TikTok has quickly become a cultural powerhouse, influencing trends and reaching millions of users, especially Gen Z. With a massive audience of motivated shoppers, it presents a lucrative opportunity for creators and marketers. This article explores 13 effective strategies to monetize your presence on TikTok and start earning.
13 Ways to Make Money on TikTok
Earning on TikTok involves understanding your target audience and leveraging various monetization features. Here’s a breakdown of proven methods:
1. Join the TikTok Creator Fund
The Creator Fund rewards creators for producing original, engaging videos longer than one minute. Earnings are based on video views, engagement, and authenticity, potentially ranging from 2¢ to 15¢ per 1,000 views. Eligibility requires 10,000 followers, 100,000 video views in the past 30 days, and original content exceeding one minute.
2. Sell Merchandise
Capitalize on your audience by creating and selling custom merchandise. Print-on-demand services offer a wide range of products, from t-shirts and tote bags to mugs and stickers, allowing you to monetize your brand and deepen fan connection.
A person takes a photo of a sneaker with a mobile phone
3. Leverage TikTok LIVE Gifts
TikTok’s LIVE Gifting feature allows viewers to send virtual gifts during livestreams, which creators can redeem for payment. This fosters real-time engagement, builds strong fan relationships, and provides a direct monetization avenue. Ecommerce businesses can showcase products and drive sales through interactive live sessions.
4. Collaborate with Brands on the Creator Marketplace
TikTok’s Creator Marketplace connects creators with brands seeking sponsored content. This platform simplifies collaborations, offering opportunities for paid partnerships and affiliate marketing campaigns. Leverage this tool and platforms like Shopify Collabs to find relevant sponsorships.
Two influencers create TikTok content
5. Open a TikTok Shop
Establish an in-app shopping experience with TikTok Shop, enabling seamless product discovery and purchase. Tag products in videos, host shoppable livestreams, and integrate with platforms like Shopify to manage inventory and sales efficiently. Reduce friction for your audience and maximize conversion rates.
6. Utilize In-Feed Ads
Expand your reach with TikTok’s in-feed ads, targeting specific audiences and ensuring your videos are seen by potential customers. Seamless integration with Shopify allows for streamlined ad creation, targeting, and performance tracking within your existing workflow.
7. Crowdfund Your Projects
Harness the power of your community by crowdfunding projects. Utilize platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo to rally your followers and secure funding for specific initiatives, turning your audience into active contributors.
8. Accept Tips from Fans
Utilize tipping platforms to allow fans to directly support your content with small donations. This provides an easy and accessible way for viewers to show appreciation and contribute to your creative endeavors.
9. Offer Subscriptions On and Off Platform
Cultivate long-term support through subscriptions, offering exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access, and subscriber-only perks. Utilize TikTok’s Subscription feature or external platforms like Patreon to create tiered memberships and generate recurring income.
10. Create Exclusive Content with TikTok Series
Monetize premium content with TikTok Series, offering up to 80 videos behind a paywall. This allows for in-depth exploration of topics, creating valuable content packages like workout challenges, episodic narratives, or educational courses.
11. Grow and Sell TikTok Accounts
If you have a knack for building engaged communities, consider growing and selling TikTok accounts. Develop niche accounts with strong followings and monetize your expertise by selling them to businesses or influencers seeking a head start.
A woman shoots a make up demo using a mobile phone
12. Offer Personalized Shout-outs
Connect with your audience on a personal level by offering paid shout-outs for birthdays, milestones, or special occasions. Platforms like Cameo facilitate this process, or you can offer shout-outs directly during livestreams in exchange for virtual gifts.
13. Refer New TikTok Users through the TikTok Rewards Program
Earn TikTok Rewards points by referring new users to the platform. These points can be converted into cash or redeemed for rewards like coupons or mobile top-ups.
Banner featuring piles of gold coins and gifts representing the TikTok Rewards program.
Understanding Your TikTok Audience
Knowing your audience is crucial for effective monetization. TikTok’s user base skews younger, with a majority under 34. Understanding their preferences and interests allows you to tailor your content and monetization strategies for maximum impact.
A phone captures a video of three people hanging out by a brick wall
Prioritize Content Quality
While monetization is important, always prioritize creating high-quality, engaging content that resonates with your audience. Authenticity and value are key to building a loyal following and fostering long-term success on TikTok. Focus on entertaining, informing, or inspiring your viewers, and the monetization opportunities will follow naturally.
