There are a ton of ways to make money from TikTok – but not every option is right for every person. Some monetization methods have high barriers to entry, and some just aren’t fun for everyone. No matter what you’re interested in, you can find a way to monetize your social media content.
Let’s dive into over ten of the best ways to monetize TikTok. And if you want to know my personal favorites, they’re numbers 3, 8, and 12!
1. Join the TikTok Creator Fund
Follower Requirements: 10k Followers
The TikTok Creator Fund offers creators a chance to earn money directly from their content, with qualifying videos of 1 minute or longer eligible for payouts once you’re approved. With at least 10,000 followers, you can apply to the fund and start earning based on video performance, with payments tied to views and engagement. Consistently posting high-quality, engaging content can help boost your reach and Creator Fund earnings. Many creators find success by tapping into trending sounds, interactive challenges, and audience engagement to maximize their potential earnings on the platform.
2. Become a TikTok Shop Affiliate
Follower Requirements: 5k Followers, OR 1k Followers and selected by TikTok
As a TikTok Shop Affiliate, you can earn commissions by promoting products directly through TikTok’s shopping platform. Once approved, you can add affiliate product links to your videos, allowing viewers to purchase items seamlessly without leaving the app. With just 5,000 followers—or even 1,000 if TikTok selects you—you can start earning by sharing authentic recommendations. To maximize success, create engaging, relatable content that highlights product benefits and connects with your audience. Many affiliates use product demonstrations, tutorials, and honest reviews to boost engagement and encourage purchases through their affiliate links.
3. Become an Affiliate for Other Brands
Follower Requirements: 5k Followers, OR 1k Followers and selected by TikTok
As a TikTok Shop Affiliate, you can earn commissions by promoting products directly through TikTok’s shopping platform. Once approved, you can add affiliate product links to your videos, allowing viewers to purchase items seamlessly without leaving the app. With just 5,000 followers—or even 1,000 if TikTok selects you—you can start earning by sharing authentic recommendations. To maximize success, create engaging, relatable content that highlights product benefits and connects with your audience. Many affiliates use product demonstrations, tutorials, and honest reviews to boost engagement and encourage purchases through their affiliate links.
4. Sell Products on TikTok Shop
Follower Requirements: None (Must sell physical products)
TikTok Shop lets you sell physical products directly within the app, making it easy for viewers to purchase without leaving TikTok. This feature is ideal for creators selling items like clothing, accessories, or handmade goods. By setting up a TikTok Shop, you can tag products in your videos, giving viewers an instant way to buy what they see. Engaging content, such as product demos, behind-the-scenes looks, or styling tips, can attract interest and drive sales. This direct selling option helps you connect with your audience and monetize your TikTok by sharing products you’re passionate about.
5. Collaborate with Brands for Sponsored Content
Follower Requirements: None
Brand collaborations are a powerful way to monetize on TikTok, even without a massive follower count. By creating user-generated content (UGC), you can partner with brands to promote their products authentically through your unique style. Many brands seek creators who align with their image to showcase products in a relatable, everyday context, helping viewers connect with the brand. You can start by reaching out to brands you genuinely love, pitching creative ideas, or even joining influencer marketing platforms that connect creators with potential sponsors. Sponsored UGC allows you to get paid for sharing products you trust and enjoy with your audience.
6. Run TikTok Ads to Products or Services
Follower Requirements: None
Running TikTok ads allows you to reach a broader audience and drive traffic to your products, services, or other online content. With TikTok’s ad platform, you can create targeted ads tailored to specific demographics, interests, and behaviors, giving your content a strategic boost. Whether you’re promoting a business, affiliate products, or building brand awareness, TikTok ads help you showcase your content beyond your organic reach. From in-feed videos to branded hashtag challenges, TikTok offers a range of ad formats that make it easy to grab attention and engage viewers. Running ads can be a smart investment to scale your presence and income on TikTok.
7. Grow and Sell TikTok Accounts
Follower Requirements: None
Building and selling TikTok accounts can be a profitable venture for those skilled at growing audiences quickly. Many businesses and influencers are willing to pay top dollar for established accounts, especially those tailored to niches like TikTok Shop Affiliate or Creator Fund eligibility. By consistently posting engaging content and building a solid follower base in a specific niche, you create a valuable asset that can appeal to buyers who want a head start on the platform. Selling a TikTok account lets you profit from your content creation skills and offers buyers a ready-made audience to tap into.
8. Sell Digital Products Like eBooks and Courses
Follower Requirements: None
TikTok’s highly visual platform is an ideal place to promote digital products like eBooks, courses, or guides. By leveraging your expertise and packaging it into digital resources, you can reach a wide audience interested in learning from you. Content ideas that demonstrate snippets of what your products offer, like quick tips or insider knowledge, help spark curiosity and drive viewers to make a purchase. Whether you’re selling a photography guide, fitness plan, or social media course, TikTok’s short-form videos are perfect for showcasing value and building trust with potential customers looking for high-quality digital products.
9. Offer Services or Consultation
Follower Requirements: None
TikTok is an excellent platform for promoting your expertise and offering services like consulting, coaching, or freelancing. By sharing valuable insights and tips in your niche, you can build credibility and attract clients interested in a more personalized experience. Whether you’re a fitness trainer, marketing consultant, or life coach, using TikTok to highlight your skills can drive inquiries from viewers who see value in what you offer. Encourage followers to message you for more details or to book a consultation, and showcase client success stories to strengthen your credibility and appeal.
10. Collect Tips or Donations
Follower Requirements: None
For creators with a supportive following, accepting tips or donations can be a simple yet effective way to earn on TikTok. By linking to platforms like Ko-fi, Venmo, or Cash App, you give viewers a way to show appreciation for your content, whether through one-time tips or ongoing support. This approach works especially well for creators who provide free value through tutorials, entertainment, or niche advice. You can mention donation options subtly in your bio or video captions, inviting loyal followers to contribute. Even small contributions can add up, allowing you to earn while continuing to create content you love.
11. Create a Content Subscription
Follower Requirements: None
Offering a content subscription through platforms like Patreon allows your most dedicated followers to support you directly in exchange for exclusive content. This could include behind-the-scenes videos, tutorials, live Q&A sessions, or other perks tailored to your niche. Subscriptions give fans a way to access content they can’t get on your main TikTok feed, building a closer connection with your audience while generating recurring income. Promote your subscription in videos or your bio, letting viewers know how they can get special access and support your work, creating a win-win for both you and your community.
12. Use TikTok to Drive Traffic to Other Sources
Follower Requirements: None
TikTok can be a powerful tool for driving traffic to external platforms like Etsy, Shopify, a blog, or even a YouTube channel. By creating content that teases what you offer elsewhere, you can encourage followers to check out your products, read your articles, or watch full videos on other sites where you monetize through ads, sales, or subscriptions. This approach works well if you create short, intriguing videos that pique interest and provide a link in your bio or direct viewers to “learn more” on your other channels. TikTok serves as a traffic booster, funneling engaged viewers toward your other income streams.
13. Go Live and Earn Gifts from Viewers
Follower Requirements: None (Must meet TikTok’s eligibility for live streaming)
Going live on TikTok allows you to connect with your audience in real-time and earn virtual “gifts” from viewers, which can be converted into cash. Live streams are perfect for Q&As, live tutorials, or casual chats, giving your followers a chance to interact directly and support you financially. Encourage viewers to send gifts if they’re enjoying the live session or want to show appreciation. The more engaging and interactive your live content, the more likely viewers are to contribute, making live streaming a unique way to monetize your presence on TikTok.
14. Sell Merch with a Theme Page
Follower Requirements: None
If you’ve built a themed TikTok page—whether it’s focused on pets, memes, fitness, or another popular niche—you can monetize it by selling branded merchandise. Creating merch that aligns with your page’s theme, like custom T-shirts, mugs, or stickers, lets your followers own a piece of the brand they love. Platforms like Printful or Teespring make it easy to design and sell merch without holding inventory. By sharing content that showcases your products, you can engage fans and turn your theme page into a source of income through creative, niche-specific merchandise.
