Note on earnings: The specific payment, commission, and earnings figures in the original version of this post have been removed because they could not be verified, and program terms change over time. No specific income, rate, or result is promised or guaranteed here. Earnings vary widely by niche, audience, and program rules, and many creators earn little or nothing. Check TikTok’s current eligibility and payment terms before relying on any program described here.
Introduction
TikTok has changed how many creators reach an audience, and it is not only about influencing or having hundreds of thousands of followers. It is about figuring out how you want to show up on the platform and whether you can monetize that presence. This guide shares five ways you can start showing up on TikTok and try to make money from it.
By the end of this guide, you will have practical steps to try, whether or not you have experience. All it takes is a plan and the confidence to get started, though trying these steps does not guarantee income.
TikTok’s Creativity Program: Turning Views into Income
TikTok’s Creativity Program has drawn attention from many viewers. One creator you might know is R Tissa, who shared her story in a viral 50-part series. She was reaching millions of people but was not making money from the program until she joined TikTok’s Creativity Program.
How the TikTok Creativity Program Works
The TikTok Creativity Beta Program pays creators based on the views their videos get. To get paid, people must see your video on their For You Page (FYP), but it cannot be directly searched or sent via DMs. Once your video gains traction on FYP, more views and interactions may lead to higher earnings, though earnings are never guaranteed.
RPM: Revenue Per Thousand Impressions
TikTok uses RPM (Revenue Per Thousand Impressions) to calculate how much you earn. Reported rates vary widely and are generally low, and they change over time, so check TikTok’s current terms rather than relying on older examples. Content that is highly engaging and creative tends to earn more. Different niches may see different rates, so experiment with different styles of content.
What It Takes to Qualify for Payment
Payment through the Creativity Program depends on meeting TikTok’s current eligibility rules, which can include video length, qualified views, and content requirements. Check TikTok’s current eligibility rules, as thresholds and availability change. Meeting the rules does not guarantee payment, and earnings depend on actual performance.
How to Join the Creativity Program
Joining is simple. Go to your TikTok profile, tap the menu, then tap “Creator Tools.” From there, select “Creativity Beta Program” and apply; response times vary. After joining, posting videos alone does not guarantee earnings. Reports of very large earnings by individual creators are unverified and not typical results.
Making Money with Gifts on TikTok Live
Another way to try to make money on TikTok is through gifts during live streams. TikTok allows viewers to send virtual gifts of varying values while watching you live. The key is to connect with your audience so they feel inclined to support you by sending gifts, though gifts are never guaranteed.
How TikTok Live Helps Creators Earn
Unlike other platforms like Instagram, TikTok promotes your live streams to a wider audience, not just your followers. When you go live, you may get discovered by people scrolling through the live section, which can help you grow your audience, though growth and gifts are not guaranteed.
Engaging Your Audience on Live Streams
The more you interact with viewers, the more likely they are to send gifts. For example, if you are into ASMR, you might offer a personalized sound request. The more engaging and entertaining you are, the more likely people are to send gifts during your live sessions, though no particular level of gifts should be expected.
TikTok Shop: Sell Your Products Directly
TikTok Shop has allowed creators to sell products directly through the app, competing with major platforms like Amazon. There are two main ways to earn through TikTok Shop, and the first method is covered here.
Selling Your Products on TikTok
If you have a small business, TikTok Shop is a way to promote your products. By adding your products to TikTok Shop, viewers can purchase items directly from your content. There is no need for paid ads; simply create content showcasing your product. A viral video can reach many potential buyers, but going viral does not guarantee sales.
The Power of Impulse Buying
TikTok has made buying products easier with quick payment methods like Apple Pay. When your product is easy to purchase with minimal effort, customers may be more likely to buy. If you create content that showcases your product effectively, it may sell well, but no particular sales result is guaranteed.
TikTok Shop’s Affiliate Program: Make Money by Promoting Products
If you do not have a product to sell, do not worry: TikTok has an affiliate program for creators. You can promote products sold on TikTok Shop and earn commissions that vary by product and seller. Check the program’s current terms, as commission rates and eligibility change, and sales are never guaranteed.
How to Join the TikTok Shop Affiliate Program
To join the TikTok Shop Affiliate Program, go to TikTok Business Suite and sign up. From there, you can select products to promote, negotiate commissions, and sometimes get free or discounted samples to create content with. Participation depends on meeting TikTok’s current eligibility rules, which can include a follower threshold, so check the current rules, as they change. As your following grows, your potential audience may grow too, but earnings are not guaranteed.
Paid Organic Marketing on TikTok
TikTok has become a major channel for online selling, especially for e-commerce businesses, with the ability to run paid ads and use organic marketing.
Combining Paid Ads with Organic Marketing
Paid ads on TikTok can be more affordable than on other platforms like Instagram or Facebook for some advertisers, though ad costs vary widely by niche, audience, and competition. Combining ads with organic content creation may help boost visibility and drive traffic to your store, but results are not guaranteed.
Growing Your Business with TikTok Ads
TikTok ads allow you to target an audience, which can help engagement and sales, though neither is guaranteed. Some businesses report growth from TikTok’s advertising features, but results vary widely.
How to Succeed with TikTok’s Paid Advertising
Running ads on TikTok, especially when combined with organic content, may help sales and revenue, but no particular increase is guaranteed. One example often cited is a student who reported strong sales from TikTok ads; that example is unverified, sales are not profit, and it is not a typical result. Advertising costs can exceed sales, so track all costs carefully.
Join My Mentorship Program
If you are interested in learning how to make money with TikTok ads, consider joining my mentorship program. I provide one-on-one guidance to help students use TikTok effectively for their e-commerce businesses. If you are ready to take your TikTok skills to the next level, apply for a spot today.
Conclusion: Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back
Building a following from scratch can feel discouraging, but with TikTok’s algorithm, growth is possible, though it is not guaranteed. Do not let the fear of not growing stop you from trying. TikTok offers opportunities for creators who use it strategically, but starting today does not guarantee income. Follow the tips shared here, and treat any income claim you see online with skepticism unless it can be verified.
