Monetizing TikTok: How Creators Get Paid

Scrolling through TikTok, it’s easy to get lost in an endless stream of viral dances, challenges, and life hacks. 

But behind all the lights and props, have you ever stopped and wondered: “Just how much does TikTok pay?”

Whether you’re a content creator who wants to learn how to get paid on TikTok or just curious about the numbers, read on for a deep dive into making money on TikTok.

Understanding TikTok’s monetization options

With so many ways to make money on social media, two questions need answering. First, how much is TikTok able to offer content creators as far as monetization? And second, how do these creators actually get paid? 

Why is TikTok popular?

In 2023, there were over 102 million TikTok users in the US alone. (Statista, 2023) This popularity is no accident. It’s the result of clever design: 

• Short, bite-sized videos easily capture and retain attention
• Unique algorithms recommend content tailored to the viewer
• The platform prioritizes creativity and authenticity

These ingredients combine to make the perfect recipe: an app where users can spend hours scrolling. And with TikTok’s many built-in monetization features, from live gifts to brand partnerships, it’s clear that the monetization potential is massive. 

Does TikTok pay you just for posting content?

One of the most common questions aspiring creators ask is: Does TikTok pay you for posting content? 

The short answer is no—TikTok doesn’t directly pay for every video upload. 

Instead, the platform offers several monetization options for creators who meet certain criteria. One example is the Coins and Diamonds system. These in-app currencies play a crucial role in the digital creator economy:

• Coins are bought with real money. Users can exchange Coins for virtual gifts to send to their favorite creators during live streams.
• Diamonds are then created from these virtual gifts. Creators can exchange Diamonds they’ve accumulated for real money. (TikTok, 2024)

TikTok itself also sometimes uses Diamonds to reward popular content creators. While not a primary income source, this feature can be a steady revenue stream for creators who regularly interact with their followers through live streams.

How TikTok’s Creator Rewards Program works

TikTok’s Creator Rewards Program is an upgraded initiative, replacing the previous TikTok Creator Fund to offer better earning potential. This program is designed to reward any TikTok user for their high-quality, long-form content—videos that are at least one minute long. In addition to TikTok rewards, Effect Creator Rewards offer compensation to those who design and create special effects or filters that gain popularity and are widely used.

To qualify for the Creator Rewards Program, creators must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have at least 10,000 TikTok followers.
• Accumulate a minimum of 100,000 views over the past 30 days.
• Maintain a personal account in good standing.

All content must also be 100% original, designed, filmed, and produced by the creator. After joining the Program, eligible creators can expect to receive pay of approximately $0.40 to $0.80 per 1,000 qualified views. (The Verge, 2023)

Brand partnerships and sponsorships on TikTok

One of the most lucrative ways to earn money on TikTok is through brand partnerships and sponsorships. Leveraging TikTok ads and digital marketing strategies can help you get a sponsored post, secure a brand deal, or land a brand partnership.  Companies increasingly invest in TikTok influencers to promote their products to highly engaged audiences. 

Creators often partner with brands for: 

• Sponsored content
• Product placements
• Long-term ambassador roles

Payment for these deals can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars per post, depending on your reach and engagement rates. (Business Insider, 2024)

How much does TikTok pay?

It can be difficult to estimate how much money a TikTok creator makes. That’s because revenue is often divided between the multiple income streams discussed above. 

These other factors can also affect your potential profits: 

Factors influencing TikTok earnings

Understanding what drives TikTok earnings is the first step to maximizing your potential income. As noted, earnings can vary depending on several factors:

• Follower count – Larger audiences typically mean more potential for views, brand deals, and other income opportunities.
• Engagement rate – High engagement (likes, comments, shares) boosts visibility and, as a result, earnings.
• Content niche – Some niches, like beauty, fitness, and tech, tend to attract higher-paying brand deals.
• Geographic location – Creators in countries with larger advertising markets may have access to more lucrative opportunities.

While you might not have control over all these factors, building a steady following through regular, quality content is the best foundation. 

How to maximize your TikTok revenue

Of course, maximizing revenue on TikTok is about more than just churning out content. Here are a few key strategies: 

• Focus on quality and engagement – Know your audience. Aim to create videos that resonate with them. The more engaging your content, the higher your views, and the greater your earning potential. 
• Post consistently – You know the saying, out of sight, out of mind? Well, make sure to stay top of mind by uploading content regularly. Consider building a content schedule and recording in advance to give yourself some creative breathing room.
• Engage with your audience – Take time to respond to comments, participate in trends, and go live to build even stronger connections with your TikTok followers.
• Diversify your revenue streams – Go beyond just Diamonds and Coins—explore merchandise sales, build a personal brand with your own products, and consider brand deals or affiliate marketing. The possibilities are endless.

Rather than rely on TikTok as your sole source of income, consider it just one part of your digital business. 

Tools like Name.com’s fast and simple website builder solutions let you build an online presence outside of TikTok. A personal, professional website allows you to showcase your portfolio to potential sponsors or even sell products directly, adding new layers of monetization.

Step-by-step guide to getting paid on TikTok

You’ve created content, you’ve built a following—but now it’s time for the final step: getting paid. But how exactly do you get started? Let’s break it down step-by-step. 

Setting up your account for monetization

Before you can start earning, you’ll need to ‘flip the switch’ to ensure your account can benefit from monetization:

1. Switch to a pro account – TikTok offers two types of Pro accounts: Creator and Business. Choose the one that aligns with your goals.
2. Meet TikTok’s monetization requirements – For most monetization tools (like the Creator Rewards Program), you’ll need at least 10,000 followers, 100,000 video views in the last 30 days, and be over 18 years old.
3. Link a payment method – Once eligible, you’ll need to connect a payment method, such as PayPal, to receive your earnings.

Be sure to read and follow TikTok’s policies for content and professional accounts. Failing to comply can lead to account suspensions and potentially losing your hard work. 

How to join the TikTok Creator Rewards Program

Certain programs, such as the TikTok Creator Rewards Program, require a few extra steps to activate: 

• Go to your TikTok profile – Tap the three lines in the top-right corner to access your settings.
• Select “Creator Tools” – Look for the Creator Rewards Program option within this section.
• Submit your application – Once your account is verified, you can start earning based on your video performance.

While this program is TikTok’s latest offering, keep an eye out for future monetization features and updates that may provide even more opportunities for creators.

Other ways to earn money on TikTok

Beyond earning from your regular content, your followers’ attention can be monetized in other ways.

Live sessions are one of the most popular, enabling creators to earn real money through virtual gifts sent by their followers. TikTok live gifts or live gifting allow fans to send TikTok coins during streams, which can be converted into real money. Another lucrative method is through affiliate marketing and sponsored posts, where creators promote products and earn a commission on sales. You can integrate an affiliate link in your bio or video descriptions that lead followers to products you recommend. Engaging with the TikTok shop or the TikTok shopping features is a great way to drive sales through your TikTok account. 

You’ve likely also seen many influencers directing their followers to a “link in bio”—a gateway to online shops, blogs, promotions, or any other external platforms. This single link can effectively lead followers to everything from merchandise to exclusive content.

You can set up a link in bio platform with Name.com, allowing you to scale your social presence and consolidate all your premium content, affiliate links, and sponsored material in one place.

Case studies: Success stories of TikTok creators

If names like Addison Rae or Khaby Lame sound familiar, it’s because TikTok has been the launchpad for content creators who have transformed short videos into multi-million dollar empires.

Just consider these success stories:

• Charli D’Amelio – The highest-paid TikTok influencer, known for her viral dance videos, Charli reportedly earns $17.5 million. (Influencer Marketing Hub, 2024)
• Addison Rae – Leveraging her TikTok fame into acting and music careers, Addison’s earnings are estimated at $8.5 million. (Influencer Marketing Hub, 2024)
• Josh Richards – From lip-sync videos to managing his own energy drink business, Josh rakes in a reported $5 million annually. (Influencer Marketing Hub, 2024)

But it’s not just these big names making money on TikTok. 

Countless creators have turned TikTok into a full-time career by focusing on delivering engaging content to their audiences, diversifying revenue streams, and landing brand deals. 

Will you be next?

Is monetizing TikTok right for you?

Making a career out of TikTok videos is possible—but it’s not without its challenges. Remember that success rarely happens overnight. Consistency, creativity, and adaptability are the keys to turning your content into cash. 

Should you pursue TikTok monetization, aim for a balanced strategy that builds your personal brand. Name.com is the perfect partner in this journey, offering best-in-class products for establishing a winning online presence. 

With tools to help you secure a personalized domain name, build a professional website, and custom email hosting solutions, Name.com helps set you up for digital success—whether on TikTok or any other platform. 

 

Sources: 

Statista. Number of TikTok users in the United States from 2023 to 2027. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1100836/number-of-us-tiktok-users/

TikTok. Diamonds. https://support.tiktok.com/en/business-and-creator/video-gifts-on-tiktok/diamonds

The Verge. TikTok’s $1 billion creator fund is shutting down. https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/6/23949290/tiktok-creator-fund-discontinued-monetization-creativity-program

Business Insider. How much money TikTokers make, according to top creators. https://www.businessinsider.com/how-much-do-tiktokers-make

Influencer Marketing Hub. Highest Paid TikTok Influencers of 2024. https://influencermarketinghub.com/tiktok-highest-paid-stars/#toc-9