How to Make Money on TikTok: The Ultimate Guide for 2025

Updated on October 3, 2025

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You don’t need to be a famous influencer to get paid on TikTok. Regular people, small brands, and creators are already doing it. With billions of active monthly users, the TikTok app gives anyone the chance to go viral – sometimes overnight. One clip can suddenly land in front of massive TikTok audiences.

The trick is trying things out, creating content in different formats, hopping on new TikTok trends, and noticing what your followers respond to. Some posts flop, others fly – that’s the fun of it.

This guide walks you through 9 proven ideas and answers the question: how do you make money on TikTok in 2025?

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How TikTok monetizes creators

TikTok has become more than just an app where you create videos – it’s a platform where creators can earn money. The app uses a recommendation algorithm that pushes engaging content to target audiences, which helps creators grow faster than on many other social media platforms.

To support that growth, TikTok offers several built-in monetization tools: the Creator Rewards Program, LIVE Gifts, Tips, paid subscriptions, TikTok Shop, affiliate links, and brand deals. The older Creator Fund has largely been replaced by Creator Rewards, which pays more and focuses on high-quality videos that hold attention.

There are also bonus opportunities, like TikTok Pulse, which lets top creators share in ad revenue when their TikTok content performs really well. All of this adds up to different ways to earn – maybe through posting sponsored content, maybe by selling your own products, or mixing both.

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What you really need to start making money on TikTok

Not every TikTok feature is open to everyone. Each program has its own requirements:

Monetization option	Minimum followers	Views/engagement	Age	Availability
Creator Rewards	10,000+	100k+ views in 30 days	18+	US, UK, select countries
LIVE Gifts	1,000+	Active LIVE TikTok users	18+	Global (varies)
Tips & subscriptions	10,000+	Consistent engagement	18+	Limited regions
TikTok Shop	No minimum	Sales-driven	18+	Expanding worldwide
TikTok Pulse	100,000+	High engagement	18+	Limited regions

Payouts depend on several factors, not just how many TikTok followers you have. The platform looks at watch time, engagement, and content quality, so 10k followers alone won’t generate higher revenue potential. Countries also matter, as some monetization tools are still rolling out.

How to grow your TikTok audience faster

If you want to grow on TikTok, posting once in a while usually isn’t enough. A lot of creators find that their personal account does better when they upload videos more often – maybe two or three times a day. Some clips flop, others take off, but sharing regularly gives you more shots. Evenings and weekends usually bring more views, since that’s when people are scrolling the most.

Trends still matter. Using a fresh audio or joining in on a popular stitch can push your organic content further than you expect. And don’t skip the comments – jumping in to reply or ask a follow-up question shows TikTok there’s real engagement.

The funny thing? You don’t need millions of followers. Smaller business accounts, so-called micro-influencers, often grow loyal audiences that care more. The trick is watching your analytics and doubling down on TikTok posts that actually connect. That’s how steady growth happens.

In-app monetization methods to explore

If you want to start locally, here are six ideas on how to make money on TikTok within the app.

1. Creator Rewards Program

A lot of new creators ask the same thing: how to get paid on TikTok? One of the main answers right now is TikTok’s Creator Rewards Program. TikTok pays out when your videos check certain boxes – originality, watch time, search value, and audience engagement.

Here’s the catch: not everyone can sign up. You need to be at least 18, have 10,000 followers, and rack up 100,000 views in the past 30 days. Plus, the program isn’t available in every country yet. And yes – you’ll need to switch from a personal TikTok account to a creator TikTok account before anything else.

Earning potential: The payouts are much better than the old TikTok Creator Fund. Most creators report somewhere around $4–$8 per 1,000 views, compared to just a few cents before. But don’t expect a windfall right away – only TikTok videos that hold attention and get engagement can collect rewards here.

Tips to succeed: If you want to give yourself the best shot, focus on keeping people watching. For example, creating content that hooks TikTok users early, using trending sounds to get discovered, and actually replying to comments. Even small things like duets or quick messages can push engagement, which TikTok notices.

2. LIVE Gifts

Another way creators make money is by going on TikTok lives. When you stream, encouraging viewers can send you virtual gifts that turn into Diamonds, and TikTok lets you cash those out later. The more interactive your stream, the more likely people are to tip.

However, you can’t just hit the button and start right away. TikTok only unlocks the Live feature once you’re 18 and have at least 1,000 followers. And honestly, it works best if you already have people who enjoy hanging out with you in real time – they’re usually the ones who send gifts.

Earning potential: What makes this exciting is how fast the payouts can happen. Some creators earn a few dollars during their first streams, while others with strong communities can make much more. Still, quiet sessions are normal, and they usually mean fewer gifts.

Tips to succeed: Want better results? Stream at times when your followers are active, keep the chat lively, and make a habit of going live regularly. The little marketing tips always work. And even short sessions build trust, leading to more money over time.

3. Tips and subscriptions

Plenty of TikTok influencers don’t depend only on TikTok ads or brand deals. Some dedicated fans just want to chip in directly – maybe they send a tip here and there, maybe they go for a monthly subscription. What they get back can be premium content or exclusive access to engaging videos. You can even offer personalized messages. It’s not about big perks, more about connection, and that’s what makes this one of the more personal ways to start earning on TikTok.

However, you don’t unlock this from day one. TikTok usually wants you to be at least 18, keep your TikTok account in good standing, and, in some places, hit a follower threshold before the option shows up. Still, even smaller accounts can collect tips and set subscription costs if their audience is loyal and active.

Earning potential: The earnings vary a lot. Some creators only see a few dollars here and there. Others with strong communities manage to bring in steady support each month.

Tips to succeed: The trick isn’t chasing numbers – it’s giving attention back. Reply to subscribers, mention them in Lives, or drop an extra video. That little bit of effort keeps people around.

4. TikTok Shop and affiliate marketing

TikTok has quietly turned into a creator marketplace. Some TikTokers lean on TikTok’s affiliate program – sharing a product they already like and earning a small cut when someone buys through their link. Others open a TikTok Shop and sell their own merch straight inside the app. Both paths can work, and plenty of people mix the two.

Affiliate marketing is straightforward, but it only clicks if the products match your content. A fitness creator pushing workout gear feels natural. A gamer sharing gadget deals makes sense. What doesn’t work is random stuff that looks out of place. And you’ve got to be upfront about it – drop a quick note in your caption or video that it’s an affiliate link. Being clear keeps TikTok happy and your audience trusting you.

Earning potential: Earning potential varies a lot. Some creators make a few dollars per week from affiliate links, while others see hundreds or more once traffic grows.

Tips to succeed: Selling through TikTok Shop takes more effort, but it gives you control. Small brands have built online businesses here. Keep your style consistent, add links in your bio, and maybe run special offers, like early access for followers. Those little details are what make people buy twice.

5. Sponsored content and brand deals

Plenty of TikTokers dream about brand deals, and for good reason – companies will pay creators to talk about their products. Sometimes it’s a simple mention, other times it’s a full video. Big business accounts can charge the most, sure, but here’s the twist: smaller creators often have stronger engagement, which makes them just as appealing to branded content.

You don’t have to wait for brands to find you. Signing up on influencer platforms like Sprout, Brandwatch, or Upfluence can open doors – they match creators with companies in the background.

Talking money always feels a bit awkward, but don’t sell yourself short. Ask around, see what others in your niche are charging, and set clear expectations. Rates, timelines, deliverables – it’s better to sort those upfront than deal with surprises later. A media kit makes you look serious, even if it’s simple. Toss in your follower count, engagement stats, and any collabs you’ve done before.

Earning potential: What you earn really depends. Some creators get free products at first, while others land a few hundred bucks – and bigger accounts can cross into thousands for a single post.

Tips to succeed: Whatever the number, the golden rule stays the same: only work with stuff you’d actually recommend, so your content doesn’t lose trust.

6. Creative challenges and series

TikTok runs on trends, and challenges are the heartbeat. Maybe it’s a quick dance, a cooking hack, or some silly filter test – kids and adults jump in because it’s fun and fast. The good part? Trends spread quicker than you’d expect, and riding one can push your video out to way more people than usual.

A series works differently. Think of it like a mini-show. Break an idea into parts – “Day 1 of trying new snacks,” “Episode 2 of scary stories,” whatever fits your style. TikTok users stick around to see what comes next, and that repeat traffic can build a loyal base.

Earning potential: Money sneaks in when brands notice. Some sponsor challenges, others want their product dropped into a series. The numbers vary a lot, but if your idea lands, it can turn into steady opportunities instead of one-off hits.

Tips to succeed: Don’t overthink it. Jump on trends early, keep videos short and engaging, and make series easy to follow. Consistency keeps people coming back.

External monetization paths on TikTok

Not all monetization strategies have to stay within TikTok – plenty of creators branch out and use the app as a springboard for other ways to earn.

7. Merchandise and digital products

Plenty of creators reach a point where they want to sell something of their own. For some, it’s the classic merch route – hoodies, mugs, T-shirts. Others skip shipping boxes completely and go digital, making presets, templates, or small e-books. TikTok isn’t a store, but it’s easy enough to drop a link in your bio or even pin a short video that points fans to where they can buy.

What makes this work is how personal it feels. Fans enjoy repping someone they watch every day, whether that’s buying a hoodie or downloading a guide you built yourself. You don’t need thousands of followers either – even a small group of loyal buyers can cover some bills if you keep things simple.

Earning potential: Earnings vary a ton. Some people only pull in a bit of pocket change, others turn it into a shop that clears hundreds a month.

Tips to succeed: The main thing? Promote products that click with your audience and talk about them naturally.

8. Cross‑platform monetization

Plenty of creators learn this the hard way – one viral video doesn’t guarantee long-term income. Clips rise and fall fast on the feed, which is why many branch out. YouTube, Twitch, other social media platforms, or even a simple email list give you more control and extra ways to earn over time.

Think of TikTok as the hook. It’s where people first discover you. Then you nudge the ones who really care into other social media platforms where they’ll stick around longer. On YouTube, paid ads run in the background. On Twitch, fans can subscribe or tip live. A newsletter? That can drive traffic or highlight affiliate links without depending on TikTok’s algorithm.

Earning potential: The income side isn’t instant, but it’s steadier once you spread it out. Some creators only add a little extra cash this way, while others build a safety net that brings reliable money no matter what TikTok does.

Tips to succeed: Don’t wait for one platform to control your growth. Share links, remind followers where else they can find you, and make it easy to connect outside TikTok.

9. Licensing content or music

Sometimes a clip or sound blows up, and suddenly people want to use it outside of TikTok. You don’t have to just let that slide. If a brand, another creator, or even a media page wants your exclusive content, you can license it and get paid. It’s basically turning your creative spark into small shoppable videos.

With videos, it might be as simple as a company dropping you a fee to reuse a skit in their campaign. If it’s music, you can throw your beats or loops onto sites like SoundStripe or Epidemic. Every time someone grabs it, a little royalty comes your way. Even short sound effects, if they’re catchy, can get picked up.

Earning potential: There’s no fixed rate. Sometimes it’s a one-off payment, other times a sound builds into royalties that trickle in for months.

Tips to succeed: Keep ownership clear, track where your content gets used, and upload to legit licensing platforms so you actually get credit and payment.

How much money can you actually make on TikTok?

The truth: there’s no one-size-fits-all number. TikTok earnings depend on niche, engagement, and who’s watching. A creator with a small but loyal community can sometimes earn more than a bigger TikTok account with low interaction. Still, here’s what different methods typically look like:

Method	What creators usually earn	Notes
Creator Rewards	$4–$8 per 1,000 views	Based on watch time, niche, and region
TikTok Live Gifts & Diamonds	A few dollars to $100+ per stream	Depends on TikTok followers' generosity and consistency
Tips & Subscriptions	$1–$5 tips / $4.99 monthly subs	Adds up with loyal fans
TikTok Shop & Affiliate program	5–20% commission	Higher for niche products with good trust
Brand deals	$100–$1,000+ per post	Rates vary by audience size and industry

Earnings aren’t steady. TikTok updates policies, payouts shift, and algorithms change. That’s why many creators diversify – spreading income across multiple channels. Some even pair TikTok with off-app options.

You can also look outside TikTok. For example, JumpTask gives people simple ways to bring in a bit extra to their bank account. You can get paid for things like short surveys, light games, or quick micro-tasks. It works anywhere, and it’s handy when TikTok payouts slow down.

Common pitfalls beginners make and how to avoid them

A lot of creators dive in excited, but some easy mistakes slow them down. Here are a few to watch for:

Posting without a plan. Random content makes it hard to grow. Pick a niche you actually enjoy and stick with it so people know why they’re following you.
Breaking TikTok’s rules. Reposting clips or using banned topics can get you demonetized fast. Always check the platform’s monetization policies and TikTok FAQ before applying to any program.
Relying on one income source. If all your money comes from Creator Rewards, one policy change can wipe it out. Mix in other options like paid ads, brand deals, or even JumpTask micro-tasks to stay balanced.
Forgetting about taxes. Earnings count as income. In places like the UK, that means reporting to HMRC. Better to track from day one than stress later.

The fix? Try to stay consistent and stick to TikTok’s rules. Mix in more than one income source too. That way, if something changes, you won’t be completely thrown off.

Earn on TikTok without going viral

No need to film or dance: make money by completing simple tasks online.

Key Takeaways

TikTok pays in different ways – Creator Rewards, LIVE Gifts, Tips, Shop, and even Pulse for top videos.
Stop stressing over how many followers do you need to make money on TikTok. Focus on building a community, since a smaller, engaged audience can often be more valuable than thousands of followers.
If you only depend on TikTok payouts, income can swing a lot. Have something else on the side – sell merch, do licensing, or even YouTube – and it’ll keep money coming in more steadily.
It’s tempting to chase every trend, but sticking to a topic you enjoy and posting often usually pays off more in the long run.
Always follow TikTok’s rules – one policy slip can block payouts.
Don’t rely on a single method. Spread income across several paths.
JumpTask is a simple add-on for extra cash through surveys, games, and micro-tasks.

FAQs

For beginners, the easiest way to earn on TikTok is by using the Creator Rewards program or TikTok Shop affiliate links. Both options let you earn money online without big setups. Just post consistently, follow trending sounds, and test what your audience connects with.

Worrying about how to make money on TikTok without followers? Relax. Even small accounts can start with TikTok Shop or micro-tasking platforms like JumpTask. While followers help long term marketing campaigns, beginners can still make money through affiliate sales, small tips, or licensing content that goes viral.

Most people see anywhere from 4 to 8 dollars for every 1000 views on TikTok’s Creator Rewards. The catch is it’s not exact – watch time, engagement, and niche change things. Plenty of creators lean on brand deals or affiliate sales for more steady money.

Of course. Plenty of kids and teens make money online on TikTok without ever showing their faces. Some post slideshows. Others share tips with just a voiceover. A few use stock clips or screen recordings. It works, and it keeps things private.

Gabriele Zundaite

Digital Marketing Manager

Meet Gabriele, a marketing specialist focused on digital growth and social media. As a Digital Marketing Manager at JumpTask, she helps others discover new ways to earn online by turning creative ideas into real results. With a degree in Marketing Management and a background in growth marketing and community building, Gabriele shares clear, practical advice for anyone ready to start earning or grow their online presence.