Note on earnings: Specific commission, RPM, and income figures that appeared in an earlier version of this post have been removed because they could not be verified and because program terms change. Results on TikTok vary widely depending on content, audience, and timing, and many creators earn little or nothing. No income, commission rate, or RPM is promised or guaranteed.

Introduction

TikTok is a large social platform where some creators earn money by promoting products, selling through TikTok Shop, or joining creator programs. This post describes several of those routes and how to apply for them. Results vary, and TikTok’s rules and programs change over time, so check TikTok’s current terms before relying on anything described here.

1. Monetizing TikTok Through the TikTok Shop Affiliate Program

One way to monetize TikTok is through the TikTok Shop Affiliate Program. Sellers on TikTok look for creators to promote their products in exchange for commissions. Once you are accepted into the program, you may gain access to a marketplace of products to promote. As you build a track record, sellers may offer you different terms, but no commission level is guaranteed.

Here is how it works:

Sellers on TikTok are actively searching for creators to promote their products in exchange for commissions. Commission rates vary by seller and product and can change, so check the current terms for each product before promoting it.

How to Get Started with the TikTok Shop Affiliate Program

1. Head over to TikTok’s Business Suite and navigate to the TikTok Shop Affiliate Program section.
2. Submit your application, including details about your account and the niches you are interested in.
3. Once approved, start building relationships with sellers, discuss commissions, and fill your showcase with products you can promote honestly.

This can be an option for those looking to monetize their creativity without dealing with inventory, but approval and sales are not guaranteed.

2. TikTok Shop: An Option for Small Businesses

TikTok Shop is a platform where small business owners, influencers, and entrepreneurs can sell products. TikTok’s algorithm can surface products to people who may not have seen them otherwise, but that does not guarantee sales for any particular seller. Unlike traditional e-commerce, you may not need a large ad budget to start, but selling still requires product quality, pricing, fulfillment, and customer support.

How to Set Up Your TikTok Shop

1. Create an account through the TikTok Shop Seller Center.
2. Provide basic details like your name, business name, and email address.
3. Once verified, link your bank account to securely receive payments.
4. Add your product listings, including high-quality images, detailed descriptions, pricing, and shipping information.

3. TikTok Creativity Program: Turning Content into Possible Earnings

Another way to make money on TikTok is by signing up for the TikTok Creativity Program, where eligible creators may be paid based on video performance. Availability, eligibility, and payment terms change over time, so check TikTok’s current program information before applying.

Qualifications for the Creativity Program

• You must meet TikTok’s minimum age requirement.
• Your account needs to meet TikTok’s minimum follower threshold.
• You should meet TikTok’s minimum video-view threshold over the recent period it specifies.
• You must live in a country where the Creativity Program is available.

If you meet the current criteria, you can apply directly through the TikTok app in the Creator Tools section. Videos generally must meet a minimum length, reach a minimum number of views, and follow TikTok’s guidelines, including being original content. Check the current rules, as these thresholds can change.

How Earnings Work

TikTok measures earnings through RPM (Revenue per 1,000 Impressions). RPM varies widely by niche, audience, region, and other factors, so no specific RPM figure should be treated as typical or promised. If you are just starting out, consistency helps, but consistency alone does not guarantee earnings.

4. Leveraging Paid Ads on TikTok

Paid TikTok ads are another way to promote products or content. They can reach people beyond your organic audience, but they cost money and do not guarantee sales or profit. When you combine paid ads with consistent organic content, you may reach more people, but you should track costs and results carefully and stop spending that is not working.

5. The Importance of a Backup Plan: Facebook Ads

With TikTok’s future in some regions uncertain, it can help to have a backup plan. Running Facebook ads is one option, as Facebook has been around for years and continues to be a large platform. Diversifying platforms may reduce reliance on one app, but it does not guarantee income on any platform.

Final Thoughts: Take Action With Realistic Expectations

TikTok offers several routes to possible earnings, but none of them guarantees income. Start with content you can make honestly and consistently, check the current terms of any program before applying, and judge results by your own experience over time.