How to Make Money on TikTok: Complete Guide 2025

Ever wonder how much money you can actually make money on TikTok without going viral overnight?

The truth is, creators are earning anywhere from $25 per post to over $167,000 a year using smart, repeatable strategies and you don’t need a million followers to start.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn every proven way to monetize your TikTok content in 2025, from the latest Creator Rewards to selling digital products, affiliate links, and more.

By the end, you’ll be able to pick the best monetization methods for your niche, set up income streams, and start turning your TikToks into real, scalable income.

Key Takeaways

• Multiple ways to earn (even with low followers): Learn 10+ top monetization strategies that work for creators of all sizes including beginners.
• How to qualify for TikTok’s new Creator Rewards: Discover how TikTok now pays for engagement on videos over 1 minute long.
• TikTok Shop earns more than Creator Fund: See why product based creators earn more through TikTok Shop’s commission based model.
• How much money real TikTokers make: Get inspired by creators earning $50K+ per year with case studies and examples.
• Beginner roadmap to your first $1,000: Follow our step by step action plan to launch and grow your TikTok income from scratch.

Is it Easy to Make Money On TikTok?

Making money on TikTok in 2025 is more accessible than ever but it’s not as simple as posting viral videos. TikTok now rewards longer, high quality content with better payouts and visibility.

Thanks to tools like TikTok Shop, affiliate programs, and creator monetization features, even small creators with loyal audiences can generate consistent income.

However, success on the platform requires a smart strategy: knowing your niche, choosing the right monetization methods, and posting regularly with engagement in mind.

If you’re consistent and learn how to promote or sell effectively, TikTok can become a powerful income source in less than six months.

What do you need to get started?

To start making money on TikTok, you need a TikTok Creator Account, a clear niche, and at least a few pieces of original content. Many monetization features like TikTok Shop or Creator Rewards require 1,000–10,000+ followers. You’ll also need a link in bio tool like Beacons or Koji, a payment platform (e.g., PayPal), and a phone with solid video quality. Bonus: Use editing tools like CapCut or InShot to enhance content professionally.

How much money you can make on TikTok?

Your earnings depend on your audience size, engagement rate, niche, and chosen monetization method. For example, micro influencers (10K–100K followers) earn about $25–$125 per sponsored post. Creators like Candice Bannister have built businesses making £167,000 in one year selling products through TikTok. Others, like Lexi Larson, earned $50,000+ through a mix of sponsorships, affiliate links, and digital offers. Monetizing smartly with even a modest following can generate $500–$5,000/month.

1. Creator Rewards Program (Formerly Creator Fund)

TikTok’s new Creator Rewards Program, launched in late 2023, is a major upgrade from the old Creator Fund. It pays eligible creators based on video performance, not just views and specifically rewards videos over 60 seconds that keep viewers engaged.

The platform is prioritizing long form content to compete with YouTube Shorts and Reels. This shift means TikTokers who produce storytelling, tutorials, or informative videos over one minute long can now earn significantly more even without going viral.

To qualify, you need at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 valid video views in the last 30 days. Unlike the old fund, rewards scale better with engagement and audience retention, making it more lucrative for creators with tight communities or highly watchable content.

Unique Requirements:

• 10,000+ followers
• 100,000 video views in the past 30 days
• Content over 60 seconds

How to Earn with Creator Rewards?

• Switch to a Creator or Business account in your settings
• Meet the follower and view thresholds listed above
• Post long form (60+ seconds) engaging content regularly
• Apply to the Creator Rewards Program in TikTok’s monetization menu
• Track performance in your analytics dashboard
• Optimize retention with strong hooks and storytelling formats
• Post at least 3–4 high quality videos per week
• Focus on your best performing content category or niche
• Reuse successful videos with slight variations
• Increase engagement through CTAs, comments, and replies

Quick tip: Videos longer than 1 minute get priority in monetized feeds make them count.

2. Make Money with TikTok Shop

TikTok Shop is TikTok’s built in eCommerce engine, letting you sell physical or digital products directly through your videos or live streams. It’s one of the most profitable ways to make money on TikTok, especially in 2025.

Here’s how it works: Creators link products to their content using affiliate tools or their own listings. When a viewer clicks and buys, the creator earns a commission (typically 10%–20% or more). You don’t need to manage inventory if you’re an affiliate just promote.

TikTok heavily promotes Shop integrated content, boosting visibility. It’s ideal for creators in beauty, fashion, fitness, or tech niches especially those creating product reviews or lifestyle content.

Unique Requirements:

• Must be approved as a TikTok Shop affiliate or seller
• Some niches (e.g. supplements) require compliance steps

How to Make Money with TikTok Shop?

• Apply to become a TikTok Shop creator or affiliate
• Browse the Product Marketplace for high commission items
• Select products aligned with your niche or audience
• Create short form and live videos that feature the product naturally
• Tag the product using TikTok’s in app linking tool
• Promote with tutorials, unboxings, or comparison content
• Use live streams to pitch and demonstrate
• Include strong call to actions in captions and video
• Track which products convert best and double down
• Scale up using TikTok ads if desired

Quick tip: Choose products that already have reviews it builds buyer trust instantly.

3. TikTok LIVE Gifts

Live streaming on TikTok isn’t just for chatting it’s a real money maker thanks to LIVE Gifts. Viewers buy virtual gifts with TikTok coins and send them during your stream. You can then redeem them for real money.

The more engaging and consistent your live streams are, the more gifts you’re likely to receive. TikTok takes a cut, but it’s still a high potential option for creators who love interacting in real time.

Unique Requirements:

• You must be 18+ and have 1,000+ followers
• LIVE feature must be enabled on your account

How to Monetize with TikTok LIVE Gifts?

• Reach 1,000 followers and activate LIVE
• Schedule your streams consistently (e.g., 3x per week)
• Choose themes: Q&As, product demos, tutorials, or giveaways
• Use pinned comments to guide gift giving or shoutouts
• Thank gifters by name create community
• Run short “challenge” games to encourage giving
• Keep streams 20–60 minutes long for max exposure
• Promote your LIVE ahead of time via Stories or captions
• Repurpose LIVE clips into short videos
• Cash out gifts through TikTok’s payout portal

Quick tip: Peak LIVE hours are evenings and weekends stream when your audience is online.

4. Affiliate Marketing on TikTok

Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest and lowest effort ways to make money on TikTok, especially for faceless or niche content creators. You simply promote a product, include a unique affiliate link (usually in bio or comments), and earn commission from any sales.

It’s perfect for creators in product heavy niches like tech, fashion, skincare, parenting, or finance. The best part? No inventory, no shipping, no customer support just promote and earn.

Unique Requirements:

• Must apply to affiliate platforms (Amazon, Impact, TikTok Shop, etc.)
• You’ll need a landing page tool like Koji or Beacons to link effectively

How to Make Money with Affiliate Marketing?

• Choose your niche and target audience
• Sign up for affiliate programs that fit your content (Amazon, TikTok Shop, ClickBank, etc.)
• Get your unique tracking links for each product
• Use link in bio tools (like Koji) to house all affiliate links
• Create review, tutorial, or reaction videos featuring the product
• Include verbal or on screen CTAs like “link in bio”
• Pin comments to guide traffic to your links
• Test different angles (e.g. benefits, comparisons, “best under $25”)
• Track your conversions using analytics tools
• Double down on content formats that drive clicks

Quick tip: Always disclose affiliate links with a quick “#affiliate” or “#ad” for transparency.

5. Sponsored Content

This is the classic influencer income stream brands pay you to promote their product or service in a TikTok post or series. It’s ideal for creators with 10,000+ followers, though even nano influencers can land deals if their niche is tight.

Sponsored posts can include anything from reviews, “a day using this,” unboxings, or simple callouts. Rates vary, but many creators earn $25–$2,500 per post depending on reach and niche.

Unique Requirements:

• Need consistent engagement and a well defined audience
• Media kit or pitch deck helps when reaching out to brands

How to Get Paid for Sponsored Posts?

• Optimize your profile: niche clarity, email in bio, recent viral posts
• Create a media kit showing your stats and audience
• Use platforms like Aspire, BrandSnob, or TikTok Creator Marketplace
• Pitch brands that align with your content and values
• Negotiate flat fees or performance bonuses (clicks, conversions)
• Clearly mark your content as “Sponsored” or “#ad”
• Keep the content native and not overly promotional
• Share performance metrics with brands post campaign
• Bundle multiple posts or Stories to upsell
• Build long term partnerships when possible

Quick tip: Brands LOVE engagement more than followers focus on comments, not just likes.

6. Make Money with TikTok Series

TikTok Series lets you lock premium video content behind a paywall and followers pay to access. It’s great for tutorials, behind the scenes looks, masterclasses, or niche knowledge drops (e.g., cooking, trading, editing tips).

Each Series can include multiple videos (up to 20 minutes each). It’s a scalable, passive income stream for experts and educators.

Unique Requirements:

• Need 10,000+ followers and approval by TikTok
• Content must meet TikTok’s community guidelines

How to Launch a TikTok Series?

• Decide on a high value topic your audience would pay for
• Outline and script 3–10 episodes around that niche
• Film in depth, step by step tutorials or stories
• Apply for TikTok Series in your monetization dashboard
• Set a price ($1–$49 per Series) and preview it with a free intro
• Promote with teaser videos and comment CTAs
• Pin your Series in your profile for easy access
• Offer discounts or limited time pricing
• Ask for feedback and improve future Series
• Repurpose Series content into shorts for promo

Quick tip: Test your idea with free content first if it performs well, Series can 10x it.

More Best Ways to Make Money on TikTok

7. Crowdfunding and Fan Support

If you’ve built a loyal following, asking your fans to support you directly is one of the simplest ways to earn. Platforms like Buy Me a Coffee, Ko-fi, or Patreon let followers send one time tips or monthly donations in exchange for exclusive content, shoutouts, or behind the scenes access. TikTokers often link these platforms in their bio or highlight them during live streams. This method is especially effective for creators in music, art, or niche education, where personal connection and value matter most.

Quick tip: Mention your support link at the end of value packed videos to drive conversions.

8. Selling Digital Products

Digital products like eBooks, templates, guides, or presets are a passive income goldmine on TikTok. Once created, they can be sold repeatedly with no extra effort. Creators often promote them by showing a problem, then introducing their product as the solution. Use tools like Gumroad, Payhip, or Stan Store to host your products and process payments. TikTok’s short, visual format is perfect for demonstrating the product’s value in real-time or through tutorials.

Quick tip: Use “Before vs. After” style videos to showcase the transformation your product delivers.

9. Offering Coaching or Consulting

If you’re an expert in any topic fitness, mindset, content creation, design, job hunting you can turn your TikTok into a client generating machine. Use your videos to demonstrate your expertise and show real results, then direct viewers to book sessions via Calendly, Koji, or a link in bio platform. Coaching calls can be sold at a high ticket price, making this a profitable method even with a small audience.

Quick tip: Use testimonials or screen recorded client wins to build trust and authority.

10. UGC (User-Generated Content) for Brands

UGC creators make videos for brands to use in ads, without needing to post to their own TikTok account. Brands want “native looking” content, and TikTokers who can replicate organic trends often land repeat gigs. You’ll pitch yourself via UGC marketplaces or email brands directly, offering samples of your work. This model is ideal if you prefer staying behind the scenes or don’t want to build a personal following.

Quick tip: Create 3–5 sample UGC videos to showcase your skills and start pitching on day one.

11. Licensing Viral Content

If one of your videos goes viral especially a trend, skit, or tutorial you may be able to license it to media companies or ad agencies. Tools like Jellysmack or Collab connect creators with brands looking to reuse high performing content in campaigns. You maintain ownership and earn royalties or flat fees per use. This method works best when your content has widespread, non niche appeal.

Quick tip: Always save original footage and keep metadata you’ll need it for licensing deals.

Step by Step Guide to Make Money on TikTok

Step 1: Create a Creator or Business Account

Start by setting up your TikTok account as a Creator or Business profile. This unlocks access to analytics, monetization tools, and features like TikTok Shop or Creator Rewards. It also helps TikTok understand your niche and audience for better content recommendations.

Step 2: Choose a Niche You Can Monetize

Don’t post random trends instead, focus on a niche that aligns with profitable monetization paths like beauty, fitness, finance, or digital products. Niches with product opportunities or educational angles tend to earn faster. Check our Top Niches That Make Money on TikTok blog post for more ideas.

Step 3: Plan & Post High Engagement Content

Build your content around value or entertainment. Videos that perform well in 2025 often follow a formula: hook in the first 2 seconds, value/story in the middle, and a soft CTA at the end. Use the Best Time to Post on TikTok and Top TikTok Hashtags from our tip posts to boost reach.

Step 4: Build a Link in Bio Funnel

Use tools like Koji, Stan Store, or Beacons to create a “link hub” where you can place affiliate links, product pages, or coaching offers. Add this link to your TikTok bio and mention it in video captions or comments to start driving monetized clicks.

Step 5: Reach Monetization Thresholds

To qualify for TikTok Creator Rewards, you’ll need 10,000 followers and 100,000 views in the last 30 days. For TikTok LIVE, just 1,000 followers is enough. Keep posting long form (60+ seconds) content consistently to increase your odds of meeting those milestones.

Step 6: Join Monetization Programs

Once eligible, apply for TikTok’s Creator Rewards, TikTok Shop Affiliate Program, or use affiliate platforms like Amazon or Impact. For sponsored content, join platforms like Aspire or TikTok Creator Marketplace to connect with brands looking for creators in your niche.

Step 7: Add New Income Streams

Diversify by layering multiple methods: promote affiliate links, sell a simple digital product (like a Notion template), or offer paid coaching. If you go LIVE, collect gifts. If you post tutorials, monetize with TikTok Series. The key is stacking small income streams into monthly consistency.

Step 8: Track, Refine & Scale

Use TikTok analytics and link tracking tools to monitor what’s working. Double down on formats that drive views and clicks. As you grow, consider using TikTok Ads to boost product videos, or repurpose content for Instagram Reels using our guide to increase reach.

Tips to Increase Revenue on TikTok

The key to growing TikTok income isn’t just more followers it’s smarter monetization. First, focus on long form videos over 60 seconds to qualify for Creator Rewards, which now pays based on watch time and retention. Post 3–5 times per week with a mix of tutorials, product showcases, or niche advice.

Engage in the comments and go LIVE regularly. This boosts your visibility and builds loyal fans which translates directly to higher affiliate sales and LIVE gift income. Use TikTok analytics to identify which content drives the most clicks or conversions.

Lastly, stack income streams. Many creators start with affiliate marketing, then layer in digital products or sponsored posts.

Read More blog post: How to Make Money on TikTok Live to boost your LIVE based earnings.

Best AI Tools for Making Money on TikTok

Creating daily content can feel overwhelming, but AI tools can simplify everything from scripting to editing. Use ChatGPT or Jasper.ai to generate video scripts, hooks, and CTAs. For video editing, CapCut and InVideo AI make professional TikToks in minutes with transitions, text overlays, and voiceovers.

For faceless channels, combine Pictory with AI generated voices or subtitles to automate content creation entirely. Planning tools like Later or Metricool help schedule posts and track performance.

If you’re selling digital products or using affiliate marketing, pair these with tools like Koji or Stan Store to automate delivery and link in bio funnels.

Read More blog post: Tools to Edit TikTok Videos Like a Pro for top recommendations.

Best Affiliate Platforms for TikTok Creators

Affiliate marketing on TikTok works best when you have easy to use, high payout platforms. For physical products, try Amazon Associates or TikTok Shop’s affiliate marketplace, which integrates directly into your content. Digital creators should explore Impact, ShareASale, or ClickBank great for online courses, software, and tools.

For link management, tools like Koji or Beacons.ai let you host multiple affiliate links in one bio friendly page. Always look for programs that offer 10%+ commission and provide good visuals or swipe copy.

Read More blog post: Affiliate Marketing on TikTok: Step by Step Guide to pick the right platform and maximize your commissions.

Best Time to Post & Use Hashtags for Growth

Timing and visibility can make or break your content. Posting when your audience is online gives your videos a strong push during TikTok’s critical first hour. In 2025, the best times are early evenings on weekdays (6–9 PM) and weekend afternoons (1–4 PM).

Use hashtags that match your niche but don’t just rely on trending ones. Combine broad tags like #tiktokgrowth with niche specific ones like #skincareroutine or #budgettravelhacks. This helps TikTok categorize your content for the right viewers.

Read More blog posts: Best Time to Post on TikTok for Engagement and Best TikTok Hashtags to Boost Views.

Conclusion

You don’t need to be a celebrity to make serious money on TikTok in 2025. Whether you’re promoting affiliate links, hosting live streams, or selling digital products, there are countless ways to monetize even with just 1,000 followers.

By following this guide, stacking income streams, and using the tools and strategies we’ve outlined, you can build your TikTok into a reliable side hustle or even a full time income stream. Remember, creators like Candice Bannister turned cupcakes into £167,000 a year. Your success starts with consistency and action.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)