TikTok has grown beyond a simple video-sharing app into a lucrative platform for creators. With millions of active users and a variety of monetization options, TikTok offers many ways to earn income. Whether you’re new to the platform or a seasoned creator, here’s how you can earn with TikTok:
- Become a TikTok Creator Fund Member
TikTok’s Creator Fund allows eligible creators to earn money directly from TikTok based on views and engagement.
- How it Works: Creators earn based on the number of views they get on their content. The more engaging your videos, the more you can earn.
- Eligibility: To join, you need to be 18+, have at least 10,000 followers, and have gained a minimum of 100,000 video views in the last 30 days.
While Creator Fund payouts may not be substantial for everyone, it’s a great option if you’re already building a following.
- Partner with Brands for Sponsored Content
Sponsored content is one of the most profitable ways to earn on TikTok. Brands pay influencers to promote their products or services in sponsored videos.
- How it Works: You’ll create content that highlights a brand’s product or service in a way that feels authentic to your style. Some deals are straightforward shout-outs, while others may involve more creative, narrative-driven content.
- How to Find Partnerships: You can reach out to brands directly or join influencer marketing platforms like Influence.co, AspireIQ, or FameBit to connect with brands looking for TikTok influencers.
To attract brands, ensure your profile shows off your personality and niche, and be consistent with your content to build a loyal following.
- Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing on TikTok involves promoting products and including a unique referral link. When followers purchase through your link, you earn a commission.
- How it Works: You can add affiliate links to your bio (for personal accounts) or include a link that takes viewers to a landing page with multiple affiliate links.
- Tips for Success: Share products you genuinely love or that fit well with your niche. Authentic recommendations resonate better with audiences and drive more clicks.
Platforms like Amazon Associates or ShareASale make it easy to start affiliate marketing on TikTok.
- Sell Your Own Products or Services
If you have products to sell, TikTok is an excellent place to promote them. Many creators have found success by using TikTok to launch and promote businesses, from selling handmade crafts to offering consulting services.
- How it Works: Use TikTok to showcase your products, explaining their benefits and providing a call to action.
- Tip: Use TikTok’s Shop feature if available or link to your website or Etsy store. TikTok’s algorithm favors engaging content, so make product videos fun, helpful, and authentic.
If you’re offering services like coaching or consultations, create educational content to attract clients who find value in your expertise.
- Create TikTok Live Gifts
TikTok allows creators to go live and receive virtual gifts from viewers, which can be exchanged for real money.
- How it Works: During a TikTok Live, viewers can send gifts that you can later redeem. Gifts range from small (like roses) to large (like “dramas” or “universe”).
- Eligibility: You need to have at least 1,000 followers to go live on TikTok and be over 18 to receive gifts.
To encourage viewers to send gifts, make your lives engaging and consider doing live Q&As, behind-the-scenes content, or showcasing something special that connects with your followers.
- Drive Traffic to Other Revenue-Generating Platforms
If you’re active on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, or Patreon, you can use TikTok to drive followers to these channels.
- How it Works: Use TikTok videos to preview content available on other platforms, providing links in your bio for easy access.
- Example: A fitness trainer could share short workout clips on TikTok and encourage followers to check out longer, in-depth tutorials on YouTube or join a Patreon for exclusive access.
This approach works well for creators with diverse content who want to leverage TikTok’s massive reach to grow other revenue streams.
- Offer Exclusive Content on Paid Subscription Platforms
Platforms like Patreon, OnlyFans (for non-explicit content), and Ko-fi let creators charge subscribers for exclusive content. If you have a highly engaged TikTok audience, this can be a good way to monetize.
- How it Works: Share sneak peeks or teasers on TikTok and invite followers to subscribe for exclusive content.
- Ideas for Exclusive Content: Behind-the-scenes, early access to videos, personalized shout-outs, or access to special events or Q&A sessions.
TikTok’s short-form format is perfect for promoting this kind of paid content since you can show just enough to leave viewers wanting more.
- Launch Your Own Course or Digital Product
If you’re knowledgeable in a specific area, such as makeup, cooking, or personal finance, creating a digital product or online course can be a great way to monetize your expertise.
- How it Works: Share valuable tips on TikTok that establish your authority in your niche. Once you have an audience interested in learning more, promote a course or guide you’ve created.
- Examples of Digital Products: E-books, downloadable guides, video courses, or templates.
Online platforms like Teachable or Gumroad can host your courses or products, making it easy to sell directly to your TikTok followers.
- Crowdfund Using TikTok
If you have a big project or creative endeavor in mind, TikTok can be a great place to crowdsource support from your followers.
- How it Works: Share the story behind your project, what it means to you, and why viewers should contribute.
- Platforms: You can use GoFundMe, Kickstarter, or Ko-fi to set up your crowdfunding project and link it in your bio.
Creators have used TikTok to fund everything from business ventures to creative projects. Crowdfunding is most successful when you build a compelling narrative around your goal, showing potential backers exactly how they’ll help make it a reality.
- Participate in Brand Challenges and Hashtag Campaigns
Brands often run hashtag challenges and campaigns on TikTok, where creators and followers are encouraged to post content using a specific hashtag. In some cases, brands reward participants with cash prizes or product giveaways.
- How it Works: Keep an eye on trending challenges and campaigns from popular brands that fit your niche. Some campaigns offer cash prizes or partnership opportunities for creators with the best videos.
- Tips for Success: Make your videos stand out by adding your unique twist and personality. These challenges are a good way to grow your profile while also making a potential income.
Tips for Success on TikTok
- Be Consistent: Regular posting helps you stay on the algorithm’s radar and keeps your audience engaged.
- Engage with Your Audience: Reply to comments, participate in trends, and engage with your followers to build loyalty.
- Focus on Niche Content: Specializing in a niche helps you attract followers who are genuinely interested in your content and more likely to support monetization efforts.
- Use High-Quality Content: Invest in a good camera and lighting, and edit videos to make them visually appealing.
Earning money on TikTok requires creativity, consistency, and an understanding of your audience. Whether through brand partnerships, creating engaging content, or selling your products, TikTok offers various opportunities to turn your passion into income. As you grow your following, continue exploring new ways to monetize, and always stay true to your unique style for the best chance at long-term success.