over one billion active users worldwide. Thanks to its massive user base and viral nature, TikTok offers incredible monetization opportunities for creators.

If you’re wondering how to make money on TikTok, you’re in the right place. This guide provides you with actionable strategies for earning revenue through your content on the platform.

Ways to Earn Money on TikTok

There are several ways to earn money on TikTok, and they all revolve around a few fundamental principles:

1. Viewership numbers
2. User retention
3. Engagement and interaction
4. High-quality content

By focusing on these principles, you can set yourself on the right path to success on TikTok. Once you build a solid following (discussed later), you can start monetizing your content and earning income from your TikTok presence. Here’s how to get started.

1. TikTok Creator Fund and Creativity Program

For users in countries like the U.S., Germany, Italy, France, the UK, or Spain, one of the easiest ways to earn passive income from TikTok is through the TikTok Creator Fund.

This program, funded by TikTok itself, pays creators based on the number of views their videos generate.

The exact payment distribution is based on an algorithm that takes several factors into account, such as viewer retention and engagement.

Launched in 2021, the Creator Fund initially committed £231 million over three years to support creators. To join the fund, users must meet the following requirements:

• Be 18 years or older
• Have at least 10,000 followers
• Achieve 100,000 video views in the last 30 days

To apply, simply:

1. Open TikTok.
2. Tap the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines).
3. Select “Creator Tools.”
4. Tap “Creator Fund.”
5. Hit “Apply.”

While joining the Creator Fund is straightforward, earnings can be modest due to the program’s age and widespread participation.

That’s why TikTok introduced the Creativity Program in May 2023 to offer more lucrative options for creators.

2. TikTok’s Creativity Program

The TikTok Creativity Program differs from the Creator Fund in one key way: videos need to be longer than one minute to qualify for compensation.

This initiative encourages creators to produce higher-quality, engaging content that keeps audiences hooked and increases overall platform interaction.

To apply for the Creativity Program:

1. Open TikTok and go to your profile.
2. Select “Settings.”
3. Tap “Creator Tools.”
4. Choose “Creativity Program Beta.”
5. Hit the “Apply” button.

Requirements for eligibility include:

• At least 10,000 followers
• 100,000 views in the last 30 days
• 18 years or older
• No violations or reports on your account, with content adhering to TikTok’s community guidelines.

3. Brand Partnerships and Sponsorships

TikTok has a marketplace where you can connect with brands looking for influencers, called the Creator Marketplace. This platform simplifies the process of securing sponsorships and affiliate marketing deals.

Brands are increasingly realizing the value of influencer marketing, which translates into more opportunities for you.

To maximize these opportunities:

• Create a Press Kit: A press kit can help you present yourself professionally to brands. Include your contact information, previous collaborations, achievements, and a portfolio of your work.
• Create Organic Content: In addition to sponsored content, creating organic, non-sponsored posts can show your authenticity and attract bigger brands.

The goal is to build a reputable profile and trust with your audience, which will eventually lead to more sponsorships.

4. Become a Micro-Influencer and Build Trust

Brands are increasingly turning to micro-influencers (creators with 10,000 to 50,000 followers) because they often offer better engagement and higher conversion rates compared to influencers with massive followings.

Micro-influencers can see up to 60% higher conversion rates than traditional digital marketing strategies.

By cultivating trust and focusing on a niche audience, you can position yourself as a niche influencer, making you attractive to companies looking for genuine promotions.

5. Branded Content Toggle for Transparency

TikTok offers a Branded Content Toggle feature to ensure transparency between creators, brands, and viewers. This feature indicates when content is sponsored, so your audience knows when you’re promoting a brand.

To activate the Branded Content toggle:

1. When creating a post, tap “More Options.”
2. Select “Branded Content.”
3. Toggle the switch to “On.”

If you’re using the Creator Marketplace, this process is automated when a sponsorship is set up. Be aware that failing to use the toggle for sponsored posts can result in your content being flagged or removed.

6. Live Streaming and Donations

Another way to generate revenue on TikTok is by going live. While streaming, your audience can donate to show their support. Here’s how to start streaming:

1. Go to your profile.
2. Select “Live” in the settings.
3. Choose “Live Event” and share the link to your live session on other platforms to drive more views.

Engaging live content can attract donations, but make sure not to pressure viewers for donations, as this could lead to account suspension.

7. TikTok Ads for Businesses

If you run a business, TikTok Ads Manager offers a great way to advertise your products and services to a wide, targeted audience.

TikTok ads are highly profitable, as they enable you to reach a specific demographic based on your business needs.

To start running ads on TikTok:

1. Set up an account on TikTok Ads Manager.
2. Create a “Web Event” and generate a Pixel for tracking purposes.
3. Choose “Campaign” from the dashboard and click “Create.”
4. Design your ad and target your audience.

TikTok’s ad system is particularly effective because it provides a natural way to target potential customers while keeping them engaged with your brand.

Conclusion: Cashing In on TikTok

The creator economy is booming, and TikTok presents a massive opportunity for those looking to make money through content creation. With over one billion daily active users, TikTok offers brands and creators an immense platform for growth and monetization.

However, success on TikTok doesn’t come overnight; it requires dedication, consistency, and creativity.

Have you started creating content on TikTok? Would you recommend it to others looking to make money online? Let us know in the comments below!