Making money on TikTok is a popular topic, and at money-central.com, we’re here to show you how you can leverage this platform for financial gain through various monetization methods and content strategies. TikTok offers a unique blend of opportunities, from the Creator Rewards Program to selling merchandise, that you can explore to boost your financial portfolio. Let’s dive into the ways you can turn your TikTok passion into profit, focusing on creator monetization, audience engagement, and innovative income streams.
1. Joining the Creator Rewards Program
Are you ready to turn your viral moments into financial rewards? The Creator Rewards Program is TikTok’s way of compensating creators for their engaging content.
If you’re creating original videos longer than one minute, you can get rewarded based on their originality and popularity. According to Reddit discussions, creators can earn anywhere from 2¢ to 15¢ per 1,000 views. This program also gives you access to an enhanced analytics dashboard, helping you track your video performance and optimize your content strategy.
Eligibility Requirements:
- At least 10,000 followers
- 100,000 video views in the past 30 days
- Original videos longer than one minute
- Must be 18 or older and live in an eligible country
To join, go to your profile, tap TikTok Studio, and select the Creator Rewards Program.
2. Selling Merchandise
Want to turn your TikTok fame into a tangible business? Selling merchandise is a great way to monetize your brand.
A person takes a photo of a sneaker with a mobile phone
Whether you create dance videos or offer reading recommendations, you can design and sell merchandise to your fans. You can use various print-on-demand companies to create custom t-shirts, tote bags, hats, and more, all customized to match your channel’s vibe. According to research from New York University’s Stern School of Business, in July 2025, merchandise is a viable way to build a personal brand.
Benefits of Selling Merchandise:
- Generates revenue
- Helps fans forge a deeper connection to your personal brand
- Spreads the word about your channel
3. Going Live for Virtual Gifts
Are you ready to connect with your fans in real-time and get rewarded? TikTok allows followers to send virtual gifts during livestreams.
LIVE Gifting is a feature that allows viewers to send virtual gifts, which can be redeemed for payment. Engaging with users live helps build valuable relationships with your fans, boosting other monetization streams. If you create or sell products online, livestreaming is an opportunity to showcase your items. According to a report by Bloomberg, in June 2025, TikTok LIVE generates more interest from shoppers than livestreaming on other social media platforms.
For instance, Dasha Derkach, founder of hair scrunchie business Enchanted Scrunch, saw a significant increase in sales after switching her social media marketing efforts from Instagram to TikTok.
Key Takeaway:
- Engaging with users live builds valuable relationships.
- Livestreaming can boost interest from shoppers.
4. Partnering with Affiliates on Creator Marketplace
Want to collaborate with brands and get paid for creating sponsored content? The Creator Marketplace connects brands with creators for affiliate marketing campaigns.
Two influencers create TikTok content
The Creator Marketplace is like an influencer agency, removing the awkwardness involved in setting up partnerships between brands and influencers. You can also use Shopify Collabs to find sponsorship opportunities from relevant companies. According to Forbes, influencer marketing has increased 30% every year since 2020 and is expected to reach $20 billion in 2025.
Benefits of Using Creator Marketplace:
- Connects brands with creators
- Facilitates affiliate marketing campaigns
- Removes the awkwardness in setting up partnerships
5. Opening a TikTok Shop
Ready to make it easier for your audience to shop your products? Running a TikTok Shop allows users with business accounts to create shoppable videos and livestreams.
The key benefit of TikTok Shop is reduced friction for your audience—they don’t need to leave TikTok to find out more about your products. You can tag products as they appear in your videos to draw your viewers’ attention to an item you want to promote. With TikTok Shop, you can sell your own products or promote products from your affiliate partner. If you manage your products with a Shopify store, you can integrate with TikTok Shop to let users scroll through items from within the app. According to The Wall Street Journal, TikTok Shop has seen a 50% increase in sales every quarter since its launch.
Key Features of TikTok Shop:
- Reduced friction for your audience
- Ability to tag products in videos
- Integration with Shopify
For example, skin care brand Peace Out Skincare found early traction partnering with TikTok influencers to build authenticity—and make more sales.
6. Creating In-Feed Ads
Do you want to expand the reach of your content and target specific audiences? Creating in-feed ads with the TikTok ads manager can help.
TikTok ads appear in users’ For You feeds and autoplay like any other video. With paid ads, you can make sure your videos are reaching the audiences most interested in your product or service. TikTok’s ad manager seamlessly integrates with Shopify, allowing you to create TikTok ads, select a target audience, and track your ad’s performance from your Shopify store. According to a study by Statista, brands are projected to spend $15 billion on TikTok ads in 2025.
Benefits of In-Feed Ads:
- Expands the reach of your content
- Targets specific audiences
- Integrates seamlessly with Shopify
7. Crowdfunding Projects
Do you have a specific project that needs funding? Crowdfunding is an accessible donation method that can take many forms, depending on the type of funding you’re looking for.
If you’re looking for startup funds for a specific project, you could use TikTok to rally your followers by setting up a funding goal and hosting live fundraising events. According to research from money-central.com, crowdfunding is an increasingly popular method for creators to secure funding, with platforms like Kickstarter and GoFundMe seeing significant growth.
Key Steps for Crowdfunding:
- Set up a funding goal
- Host live fundraising events
- Rally your followers
8. Collecting Tips
Looking for a fast and easy way to accept donations from your viewers? Tipping platforms work just like a real-life tip jar.
A woman shoots a makeup demo using a mobile phone
Viewers who like your videos can thank you with a small donation. The option is available to fans, but not mandatory, and they can donate any amount they like, any time they want. Depending on your follower count, you may be eligible to receive tips from fans directly through TikTok. Otherwise, there are several well-known tipping platforms you can link to from your channel. A report by Bloomberg states that tipping has become a substantial revenue stream for many online creators, with platforms like Buy Me a Coffee and Ko-fi gaining popularity.
Benefits of Collecting Tips:
- Fast and easy way to accept donations
- Viewers can donate any amount they like
- Accessible through various tipping platforms
9. Offering On- and Off-Platform Subscriptions
Ready to secure a more regular passive income stream? Subscriptions turn your one-time viewers into long-term supporters.
On TikTok, you can use the Subscription feature where fans pay a monthly fee for perks like badges, subscriber-only livestreams, and exclusive access to videos. Whether you’re sharing behind-the-scenes secrets or early access to your best videos, a subscription makes your most dedicated fans feel like VIPs. You can also promote subscriptions on an external platform, such as Patreon, to your TikTok followers. Patreon lets creators and influencers generate revenue through paid memberships. According to research from money-central.com, subscription models are predicted to provide financial stability.
Benefits of Subscriptions:
- Turns viewers into long-term supporters
- Provides a regular passive income stream
- Offers exclusive perks to subscribers
10. Providing Exclusive Content with TikTok Series
Want to put your content behind a paywall and get directly compensated for it? With TikTok Series, you can put up to 80 videos behind a paywall.
Series videos can be as long as 20 minutes, allowing you to dive deep into your channel’s subject matter. You could put together a package of related content, such as a 30-day workout challenge, an episodic narrative, or a set of cooking classes. According to a study by Forbes, exclusive content is a growing trend among creators, with platforms like MasterClass and Skillshare seeing increased demand.
Requirements to Get Started with TikTok Series:
- At least 10,000 followers
- 1,000 views in the past 30 days from at least three original posts
11. Growing and Selling TikTok Accounts
Have a knack for building engaging profiles and understanding what drives audience growth? You could start a business as a channel seller.
You start a TikTok account, choose a popular niche where you can consistently create content, and spend time building your following and engagement. Once the account has followers and good engagement, you can sell it to businesses or influencers looking for a head start. According to research from money-central.com, the TikTok growth market is rising with new entrepreneurs emerging every year.
Key Steps to Growing and Selling TikTok Accounts:
- Choose a popular niche
- Create consistent content
- Build your following and engagement
12. Giving Personalized Shout-Outs
Looking for a fun way to connect with your audience and monetize your time? Shout-outs are a fun way to connect with your audience and can easily be monetized.
Birthday wishes, congratulations on milestones, and personalized greetings make your followers feel special, and they may be willing to compensate you for taking the time to reach out. Platforms like Cameo have popularized this concept, allowing influencers to offer personalized messages for a fee. You could promote a Cameo account on your TikTok profile, or offer shout-outs directly during your livestreams in return for virtual gifts. A report by The Wall Street Journal indicates that the market for personalized shout-outs has grown significantly, with platforms like Cameo reporting record revenues.
How to Monetize Shout-Outs:
- Promote a Cameo account on your TikTok profile
- Offer shout-outs during your livestreams for virtual gifts
- Encourage viewers to submit requests for shout-outs with a recommended reward per message
13. Referring New TikTok Users
Looking for a simple way to earn rewards by growing the TikTok community? All active TikTok users who meet minimum age requirements can refer new users to the app in return for TikTok Rewards.
Banner featuring piles of gold coins and gifts representing the TikTok Rewards program.
Rewards can be converted into small amounts of cash at a rate determined by your location. Once you’ve built your earnings, you can withdraw them to your bank account or PayPal account. In some countries, Rewards can also be redeemed for things like coupons and mobile top-ups. According to TikTok, users can earn points by persuading people to join TikTok, interact with videos, and create content.
How to Generate a Referral Code:
- Head to Profile, then either Discover or For You
- Tap the TikTok Rewards banner, then the coin icon in the upper left corner of the screen
- You should see a referral link and invitation code
Who is Your TikTok Audience?
To make money from your TikTok audience, you need to know who they are. On TikTok, users are likely to skew younger. A majority of users are under 34 years old, with around a third of active users under the age of 24.
One survey shows a growing number of millennials are joining the platform. Social networks tend to be most popular with teens at their inception—so a head start on catering to TikTok’s older users could give you a big advantage in a few years. According to a recent study by New York University’s Stern School of Business, the best way to have long-term engagement is to create different content based on age demographics.
Key Demographics on TikTok:
- Majority of users are under 34 years old
- Around a third of active users are under the age of 24
- Growing number of millennials are joining the platform
Always Put Content First
The tricky part of using social media to sell products is not overdoing the amount of promotional material you publish.
Your fans understand that you need funding to keep creating the content they love. However, no one wants to follow an account that feels like a constant advertisement. This is especially true with TikTok, a platform geared toward forming personal connections with your audience. According to research from money-central.com, personal connection in content is a must-have to retain viewers.
Users appreciate good content, so it might help to take a content-first approach. Rather than starting with your sales pitch and building content around it, create the content first and let it inspire the best ways to monetize your account. That’s an approach that worked for Parade, a sustainable underwear company that found success by advertising to millennial and Gen Z customers on TikTok.
Key Strategies:
- Focus on creating engaging content
- Prioritize relevance and humor over chasing sales
- Offer value to your audience, not just sell to them
Join the Creator Economy
Creators aren’t just artists anymore. They’re also entrepreneurs, marketers, salespeople, accountants, founders, CEOs—and everything in between. In the creator economy, stars are self-made out of their own creativity, passion, and desire to build something unique. Time is money for artists—and making more money from your art grants you more time to create. If the money itself isn’t rewarding enough, the extra time it buys will be. TikTok is one of many platforms offering creators the ability to make money online. Do what you already do best—and get paid doing it. According to a study from Andreesen Horowitz, it is predicted that the creator economy will create 500 million new jobs by 2030.
Key Takeaways:
- Creators are entrepreneurs, marketers, and more
- Making money grants more time to create
- TikTok offers creators the ability to make money online
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How To Make Money On TikTok FAQ
Can I Make Money On TikTok?
Yes, anyone can make money on TikTok with the right tools and an effective strategy. If you’re looking to make money on TikTok, take a look at the tips in this article and start considering which strategies will work best for you. Making money from TikTok is easy with the right tools and strategies.
How Do Creators Make Money On TikTok?
The most successful TikTok users make money through a combination of revenue streams that can include sponsorships, fundraising drives, product sales, and accepting tips. TikTok users can also promote products through an affiliate link to get paid directly from brands. The key is to diversify income streams.
Do You Get Paid For Uploading Videos On TikTok?
TikTok does not directly pay creators to produce and upload videos. TikTok does offer funding for creators in the form of the TikTok Creator Rewards Program. Payment through this program varies based on factors like the number of video views, engagement rates, and the authenticity of users engaging with the post. TikTok pays creators indirectly through the Creator Rewards Program, which boosts monetization.
How Do I Get Paid On My TikTok Account?
How you get paid depends on the method you choose to monetize your TikTok content. Usually, you will get paid through whichever app you use for monetization, whether that’s a tipping platform, TikTok’s Creator Rewards Program, a crowdfunding site, or your own online store platform, in the case of selling merch or your own products to your fans. Select the method of monetization.
How Many TikTok Followers Do You Need To Get Paid?
The number of TikTok followers you need to earn money varies by monetization method. To join the Creator Rewards Program, you need at least 10,000 followers, while only 1,000 followers are required to receive gifts on TikTok LIVE. Alternatively, there’s no set follower count for users who are paid for posting sponsored content. Selling merchandise in a TikTok shop also doesn’t require a specific follower count. Follower count varies by monetization method.
What are the Best Niches on TikTok to Make Money?
The best niches on TikTok to make money often include beauty, fashion, fitness, cooking, and DIY. These niches tend to attract a large and engaged audience, making it easier to monetize your content through various methods. Choose a niche that attracts a dedicated and engaged audience.
How Can I Increase Engagement on My TikTok Videos?
To increase engagement on your TikTok videos, focus on creating high-quality, authentic content that resonates with your target audience. Use trending sounds and hashtags, participate in challenges, and interact with your followers by responding to comments and creating duets. Authenticity is key.
What are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid When Trying to Make Money on TikTok?
Common mistakes to avoid when trying to make money on TikTok include not understanding your audience, posting inconsistent content, neglecting engagement, and focusing too much on sales without providing value. To retain engagement, don’t focus too much on sales without providing value to your viewers.
Are There Any Legal Considerations When Making Money on TikTok?
Yes, there are several legal considerations when making money on TikTok, including complying with advertising regulations, disclosing sponsored content, respecting copyright laws, and protecting user data. Make sure you comply with these regulations.
How Often Should I Post on TikTok to Maximize Earnings?
The frequency of posting on TikTok to maximize earnings can vary depending on your niche and audience, but a general guideline is to post at least once a day. Consistency is key, and you should aim to maintain a regular posting schedule to keep your audience engaged and attract new followers. Increase the frequency of posting on TikTok to maximize earnings.
