TikTok offers multiple ways to make money online, catering to creators of various sizes and niches.[1] Some options require meeting follower and engagement thresholds, while others can be accessed by any user with a dedicated audience or compelling content.
- Monetization Programs: Join the TikTok Creator Rewards Program (previously known as the Creator Fund) if you meet these requirements: be at least 18 years old, have at least 10,000 followers, accumulate at least 100,000 video views in the last 30 days, and be in an eligible country. This program pays creators based on the qualified views their videos generate.[7] Application is done through the app’s “Creator Tools” section.[2]
- Brand Partnerships and Sponsored Content: Brands actively work with TikTok creators of all follower sizes. As your account grows, you can pitch yourself directly to brands or join platforms like Creator Marketplace to land paid deals. Even micro (under 50k followers) and nano influencers (under 10k followers) are in demand if they have niche audiences.[3]
- Affiliate Marketing: Promote products from TikTok Shop, Amazon, or other affiliate networks and share your affiliate links. You earn commissions when followers purchase through your links. The TikTok Shop Affiliate Program has become especially popular in 2025 for ease of use.[3]
- Sell Your Own Products or Services: Use TikTok to drive traffic to your own digital products (eBooks, templates, courses), physical merchandise, or services like coaching. Add a link-in-bio (via Linktree, Koji, etc.) to route viewers to your sales pages.[1]
- Exclusive Content & Subscriptions: Offer premium content to fans through features like TikTok LIVE Subscriptions or Series. These tools let followers pay monthly for exclusive videos, behind-the-scenes content, or special badges, fostering a dedicated community and generating recurring income.[1][5]
- TikTok LIVE Gifts and Donations: TikTok’s live streaming feature allows viewers to send gifts or donations, which creators can convert to cash. Building engagement and hosting regular interactive livestreams will maximize earnings from this method.[3]
- Courses & Educational Products: Share your expertise with in-depth tutorials, masterclasses, or downloadable resources. Sell these directly to your audience either on or off the platform.[1]
- Crossposting to Other Platforms: Repurpose your TikTok videos on YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook. This can expand your reach and multiply your monetization potential through ad revenue and sponsorships elsewhere.[1]
Choose a strategy (or several) that matches your skills, audience interests, and TikTok presence. Adhering to TikTok’s Community Guidelines and actively engaging your fanbase are essential for long-term success and eligibility in most monetization programs.
References
- [1] How to make money on TikTok – 15 Proven ways for 2025 – Printify
- [2] TikTok from Creator Fund to Creativity Program | Sprout Social
- [3] What are the best ways to monetize a TikTok account in 2025?
- [5] How To Make Money on TikTok in 2025 – Network Solutions
- [7] How to Monetize Your TikTok Account in 2025 – Metricool