How To Make Money on TikTok

TikTok isn’t just for fun videos and trending challenges, it’s a great platform to make money! 

With billions of users worldwide, TikTok offers multiple ways to earn an income. 

Irrespective of your location, gender, or age, there’s an opportunity to turn your presence on the platform into a source of income.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different ways to make money on TikTok, what you need, and tips to help you succeed.

Let’s dive in. 

18 Realistic Ways to Make Money on TikTok You Should Know About

1. Join The TikTok Creator Rewards Program

TikTok offers monetization programs that pay creators for their content. The programs include the TikTok Creator Fund and the TikTok Creativity Program. 

Both programs aim to reward creators based on video performance, but they have differences in payment structure, eligibility, and content requirements.

The TikTok Creator Fund was TikTok’s original program for paying content creators based on video engagement. It was introduced in 2020 with a $1 billion fund to support creators.

This fund is no longer accepting new applications as they are transitioning to the Creativity program. 

The TikTok Creativity Program, now known as the TikTok Creator Rewards Program,  is a newer monetization program launched in 2023 that offers higher payouts than the Creator Fund. 

This program is only available in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Brazil, South Korea, and Japan.

Requirements to join the program include:

• Must be 18 years or older.

• Have at least 10,000 followers.

• Generate at least 100,000 video views in the last 30 days.

• Reside in a supported country.

• Follow TikTok’s guidelines.

TikTok does not mention how much this program pays but creators report making $0.30 to $1 per 1,000 views.

The TikTok Creator Rewards Program offers a reliable way to earn directly from the platform, allowing you to make money by producing engaging content. 

2. Set Up a TikTok Shop

TikTok Shop is an e-commerce feature that allows you to sell products directly on TikTok. 

It integrates shopping into the app, enabling users to discover and purchase items without leaving the platform.

To qualify for TikTok Shop, you must meet these requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Have a TikTok Business Account 

• Have a valid government-issued ID (for individuals) or a registered business license (for brands)

• Provide a linked bank account for payments

• Sell physical products (some countries allow digital products)

• Follow TikTok’s e-commerce policies

Unfortunately, TikTok Shop is not available worldwide and is limited to select regions. 

The supported countries include the United States, United Kingdom, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore, and China (Douyin version).

To set up a TikTok Shop, sign up on the TikTok Shop Seller Center and choose to register as a business or an individual seller. 

Business sellers must provide registration documents, while individual sellers need a government-issued ID for verification. 

Once approved, you’ll need to link a bank account to receive payments. 

After setup, you can list your products and start promoting them through TikTok’s various selling features.

3. Sell Your Services

TikTok is a powerful platform to showcase and sell your services.

You can sell a variety of services such as graphic design, writing, social media management, fitness coaching, business consulting, etc.

To sell your services, create content that highlights your expertise.

You can use TikTok to demonstrate your skills, share valuable tips, and connect with potential customers.

The platform features a link-in-bio feature you can use to direct interested viewers to your website, booking page, or portfolio. 

You can also offer free mini-sessions or downloadable resources to attract potential clients and build trust. 

4. Go Live for Virtual Gifts

You can use TikTok Live to engage directly with your audience in real time, and one of the biggest benefits is the ability to earn money through virtual gifts. 

Your viewers can purchase coins and send virtual gifts during a live session, which you can later convert into real money.

To start earning from TikTok Live, you must be at least 18 years old and have at least 1,000 followers to unlock the live-streaming feature. 

The key to maximizing earnings is creating interactive and engaging live sessions, such as Q&A sessions, tutorials, performances, or behind-the-scenes content. 

Consistently going live, engaging with your viewers, and encouraging them to support you through gifts can help you build a loyal audience willing to contribute financially.

5. Engage in Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a way to earn commission by promoting products or services and sharing affiliate links with your audience. 

On TikTok, you can link to products sold through TikTok Shop and earn a percentage of every sale made through your link. 

You can also promote external affiliate programs by directing viewers to your bio link or a landing page.

To succeed in affiliate marketing on TikTok, create engaging videos showcasing the products or services you’re promoting. 

The key is to be authentic and only promote items that align with your audience’s interests. 

With time, affiliate marketing can become a passive income stream, earning you commissions even while you sleep.

6. Sell Digital Products

Selling digital products on TikTok is a way to make money without worrying about inventory or shipping. 

Digital products are intangible goods that can be sold or distributed online as they exist in digital format.

These products can be downloaded, accessed, or used electronically. Since they don’t require manufacturing, storage, or shipping, they are cost-effective and scalable.

The products include;

• eBooks such as guides, how-to manuals, and fiction/non-fiction books

• Online courses and tutorials

• Printables like planners, worksheets, calendars, and templates

• Stock photos, videos, and music

• Software and apps such as tools, plugins, and automation scripts

• Graphic design assets like logos, social media templates, and branding kits

To start selling digital products, you need to create engaging TikTok videos that demonstrate the value of your digital product. 

You can do this through quick tutorials, previews, testimonials, or problem-solving content that makes viewers interested in your offer. 

Use the link in bio feature to direct viewers to your sales page. Examples of these selling platforms include Gumroad, Shopify, Etsy, or your website. 

If marketed well, digital products can generate passive income while helping your audience solve their problems.

7. Grow And Sell TikTok Accounts

Growing and selling TikTok accounts is a lucrative business if you understand audience engagement and content strategy. 

Many businesses, influencers, and brands are willing to purchase established TikTok accounts with a loyal following instead of growing one from scratch. 

The key is to build a niche-focused account that others would want to buy.

To make your account valuable, focus on high engagement rates, organic growth, and a targeted audience. 

Once the account has a good follower base, you can list it for sale on platforms like Fameswap or by directly engaging interested buyers. 

A disclaimer, TikTok has policies against selling accounts, so you need to be careful when choosing this as a method to make money on TikTok.

8. Find Brand Sponsorships and Partnerships 

Brand sponsorships are one of the most profitable ways to make money on TikTok. This method allows you to partner with companies for paid promotions. 

Businesses look for influencers who align with their brand values and can promote their products or services to their audience. 

Sponsorship deals can range from one-time paid posts to long-term collaborations, depending on your follower count and engagement.

To attract brand deals, build a strong personal brand by consistently creating quality content in your niche. 

To get sponsorships, you can reach out to brands you would like to work with directly or reach out to agencies that hire content creators.

You can also join influencer marketing platforms like TikTok Creator Marketplace, Upfluence, or AspireIQ.

The best part is that even with a smaller following, you can secure a partnership if you are aligned and have a highly engaged audience.

9. Link To Your Website

If you have a business, blog, or personal brand, TikTok can drive massive traffic to your website, helping you generate sales, leads, or advertising revenue. 

TikTok allows users with a business account to add a clickable link in their bio, which can direct viewers to a website, online store, or landing page.

This comes in handy if you’re a blogger, digital product seller, course creator, and a business looking to convert TikTok viewers into paying customers.

To maximize website traffic, create content that teases valuable information and encourages users to visit your site for more details. 

Tools like Linktree or Beacons allow you to add multiple links in your bio, making it easier for followers to explore different offerings.

10. Sell Physical Products and Merchandise

You can make money on TikTok by selling physical products or branded merchandise.

TikTok features a visual and viral nature that makes it ideal for promoting products.

You need to create content around the product such as engaging product demos, behind-the-scenes videos, customer testimonials, or live shopping events. 

If you have a loyal fanbase, you can even sell branded merchandise such as t-shirts, mugs, or stickers to strengthen your community.

You can sell physical products directly on your TikTok account or create a TikTok Shop if available in your region.

Clients can reach out to you through your contact information or a link in your bio to your store or third-party platform. 

11. Market Your Business and Attract New Clients

TikTok is a great marketing tool for your business or freelance career to attract new clients. 

The platform’s algorithm favors engaging content, making it easier for you to reach a large audience organically. 

TikTok allows you to showcase your expertise and get potential customers irrespective of your business.

To market your business, make sure to create videos that highlight your business and the value you bring.

Use relevant hashtags and TikTok SEO strategies to increase visibility. You can also collaborate with influencers or run TikTok ads to reach a wider audience.

12. Offer Exclusive Content on TikTok

You can monetize your TikTok audience by offering exclusive content through TikTok’s Series feature or private memberships. 

With TikTok Series, you create premium, long-form videos (up to 20 minutes each) and sell them as a bundle, giving viewers access to high-value content they can’t get for free.

Another way to offer exclusive content is by creating a private community where subscribers pay for access to behind-the-scenes content, early releases, or exclusive tutorials. 

You can set this up through Patreon, Discord, or a membership platform and use TikTok to promote it. 

This method works well if you’re an educator, fitness coach, content creator, and industry expert who wants to monetize their knowledge.

13. Collect Tips or Donations

TikTok allows fans to support their favorite creators through tips and direct donations. 

You can collect tips or donations through TikTok’s tipping feature or via third-party platforms like Buy Me a Coffee.

To receive tips, you need to meet TikTok’s eligibility requirements and activate the tipping feature in your account settings. 

14. Host Live Events or Workshops

Live events and workshops are another way to monetize your expertise on TikTok. 

You can host paid webinars, training sessions, or masterclasses on topics you’re an expert in.

To make money from live events, you can sell access through platforms like Zoom, Teachable, or Eventbrite and use TikTok to promote and direct attendees to the sign-up page. 

You can also offer free live previews to attract more people to your paid sessions.

15. Offer Personalized Shoutouts 

If you have a loyal fanbase, you can earn money by offering personalized shoutouts. 

Fans or brands can pay you to create customized videos such as birthday greetings, motivational messages, or business endorsements.

This works best if you have an engaged audience. To increase demand, promote your shoutout services in your videos.

You can also highlight previous personalized messages to show potential buyers what to expect.

16. Watch TikTok on other apps 

Some apps pay you to watch TikTok videos or engage with content for rewards. 

These apps work as part of reward programs where you earn points, gift cards, or cash payments by completing specific actions like watching videos, sharing content, or engaging with ads.

Platforms like InboxDollars and Swagbucks offer such opportunities. 

It’s important to note that this method won’t make you rich, it’s an easy way to earn extra money by spending time on TikTok.

17. Enroll in TikTok Rewards 

TikTok Rewards is a referral-based program that allows you to earn money or points by inviting friends to download and use TikTok. 

When a new user signs up using your referral link and meets certain conditions (such as watching videos for a set amount of time), you earn TikTok coins that can be converted into cash or used to redeem rewards.

This method works best if you have a large network of friends or an audience on other platforms. 

18. Become a UGC Creator

User-generated content (UGC) creation is one of the fastest-growing ways to make money on TikTok without needing a large following. 

You get paid per piece of content and not based on your following. 

As a UGC creator, you’ll make content that showcases a brand's product or service in a genuine, everyday setting.

The brands you work with post the content on their social media channels, websites, or ads.  

This content helps brands build trust with their audience as the content is authentic and relatable.

You can find UGC opportunities by reaching out to brands directly or using platforms like Billo, Insense, or JoinBrands.

Another way to find opportunities is to promote your services on social media and freelance platforms. 

Tips for Making Money on TikTok

1. Choose a profitable niche and build a brand

The niche you choose determines your rate of success.

Don’t generalize and instead of trying to appeal to everyone, focus on a specific niche where you can provide value. 

Popular niches include tech, personal finance, fitness, beauty, gaming, and digital marketing. 

Once you pick a niche, develop a personal or business brand that makes you stand out.

You do this by using a consistent style, tone, and visual aesthetic to make your content recognizable.

2. Create engaging and viral content

The key to making money on TikTok is creating content that grabs attention and encourages interaction. 

Make use of trending sounds, catchy captions, and creative storytelling to make your videos more engaging. 

Short, high-energy videos with strong hooks in the first few seconds tend to perform best. 

Experiment with different content formats to find what works. Use the analytics and the TikTok Creator insights to determine what viewers are looking for.

You can also ask your viewers to suggest content they would like to see more from you.

3. Engage with your audience

Engagement plays a role in the long-term success of your account on TikTok. 

Ensure that you respond to comments, interact with followers, and ask engaging questions in your videos. 

The more you engage, the more likely TikTok’s algorithm will push your content to a wider audience. 

Audience interaction also helps build trust, making people more likely to support your monetization efforts.

4. Be authentic

TikTok users value authenticity over polished, scripted content. Share real experiences, be relatable, and let your personality shine. 

People connect more with creators who are genuine rather than those who only post overly promotional content.

Showing behind-the-scenes moments, struggles, and real-life successes can make your audience feel more connected to you.

5. Stay consistent in posting content

Consistency is key to growing on TikTok and increasing your earning potential. 

Posting regularly keeps your audience engaged and signals TikTok’s algorithm that your content is active.

Aim for at least 3–5 posts per week, but prioritize quality over quantity. 

Use TikTok’s analytics to find out when your audience is most active and schedule your posts to suit this schedule.

6. Use multiple moneymaking strategies

To maximize your income, combine multiple strategies to make money on TikTok.

Diversifying your revenue streams ensures that even if one method slows down, you still have other ways to make money. 

Also, use external platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and email marketing to help expand your reach and increase your income potential.

Challenges Making Money on TikTok and How to Overcome Them

1. Shadow banning and algorithm changes

TikTok's algorithm changes can reduce your content’s visibility. 

To overcome this, stay updated on platform trends and experiment with different content formats to maintain engagement. 

Consistent posting and using relevant hashtags can also help you reach a wider audience.

2. Dealing with negative comments, bullies, and trolls

Negative feedback and online trolls can affect your mental health. 

Manage this by setting comment filters, blocking toxic users, and focusing on positive community interactions. 

Maintain professionalism and avoid engaging in arguments to protect your brand image.

3. TikTok’s strict content guidelines

TikTok has strict rules that can lead to content removal or account bans. 

To avoid violations, familiarize yourself with the community guidelines and ensure your content aligns with them.

If you encounter issues, appeal decisions or adjust your content strategy as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How Many Followers Do I Need to Make Money on TikTok?

There is no fixed number of followers required to start making money on TikTok.  Making money depends on the monetization method you choose.

2. How Do You Get Followers on TikTok?

To gain followers on TikTok, create engaging and valuable content that resonates with your target audience, post consistently, and interact with viewers through comments and trends. 

3. Can I Make Money on TikTok Without Showing My Face?

Yes, it's possible to earn on TikTok without appearing on camera. Many creators successfully make money by posting faceless content, such as screen recordings, animations, text-based videos, product demonstrations, or voiceover content.

4. What are the Best Niches for Making Money on TikTok?

The best niches for making money on TikTok include finance, tech, beauty, fitness, and lifestyle, as they attract large audiences and brand sponsorships.

Conclusion

TikTok offers countless opportunities to make money. 

To be successful, choose a strategy that aligns with your skills and interests, stay consistent, and adapt to TikTok’s ever-evolving algorithm.

If you've been thinking about making money on TikTok, now is the perfect time to start! 

Experiment with different methods, track your results and find what works best for you. 

We’d love to hear from you—which method do you prefer or has worked for you so far? Share your thoughts in the comments!