How to Make Money on TikTok: 10 Monetization Strategies

TikTok is a fun place to share short-form videos, connect with people and build community. But it doesn’t have to be just for fun, either.

Many content creators have found ways to monetize their TikTok accounts, turning their hobby into a side hustle or even a full-time job. TikTok even offers built-in monetization features, making it easier and more accessible than ever before to turn your creativity into cash.

Getting started with making money on TikTok can seem a little daunting—there are so many different ways to do it and a number of eligibility requirements to be aware of. That’s why we’re breaking it all down in this guide.

Strap in and get ready to explore the ever-growing world of TikTok monetization!

How TikTok Monetization Works

Monetizing your TikTok can be done both on and off the social media platform.

For example, you can exchange emails with companies to set up brand deals or affiliate partnerships. You can also direct your TikTok followers to make purchases on your e-commerce website. In both of these examples, you would leverage your TikTok audience to earn money, but the actual transaction would happen outside of TikTok.

In the early days of TikTok, this was the only option for content creators. Since then, however, TikTok has simplified monetization by introducing dedicated programs and features within the app.

We’ll share plenty of examples of both types of monetization—almost every strategy we’ll discuss includes things you can do both inside and outside of TikTok.

But first, it’s important to note that not all of TikTok’s monetization programs and features are available to everyone. Your eligibility depends on your country of residence, as well as other metrics like your follower count and view count in the last month (which can also vary by country). TikTok is constantly updating these monetization tools and their eligibility requirements, so be sure to regularly check TikTok’s official sources for the latest news.

For a quick glance at which monetization tools are currently available to you, check your TikTok Studio dashboard (either within TikTok or in the standalone app). Under Monetization, you’ll be able to see the programs for which you’re eligible. If something is available in your country but not available to you because of other criteria, you’ll see the requirements you’re missing, so you can work towards unlocking that feature.

10 Ways to Make Money on TikTok

Now, without further ado, let’s examine 10 different ways to make money on TikTok and tips on how to incorporate them successfully into your social media strategy.

1. TikTok Creator Rewards Program

What It Is

The TikTok Creator Rewards Program, previously known as the TikTok Creativity Program Beta, offers financial rewards to creators for producing high-quality, original content.

How It Works

TikTok uses a special formula to determine which videos bring value to their audience by looking at four key metrics: originality, play duration, search value and audience engagement. The more valuable and engaging your content, the more views and interactions it will get, and consequently, the more money you will make. Note that you can only earn rewards on videos that are over one minute long.

Eligibility Requirements

As of this writing, you must be at least 18 years old, have a personal TikTok account in good standing with at least 10,000 followers and have gained at least 100,000 video views in the last 30 days. Your content must also comply with TikTok’s community guidelines.

Tips for Success

Post regularly to keep your audience engaged and maintain a steady stream of views.
Use trending sounds and participate in TikTok challenges to increase the chances of your videos being seen.
Focus on high-quality videos with good lighting, clear audio and valuable content that encourages engagement
Capture your viewers’ attention with visual and audio hooks to entice them to watch until the end.

2. Brand Partnerships

What It Is

Brand partnerships involve collaborating with companies to promote their products or services in your TikTok videos. This can be a lucrative way to earn money, especially if you have a large and engaged following.

How It Works

Brands are always looking for new ways to reach potential customers, and partnering with influencers allows them to tap into already-established audiences. They’ll pay you to showcase their products in a way that naturally fits into your regular content and resonates with your followers. If you can create authentic and engaging content that highlights the brand, it can lead to long-term partnerships and a steady income.

Outside of TikTok

You can arrange sponsorships on your own by reaching out to companies that align with your brand. Do this via email or direct message on social media platforms like Instagram. Create a media kit that highlights your stats, demographics and examples of successful collaborations to pitch to potential partners.

Inside TikTok

TikTok Creator Marketplace is a special platform that connects brands with influencers. As a creator, you’ll first create a detailed profile that showcases your content, audience demographics and engagement rates. Brands can search and filter through profiles, and may reach out to you if you’re a good fit for a potential collaboration. Some brands may post open campaign briefs, which you can apply to directly.

Tips for Success:

Build a strong niche following that makes you attractive to brands in specific industries.
Stay true to your voice and only partner with brands that align with your values and interests.
Always disclose sponsored content to maintain trust with your followers.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate rates and terms to ensure you’re fairly compensated.

3. User-Generated Content

What It Is

User-generated content (UGC) involves creating content for brands to use on their own social media platforms. This can be a great way to earn money without needing to post the content on your own TikTok account.

How It Works

Brands benefit from having high-quality, authentic content that they didn’t have to create themselves. That’s why they pay creators like you to film content featuring their products, which they can then use in their advertising and organic social media posts. For you, it’s a way to make additional revenue without relying on a large audience or overwhelming your followers with too many sponsored posts.

Outside of TikTok

You can attract UGC clients by showcasing your creative skills on platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn. If you have their contact information, you can also reach out to brands directly. Be sure to create a portfolio of your best work. When you’re first starting out, your portfolio doesn’t even have to include paid work—just film content with the products you already own and love.

Inside TikTok

TikTok offers programs like Branded Missions and TikTok Creative Challenge, where you can submit videos for specific brand campaigns and get paid if they’re selected to be used as ads. With Branded Missions, you do need to post the videos on your own account; with TikTok Creative Challenge, you submit the videos to the brands directly, and if they’re selected, you’ll earn commission based on how well the ads perform.

Tips for Success

Develop a unique video style.
Ensure your content aligns with the brand’s image and values.
Be proactive in reaching out to brands and participating in challenges.
Always have a clear contract outlining the terms of use and compensation.

4. Sell Products or Promote Your Business

What It Is

If you have an online business, you can promote it on TikTok. Whether you’re selling merch, physical products, digital products or services, TikTok’s massive user base can help you reach potential new customers.

How It Works

Use TikTok to showcase your products or services. Share engaging videos about the benefits of what you’re selling, share customer testimonials or provide behind-the-scenes looks at your business. The platform’s algorithm will help your content reach a wide audience, attract new customers and drive sales.

Outside of TikTok

If you sell your products and services through a website, Shopify or Etsy store, be sure to include a link to it on your TikTok profile. This will help streamline the buying process for your followers and profile visitors.

Inside TikTok

TikTok now offers its own e-commerce feature called TikTok Shop, which allows users to make purchases without ever leaving the app. As a business owner, you can make your products available on TikTok Shop and even use built-in promotion tools to help more people discover them. You can add a shopping tab to your profile, tag products in your videos and make sales while you livestream.

Tips for Success

Create visually appealing videos that highlight the benefits of your products.
Use short form storytelling to connect with your audience and make your products more relatable.
Offer exclusive deals or discounts to your TikTok followers.
Use relevant hashtags and keywords to increase the discoverability of your videos.

5. Affiliate Marketing

What It Is

Affiliate marketing allows you to promote other people’s products and earn a small percentage of each sale. It’s a popular way to monetize your content without selling your own products.

How It Works

If you have a loyal and engaged audience, they’re likely to trust your recommendations. Share affiliate links on your TikTok profile and you’ll earn a commission every time someone makes a purchase through your link. By promoting products that you genuinely like and use, you can earn money while providing value to your followers.

Outside of TikTok

Look for brands related to your niche that offer affiliate programs. Reach out to them by email, direct message or apply on their website. Once you establish an affiliate partnership, share honest, positive reviews, tutorials and recommendations to help promote their products.

Inside TikTok

TikTok Shop makes it easy to earn affiliate income directly on the platform. Simply browse TikTok Shop for products you’d be interested in promoting and contact the seller. You can then recommend the products in your videos and live streams, earning a commission every time someone buys them through TikTok Shop.

Tips for Success

Choose products that align with your brand and audience.
Provide genuine value by sharing honest product reviews and helpful information.
Be transparent about your affiliate relationships and disclose when you’re using affiliate links.

6. Offer Exclusive Content

What It Is

In addition to sharing free videos on TikTok, you can create premium content and offer it to your most dedicated followers in exchange for a subscription or a one-time fee.

How It Works

People are willing to pay for content that provides value or entertainment. By offering something unique and exclusive, you can create a strong incentive for your followers to subscribe or pay for access. This can include behind-the-scenes footage, tutorials, Q&A sessions or other premium content.

Outside of TikTok

Platforms like Patreon allow you to offer exclusive content to paying subscribers. You can set up different subscription tiers with varying levels of access and benefits. This provides a steady monthly income, as long as you keep sharing exclusive content and providing value. Include a link to your Patreon on your TikTok profile and invite your followers to consider joining you there.

Inside TikTok

TikTok has special features for creators who’d like to offer exclusive content. For example, with TikTok Subscriptions, your fans can pay a monthly membership fee in exchange for exclusive perks, while TikTok Series lets you sell a collection of premium videos for a one-time fee.

Tips for Success

Offer unique and valuable content that isn’t available elsewhere.
Engage with your subscribers to build community and make them feel valued.
Regularly update your exclusive content to retain subscribers.
Promote your exclusive content in your regular videos to attract new subscribers.

7. Collect Tips and Donations

What It Is

If you have loyal followers, you can invite them to send you tips and donations. It’s a great way for them to show their appreciation and support for your content.

How It Works

Fans can send in tips and donations both on and off the app. Use your TikTok bio to remind them that it’s an option. You can accept general tips or raise funds for a specific project you’re working on.

Outside of TikTok

Use tipping, donation, and crowdfunding platforms like Ko-fi, Buy Me a Coffee, or GoFundMe to collect contributions from your followers.

Inside TikTok

TikTok offers a built-in tipping feature for eligible creators. It also has a gifting system that allows users to send you virtual gifts, which you can convert into real money. Gifts can be sent in response to videos or during TikTok livestreams.

Tips for Success

Encourage your followers to tip or donate by reminding them of the option.
Host engaging live streams to interact with your audience in real time and encourage tipping.
Show appreciation for your supporters and acknowledge their contributions.

8. Host Live Events

What It Is

Invite your followers to join you for an in-person or virtual event. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with them outside of social media, strengthen your relationship and provide value they couldn’t get just from engaging with you on TikTok.

How It Works

Depending on your niche and what your audience is most interested in, you can host events like educational workshops, performances, meet-and-greets and even retreats. They can be held online or in person. As long as enough of your followers are interested in attending, selling tickets to live events can be a significant source of revenue for you.

Outside of TikTok

Set up online ticket sales and direct your followers there with a link in your bio. Promote your event to your audience through TikTok videos and live streams.

Inside TikTok

TikTok has partnered with Eventbrite to help streamline ticket sales. You can link to your event directly in your TikTok video, and viewers can see event details and buy tickets all without leaving the app.

Tips for Success

Plan and promote your event well in advance to build anticipation.
Set ticket prices that will cover the cost of organizing the event, plus make a profit.
Offer valuable, exclusive content and one-of-a-kind experiences that justify the ticket price.
Gather feedback from attendees to improve future events.

9. Promote Music

What It Is

Music is at the heart of TikTok videos, trends and culture, making TikTok the perfect place for new music and new artists to get discovered. If you have a large, engaged following, you can help make this happen by incorporating new songs into your content in exchange for a fee from the artist or their record label.

How It Works

Work with music artists to promote their songs by including them in your videos. You can create dance challenges, lip-sync videos or any other type of content that highlights the music. By leveraging your following, you can help new songs gain traction and reach a wider audience.

Outside of TikTok

Arrange music partnerships through platforms like Submithub, Songfluencer and Zebr, where you can connect with artists looking for promotion.

Inside TikTok

TikTok has their own music promotion feature called Work with Artists. Artists or their labels set up campaigns with specific requirements. You can join by posting videos that meet the requirements and use the artist’s music in the background. Your payout is directly tied to how many likes your videos receive.

Tips for Success

Choose music that fits your content style and appeals to your audience.
Create engaging and creative videos that highlight the music.
Participate in music challenges and trends to increase the visibility of the song.
Negotiate fair compensation for your promotional work and ensure you have clear agreements in place.

10. Create TikTok Effects

What It Is

TikTok’s Effect House allows you to create effects that users can apply to their videos. The Effect House Creator Rewards program recognizes and pays designers who create the most engaging effects.

How It Works

Design and submit an effect to TikTok’s Effect House and get paid based on how many videos use it in the first 30 days. Currently, your effect has to be used in 100,000 videos before you can start earning rewards. You can also participate in the Effect House Monthly Missions and Challenges for even more opportunities to make money.

Eligibility Requirements

As of this writing, to qualify for the Effect House Creator Program, you need to be a Gold, Platinum, or Diamond Badge creator, have at least five effects published and have three effects used in over 1,000 videos each.

Tips for Success

Stay in the loop on what kinds of effects are trending.
Think outside the box to create effects that are unique and fun to use.
Test your effects to ensure they are user-friendly and work smoothly.
Promote your effects to increase their usage and visibility.

Start Making Money on TikTok

With social media's ever-changing landscape and TikTok’s regular addition of new features, monetization opportunities will only continue to grow.

Start exploring these 10 strategies and working towards becoming eligible for specific programs. Be sure to also keep an eye out for the latest updates from TikTok—you never know when they might release new monetization features in your country or change the eligibility requirements to make them more attainable.

Remember, too, that making money on TikTok requires a solid understanding of how to create engaging videos and build a loyal following. If you’re not quite there yet, seek out resources and classes from TikTok experts that will help you take your content to the next level.

When you’re ready, start experimenting with different monetization methods and watch your TikTok account grow into a money-making machine!

Written By

Sayana Lam

Sayana is a musician, writer and graphic designer based in Toronto, Canada.