If you’re looking to make money on TikTok, you’re in the right place. With over a billion active users, TikTok is more than just a platform for entertainment. It’s a goldmine for content creators looking to monetize their creativity and double their money without risk.
Whether you’re an influencer, a brand, or someone with a unique talent, TikTok offers various opportunities to make money online.
The problem is that making money on TikTok can seem overwhelming at first, especially if you’re a complete beginner. From the algorithms to trends and the constant need for fresh content, trying to keep up can be daunting.
But don’t worry. In this no-nonsense guide, we will cut through the noise and show you exactly how to leverage TikTok to its fullest potential.
From making money without followers to using AI tools to make money on TikTok, we’ll cover everything to ensure you have all the tools you need to succeed. Let’s dive in!
How can your TikTok be Monetized?
TikTok’s rapid growth has created a fertile ground for monetization. With its diverse user base, ranging from teenagers to adults, TikTok provides a variety of avenues for earning money. Here are eight ways your TikTok can be monetized;
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Enroll for the TikTok Creator Fund
TikTok’s Creator Fund is designed to reward users for creating popular content. As your videos gain views, likes, and engagement, TikTok compensates you based on your performance.
This fund incentivizes high-quality content and consistent posting. To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old, have a minimum of 10,000 followers, and have accumulated at least 100,000 video views in the last 30 days.
You also need to be in a country where this feature is available, such as the USA, Germany, France, Italy, the UK, or Spain. This fund is a great way to earn passive income as you continue to grow your presence on the platform.
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Seek Brand Partnerships and Sponsorships
Brands are constantly looking for influencers to promote their products. If you have a significant following, you can collaborate with brands to create sponsored content.
These partnerships can be highly lucrative, especially if your audience aligns with the brand’s target market. Sponsored content can range from product reviews and unboxing to more creative integrations, providing a steady income stream as you grow your brand.
Now, you’re probably wondering: how do I get a brand to sponsor me? To secure brand partnerships and sponsorships, create a media kit that showcases your TikTok analytics and audience demographics.
You can even use platforms like Fiverr to offer sponsorship services and connect with brands actively looking for influencers. See what other influencers are already doing on Fiverr here.
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Join the TikTok Rewards Referral Program
This is one of the easiest ways to make money on TikTok. TikTok Rewards is a referral program that lets you earn money by referring your friends and family to the platform.
To start referring users and getting paid, you only need a TikTok account and meet the age requirement. This program is an easy way to earn extra income by simply promoting TikTok to others.
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Collect “Tips” from Your Audience to Make Money on TikTok
If you have loyal followers who love your content, they can show their appreciation by giving you “Tips” whenever they feel like it. The benefit of this monetization option is the convenience — if you’re eligible, your audience can pay you directly through your profile anytime.
Your tips will be automatically deposited into your bank account each week. Eligibility requirements include living in a location where Tips are available, being at least 18 years old, having at least 100,000 followers, and adhering to TikTok’s community guidelines.
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Enable Live Subscription to Earn Monthly Income with TikTok
TikTok launched its LIVE Subscription feature, which you could also leverage to make money on TikTok. This feature is essentially a monthly subscription service on TikTok LIVE that allows you (the creator) to increase your earnings and offer loyal followers added benefits.
Followers can pay to sign up for your monthly subscription service to access exclusive benefits. These benefits are varied but typically include unique subscriber badges, custom emotes, and subscriber-only LIVEs, chats, and videos.
For this program, you will be paid by TikTok through revenue sharing. This means that how much you earn will depend on how many subscribers you have.
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Activate LIVE Gifts
LIVE Gifts is a special feature that lets creators earn Diamonds based on how well their live videos are received. When you activate LIVE Gifts and start your live video, your audience can send virtual Gifts that appear on the screen in different forms.
If you’re a regular TikTok user, you may have at one point seen stickers and animations popping up in live videos. Those are the LIVE Gifts we’re referring to.
To get LIVE Gifts, your audience must first buy Coins from TikTok via their profile. After this, they can use them to send Gifts to their favorite creators. With Gifts, viewers can express their appreciation for your content in real-time, and TikTok will reward eligible creators with payouts equivalent to their Gifts.
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Activate Video Gifts to Make Money on TikTok
Similar to LIVE Gifts, Video Gifts on TikTok are another way your viewers can react and show appreciation for your content. With Video Gifts, you can collect Diamonds on your videos to claim from TikTok for money or virtual rewards.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Residing where Video Gifts are available.
- Being at least 18 years old.
- Having at least 10,000 followers.
You also must be maintaining a personal TikTok account.
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Open a TikTok Shop
Another way to monetize your account and use TikTok as one of the best earning apps is by opening a TikTok Shop to showcase and sell products for the TikTok community to discover and purchase directly within the app. There are three ways to sell via your TikTok shop:
- Live shopping
- Shoppable videos, and
- Product showcases
TikTok also offers tools to track performance, traffic, customer reviews, and transaction data through TikTok Shop’s data dashboards, enabling you to optimize your sales strategy.
How to Make Money on TikTok without Followers (Strategies to Implement Now)
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need millions of followers to make money on TikTok. Here are three strategies to make money right now on TikTok without a massive following:
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Use TikTok’s Algorithm to your advantage
TikTok’s algorithm is designed to promote content based on engagement rather than follower count. Focus on creating shareable and engaging videos that have the potential to go viral. A single viral video can attract significant attention and opportunities even with a small following.
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Create Broad Appeal Content
Content that appeals to a broad audience can gain traction quickly. Focus on universally relatable themes like humor, life hacks, and trending topics. This approach increases the chances of your videos being shared widely.
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Go for Micro-Influencer Campaigns
Brands increasingly recognize the value of micro-influencers with smaller but highly engaged audiences. Partner with brands for targeted campaigns that align with your niche. These collaborations can be mutually beneficial and rewarding.
How Do You Make Money on TikTok? Tips and Best Practices
Many successful TikTok creators have turned their passion into a full-time income. Here are some tips from top earners:
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Be Authentic and Consistent
Successful creators emphasize the importance of authenticity and consistency. Post regularly, and engage with your audience consistently.
Also, stay true to your brand. Use analytics to track your performance and adjust your content strategy accordingly.
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Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Avoid over-commercializing your content. This habit it can turn off your audience so try to balance sponsored content with organic posts to maintain authenticity.
Importantly, stay updated with TikTok’s policies to avoid violations that could impact your account.
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Optimize Your Profile
Complete your TikTok bio, set a profile photo, and link other social accounts. A complete and professional-looking profile helps build credibility.
It is also key to attracting more followers. In fact, even with a low follower count, a well-optimized profile can enhance your profile’s trustworthiness and appeal to potential collaborators and brands.
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Post Consistently
Posting daily TikTok videos helps the algorithm surface your content to a broader audience. This will be key to driving more views to your profile and potential earnings.
Consistency signals to the algorithm that you are an active creator, which can increase the chances of your videos being recommended. Aim to maintain a regular posting schedule to keep your audience engaged and attract new followers.
How to Make Money on TikTok Without Showing Your Face
For those who prefer to stay behind the scenes, TikTok offers several opportunities to create content without showing your face and make money online. Here are a few examples on how to make money on TikTok without showing your face;
- Animation and Motion Graphics: Create engaging animated videos using software like Adobe After Effects or online tools like Animaker. These videos can be entertaining and informative without requiring you to appear on camera.
- Voiceover Content and Storytelling: Narrate stories, share interesting facts, or provide commentary over visuals. This format is popular for educational content, guides like how to make money in the summer, reviews, and personal anecdotes.
- DIY and Tutorial Videos: Demonstrate crafts, recipes, or other skills using only your hands and voice. These videos can be highly engaging and informative.
The tools and resources you will need to make TikTok videos without showing your face includes;
- Editing Software: Utilize editing tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or mobile apps like InShot to create polished videos.
- Royalty-Free Music and Sounds: Use platforms like Epidemic Sound or TikTok’s sound library to enhance your videos with music and effects.
How to Make Money on TikTok with Affiliate Marketing
To make real money on TikTok with affiliate marketing, you should begin by researching and joining affiliate programs that align with your niche and audience. Platforms like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, and ClickBank offer a wide range of products to promote.
You may also want to reach out to brands with affiliate programs for affiliate-dedicated URLs. When looking for brands with affiliate programs, keep an eye out for reputable brands that align with your niche and audience. Here are a few more tips to make money on TikTok with affiliate marketing;
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Upgrade to a Business Account
You will need to switch to a business account to access TikTok’s advanced features, like analytics and clickable links. These features allow you to easily track performance and refine your marketing efforts.
To upgrade, go to your profile, select “Settings and Privacy,” navigate to “Manage Account,” and choose “Switch to Business Account.” This step is crucial for enhancing your professional presence on the platform.
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Optimize Your Profile to Make Money on TikTok
Ensure your TikTok profile is fully optimized. Write a clear and compelling bio that reflects your brand and niche.
Also, use a high-quality profile photo and link your other social media accounts to build credibility and provide a cohesive brand experience. A well-optimized profile can attract more followers and make you more appealing to potential brand partners.
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Add a Link to Your Bio
With a business account, you can add a clickable link to your profile bio. This is a direct way to drive traffic to your affiliate products or landing page.
To do this, go to your profile, click “Edit Profile,” and enter your link under the “Website” field. Encourage viewers to click this link by mentioning it in your videos and descriptions, using phrases like “Link in Bio” to boost visibility.
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Use Relevant Hashtags
You probably already know this, but hashtags are vital for increasing the reach of your videos. Use hashtags related to your niche and content to improve discoverability.
Incorporate trending hashtags to tap into broader conversations and attract new viewers. This strategic use of hashtags can significantly boost your content’s visibility and engagement.
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Tap into Emerging Trends
TikTok thrives on trends. So, staying updated with the latest can significantly increase your content’s reach.
Identify and participate in viral challenges, sounds, or hashtags to get more impressions. Also, consistently create trend-inspired content for higher engagement and potential virality.
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Post Consistently
Consistency is key on TikTok. So, post daily to keep your audience engaged and signal to the algorithm that you are an active creator.
Regular uploads increase your chances of being featured on more users’ For You pages. This can drive more views and potential affiliate sales.
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Use Affiliate Marketing Tools to Make Money on TikTok
Optimize your efforts with tools designed for affiliate marketing. These tools help you manage and track your links.
They can also help you get crucial insights into performance. Look for platforms that offer social media-specific features to streamline your marketing strategies.
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Send Traffic to Your Profile on Other Networks
Just mentioning the products you’re promoting in your videos isn’t enough. Also, promote your affiliate links across multiple social media platforms.
Link your Instagram and YouTube accounts to your TikTok profile to drive valuable traffic from these networks to your affiliate links. Regularly update these links to keep your campaigns current.
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Direct your Traffic to Landing Pages or Blogs
To maximize earnings from your affiliate marketing efforts, you will also want to create a landing page or blog where you can share multiple affiliate links. There are so many tools you can use for this purpose.
A good example is Linktree, which allows you to compile all your links in one place. This makes it easy for your followers to find and click on them. Invite your TikTok audience to visit this page for more information.
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Join a Marketplace for Brands and Affiliates
Join marketplaces to increase your affiliate opportunities. The TikTok Creator Marketplace connects you with brands looking for collaborations. Platforms like the Refersion Marketplace can also expand your network and offer more affiliate revenue opportunities.
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Find and Promote Discount Codes to Make Money on TikTok
If your affiliate brands offer discount codes, share them in your videos and descriptions. Highlighting these codes can drive more traffic and conversions.
Always ensure that the traffic sources align with the brand’s policies. Use tracking links to monitor your affiliate marketing performance. Analyze which content drives the most conversions and refine your strategy accordingly. Continuously test different approaches to maximize your earnings.
How to Use AI to Make Money on TikTok
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can also enhance your TikTok content and streamline your workflow. Here are a few ways to use AI to make money on TikTok;
- AI for Video Editing and Enhancement: AI-powered tools like Magisto and Adobe Sensei can automate video editing, making it easier to produce high-quality content. These tools can analyze your footage and create engaging videos with minimal effort.
- AI-Driven Content Ideas and Analytics: Platforms like TubeBuddy and VidIQ use AI to provide content ideas and analyze trends. These tools can help you identify popular topics, optimize your videos for SEO, and track your performance.
- Automation Tools for Managing TikTok Accounts: Use AI-driven automation tools like Hootsuite or Later to schedule posts, analyze engagement, and manage multiple accounts. Automation can save you time and ensure consistent posting.
How do I Maximize my TikTok Earnings?
Just making money on TikTok isn’t enough. To use the platform efficiently, you will also want to maximize earnings especially if you have huge targets like trying to make 10k fast. Here are five tips to maximize your TikTok earnings;
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Engage with Your Audience
Build a strong community by interacting with your followers. Respond to comments, host live sessions, and create content based on audience feedback.
Engagement encourages loyalty and repeat views. When your audience feels heard and valued, they are more likely to support and share your content with others, amplifying your reach and earning potential.
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Analyze and Understand TikTok Analytics
Use TikTok’s built-in analytics to track your performance. Monitor metrics like views, likes, shares, and follower growth. Analyzing this data helps you understand what works and adjust your strategy.
If you can identify which types of content resonate most with your audience, it becomes easier to focus on creating more of what they love and optimizing your content for better engagement and monetization.
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Continuously Experiment and Adapt Content Strategies
Stay adaptable and experiment with different content formats, styles, and trends. Regularly update your approach based on performance and audience preferences.
This flexibility keeps your content fresh and engaging. Trying new things can also help you discover untapped opportunities and niches that further boost your earnings.
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Learn from Your Mistakes
Reflect on what didn’t work and why. Understanding your missteps can provide valuable insights into your content creation process.
Use this knowledge to refine your strategies and avoid repeating the same errors. Learning from mistakes is crucial for growth and success on TikTok.
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Publish Sponsored Posts to Make Money on TikTok
Collaborate with brands to create sponsored content. Ensure these partnerships align with your personal brand and audience interests.
Sponsored posts can be a significant revenue stream, especially if your audience trusts your recommendations.
Closing Thoughts on How to Make Money on TikTok
TikTok offers a myriad of opportunities for creators to monetize their content. Whether you have a large following or are just starting, there are numerous ways to make money on TikTok.
Start experimenting with the strategies in this guide and unlock TikTok’s full potential as a revenue stream. What is your best hack for making money on TikTok? Let us know in the comments below.
Okendo Felix is a seasoned personal finance writer with over 7 years of experience. Currently active on quidgetters.com, he’s been featured on a number of major publications including Business Insider. Okendo enjoys playing football and binge-watching Stranger Things when not writing. Fun fact: Okendo once tried to budget for a pet unicorn!
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