How to make money on TikTok in 2025 

TikTok isn’t just about catchy dance trends and viral challenges anymore—it’s become a powerhouse platform where creators and businesses are cashing in big. With over one billion monthly active users worldwide, TikTok offers endless opportunities to turn your creativity into cash. If you’ve ever wondered how to make money on TikTok, you’re not alone.  

In this guide, we’ll explore proven strategies to help you tap into TikTok’s money-making potential—whether you’re a business owner looking to promote products or just someone with a passion for content creation. Let’s dive in and show you how to make money on TikTok and turn your screen time into a serious payday!  

8 proven methods to monetize your TikTok content 

1. Build a strong TikTok Presence  

If you want to learn how to make money on TikTok, the first step is to build a rock-solid presence on the platform. Without an engaged audience, it would be like trying to sell lemonade in an empty park—nobody’s there to buy.  

Know your audience  

Before you can effectively utilize any money-making ways on TikTok, you need to know your audience first. Are your followers teens looking for relatable humor, beauty enthusiasts craving makeup tips, or small business owners searching for marketing hacks? 

Understanding your target audience is key to creating content that resonates. Dive into your analytics to learn about your viewers’ demographics, interests, and behaviors. Once you know what makes them tick, you can tailor your content to meet their needs.  

Create engaging content  

The heart of a strong TikTok presence lies in engaging content that people want to watch, like, and share. Here are some tips to make your videos stand out:  

Hook them in 3 seconds. The first three seconds of your video are pivotal. Start with a bold statement, an eye-catching visual, or a question that grabs attention.  

• Be consistent. Post regularly so your followers know when to expect new content. Aim for a posting schedule that aligns with the time your audience is most active.  
• Tap into trends. Keep up with trending sounds, challenges, and hashtags, but don’t forget to put your unique spin on them.  
• Provide value. Whether it’s entertainment, education, or inspiration, make sure your content offers something your audience finds valuable.  

Engagement is king  

Building an audience isn’t just about gaining followers—it’s about keeping them engaged. Reply to comments, interact with viewers during TikTok LIVE, and encourage your audience to participate in your videos. The more engaged your followers are, the more TikTok’s algorithm will boost your content to new viewers.  

A strong TikTok presence is the foundation for monetization. When you know your audience and consistently deliver newsworthy content that speaks to their interests, the path to making money on TikTok becomes much clearer.  

2. Join the creator rewards program  

One of the easiest ways to start earning on TikTok is through the Creator Rewards Program. This program is designed to reward creators for their contributions to the platform and pays based on the performance of their videos. If you’ve been consistently posting and growing your audience, the program would be a great opportunity to turn your creativity into cash.  

The Creator Rewards Program compensates creators based on key metrics like:  

• Number of views. The more viewers you have for your videos, the greater your potential to earn money. 
• Engagement. TikTok values authentic interaction. Videos with lots of likes, comments, and shares tend to bring in more rewards.  
• Authenticity of views. TikTok ensures payouts are based on genuine views from real users. Focus on creating high-quality, authentic content rather than chasing bots or shortcuts.  

Not everyone is eligible to join the Creator Rewards Program. TikTok has a few key requirements:  

• Location. The program is available in select regions, so make sure it’s offered in your country.  
• Age. You must be at least 18 years old to participate.  
• Account metrics. Your account must have at least 10,000 followers with a minimum of 100,000 views in the last 30 days.  
• Content guidelines. Your account and videos must comply with TikTok’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service.  

If you meet the criteria, you can apply through the TikTok app. Once approved, your earnings will start accumulating based on your video performance.  

The Creator Rewards Program is a fantastic way to earn as you grow your TikTok presence. Think of it as TikTok’s way of saying “thanks” for contributing great content to the platform. And who wouldn’t love to get paid for doing what they enjoy?  

3. Sell products and merchandise  

If you’re wondering how to make money on TikTok beyond views and engagement, selling products and merchandise is another way. TikTok offers creators and businesses the tools to showcase their creativity and turn followers into customers. Here’s how you can leverage your TikTok presence to boost merchandise sales.  

Turn creativity into products  

Think about what makes you or your brand unique. Are you an artist? Create merchandise featuring your original artwork. Have a knack for catchy phrases? Turn your quotes into designs for t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases. Even your TikTok bio or signature phrases can inspire products your followers will love. TikTok creators often find that fans love owning something that connects them to their favorite content.  

Feature your products in TikTok content  

To drive sales, integrate your products naturally into your TikTok posts. For example:  

• Use your merchandise in your videos or create tutorial content. Show how a product works or fits into everyday life.  
• Highlight unique features of your product in engaging videos that resonate with your target audience.  
• Share behind-the-scenes clips of how your merchandise is made. These videos help your audience understand your product more. Knowing how they came about makes your audience feel more included and attached to your products, which in turn can potentially increase sales. 

Leverage TikTok shop  

The TikTok Shop makes it easier than ever to sell directly on the platform. You can manage inventory and orders in-app. You can also add links to your products within your videos so viewers can purchase without leaving the app and even go live to showcase your products in real-time. 

Set up a TikTok Shop App Store  

TikTok’s Shop App Store is another powerful way to sell products. This feature creates a seamless shopping experience, allowing TikTok users to browse and purchase your merchandise without leaving the platform. Combine this with shoppable videos to drive traffic directly to your store.  

Build a strong call to action  

To maximize sales, use clear calls to action in your video descriptions. Encourage viewers to check out your store, attend a live shopping event, or tap the link in your personal account bio.  

Don’t forget to stay genuine. Authentic content resonates more with TikTok audiences, which helps build trust and encourages more sales. 

4. Partner with affiliates on TikTok’s Creator Marketplace  

If managing inventory or creating merchandise isn’t your thing, affiliate marketing offers a hands-off alternative. You can earn commissions on sales driven by your TikTok content by partnering with brands and promoting their offerings. TikTok’s Creator Marketplace makes it even easier by connecting TikTok creators directly with brands looking for authentic partnerships.  

Here’s how it can help you succeed with affiliate marketing:  

• Discover opportunities. Brands post partnership opportunities, allowing you to pitch for affiliate campaigns.  
• Build authentic relationships. The marketplace connects creators and brands that align well, fostering genuine partnerships.  
• Access analytics. You can use the data provided by TikTok to refine your approach and create more impactful affiliate campaigns.  

Leverage the Creator Marketplace and turn affiliate marketing into a reliable way to make money on TikTok. It’s a win-win—you earn commissions while providing value to your followers through thoughtful recommendations.  

5. Collect tips or donations  

Another fantastic way to make money on TikTok is by receiving tips or donations from your fans. TikTok’s tipping feature allows creators to earn directly from their most dedicated followers, offering a simple and rewarding way to monetize your TikTok presence. 

TikTok’s tipping feature is available to select content creators who meet specific criteria. The feature is only available to those in the U.S., Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy or Spain. If you’re eligible, fans can show their appreciation for your engaging videos by sending virtual gifts or tipping directly through your profile. This feature allows you to connect with your audience on a deeper level while earning money on TikTok.  

Suppose you are yet to qualify for TikTok’s tipping feature or want to expand your possibilities, external platforms like Tipeee and Buy Me a Coffee are excellent alternatives. These platforms allow your fans to send donations to support your work. You can integrate links to these platforms into your personal account bio or share them in your video descriptions.  

6. Offer exclusive content and subscriptions  

If you’re looking for advanced ways to make money on TikTok, offering exclusive content through Series on TikTok is a powerful strategy. This monetization tool allows TikTok creators to create premium videos available only to paying subscribers. The feature lets you give back to your dedicated fans while providing you with a steady revenue stream.  

What is Series on TikTok?  

Series on TikTok is a newer feature that enables creators to create a collection of premium content that lives behind a paywall. Think of it as a way to offer curated, exclusive videos that can’t be accessed through regular TikTok posts. Fans can purchase access to this exclusive content directly within the app, making it seamless for creators to monetize their expertise, creativity, or behind-the-scenes insights.  

Here are some ways to take full advantage of this feature:  

Create value-driven content  

Your exclusive content should offer something your audience can’t get anywhere else. Some examples are:

• In-depth tutorials or masterclasses.  
• Behind-the-scenes footage of your creative process.  
• Personalized advice or coaching sessions.  
• Early access to upcoming projects or special announcements.  

Set the right price  

TikTok allows you to set your own prices for the content in your Series. Choose a price that reflects the value of your content while remaining accessible to your audience.  

Promote your series  

Use your regular TikTok content to tease what’s included in your Series. Highlight the benefits of subscribing and provide a clear call-to-action in your video descriptions or TikTok bio.  

Engage with your subscribers  

Offering exclusive content isn’t just about selling videos, it’s about building a stronger connection with your most dedicated fans. Interact with subscribers by responding to comments or hosting private Q&A sessions.  

Exclusive content through TikTok Series leverages your TikTok presence and caters to the growing trend of fans wanting deeper, more personal access to their favorite creators. This feature is perfect for creators with a loyal fanbase who are willing to pay for unique insights, entertainment, or early access to compelling content.  

7. Grow and sell TikTok accounts 

Another creative way to make money on TikTok is by growing and selling TikTok accounts. This approach is ideal for those who excel at creating engaging videos, cultivating niche audiences, and optimizing accounts for monetization.  

While most monetization strategies focus on maintaining your own TikTok account, this strategy takes a lateral-thinking approach. Growing and selling TikTok accounts would mean that you build high-quality accounts from scratch and sell them to buyers who are eager to take over an already-established profile. Think of it as flipping real estate, but with TikTok accounts.  

To make your TikTok account attractive to buyers, focus on a niche topic that has long-term appeal such as:  

• A foodie account sharing recipes and cooking hacks.  
• A fitness account posting workout routines and tips.  
• A travel account featuring hidden gems and travel guides.  
• A beauty account offering makeup tutorials and product reviews.  

Buyers are more likely to invest in an account that serves a specific target audience and can be sustained with similar TikTok content after the sale.  

8. Run TikTok ads and promotions 

Another effective way to make money on TikTok is by leveraging TikTok’s advertising platform. It isn’t just for big brands—it’s a goldmine for creators and businesses ready to showcase their content to millions. Running ads on TikTok can supercharge your visibility, grow your audience, and open the door to new monetization opportunities.  

To run ads on TikTok, you’ll first need to create a TikTok Ads Manager account. Follow these steps to get started:  

1. Sign up for TikTok ads manager. Go to the TikTok Ads Manager and sign up for an account. Provide details about your business or personal profile.  
2. Create a campaign. Once logged in, click on “Create Campaign” and choose a marketing objective. TikTok offers objectives like increasing traffic, boosting app installs, or driving conversions.  
3. Set your budget. Choose between a daily or total budget. TikTok allows for flexible budgeting, making it accessible to creators and businesses of all sizes.  
4. Define your target audience. Use TikTok’s targeting options to reach specific demographics, interests, and behaviors. You can even create custom audiences based on previous engagement.  
5. Design your ad. Upload a high-quality video, add engaging captions, and include a clear call-to-action (CTA). TikTok’s video-first platform means your ad should be visually appealing and instantly captivating.  

TikTok offers various ad formats to suit different goals. Here are some of the most popular options:  

In-feed ads  

These ads appear organically in a user’s For You feed, blending in with regular TikTok content. They’re ideal for promoting products or services in a non-intrusive way. Use compelling visuals and authentic messaging to make your ad stand out.  

TopView ads  

TopView ads are the first thing users see when they open the TikTok app. These full-screen ads are perfect for maximum visibility and can drive significant engagement.  

Branded hashtag challenges  

Encourage TikTok users to engage with your brand by creating a hashtag challenge. This format is highly interactive and has the potential to go viral, bringing massive exposure to your product or message.  

Branded effects  

Add a fun, creative twist by designing custom filters or effects that users can apply to their own videos. This format encourages organic interaction with your brand.  

TikTok’s ad platform is designed for creators and businesses to showcase their content in a way that feels seamless to users. The platform’s algorithm ensures your ads reach the right people, while its diverse ad formats allow for creative freedom.  

How do people get paid on TikTok?  

TikTok has developed several structured processes to pay TikTok creators who meet eligibility requirements and participate in its monetization programs.  

Before creators can get paid, they need to meet TikTok’s requirements for various programs like the Creator Fund, LIVE Gifts, or TikTok Shop. These requirements typically include:  

• A minimum number of followers (10,000 for the Creator Fund).  
• A specific number of video views in the past 30 days (100,000 for the Creator Fund).  
• Compliance with TikTok’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service.  

Once eligibility is confirmed, creators can apply for these programs directly within the app.  

When a creator starts earning, TikTok collects the funds and processes them according to its payout schedule. For most programs, creators must accumulate a certain amount of earnings before they can withdraw funds. For the Creator Fund, it’s $10. Then, TikTok typically releases payments monthly, though specific timelines may vary depending on the program and region.   

Payments on the Creator Fund are processed approximately 30 days after the end of the month in which earnings were generated. For LIVE Gifts, earnings are calculated in real time but require creators to redeem TikTok Coins for cash, which is then transferred to their PayPal account or bank.  

How many followers are required to earn on TikTok?  

For creators to qualify on TikTok’s own Creator Fund, they must have:  

• At least 10,000 followers.  
• A minimum of 100,000 video views in the past 30 days.  
• Compliance with TikTok’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service.  

If you meet these criteria, you can apply to join the Creator Fund and start earning based on video performance.  

But, while follower count is important, engagement often matters more. TikTok’s algorithm rewards engaging videos that resonate with audiences, meaning even creators with a few thousand followers can make significant income through various monetization strategies if their content is compelling and authentic.  

Expand your TikTok success with a strong online presence  

TikTok has revolutionized short-form video content, becoming a cultural phenomenon and a hub for creativity. It has empowered countless creators to transform their hobbies into thriving businesses, achieving both financial and professional success. With the right strategies, dedication, and a focus on creating quality materials that resonate with your target audience, you can turn your passion into a full-time career.  

Ready to turn your TikTok journey into a thriving online business? Your success doesn’t stop at creating compelling content—having a strong online presence is just as important. With Web.com, you can build a professional website to showcase your brand, sell products, and connect with your audience beyond TikTok. Start today and let Web.com help you transform your creativity into a full-fledged business! 

Frequently asked questions