November 1, 2024

How to Make Money on TikTok in 2024: 9 Proven Methods

Since TikTok burst onto the social media scene, it’s charmed and delighted millions with its addictive short-form content. But it's not just about fun and games anymore. TikTok has become a serious platform for TikTok creators to cash in on their talent and creativity.

Whether you're a seasoned content creator or just starting out, TikTok offers many ways to turn your videos into cold, hard cash. From brand deals to selling your own merch, the opportunities for TikTokers to make money are as diverse as the content on the platform itself.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to make money on TikTok, plus expert tips and FAQs to maximize your earning potential.

How to get paid on TikTok: 9 ways

Looking to cash in on your TikTok creativity? Here’s how to monetize effectively to make your content work for you:

1. Collaborating with brands

Brands are lining up to work with TikTok creators who can showcase their products in fresh, exciting ways. Team up with companies to create videos featuring their products or services. The key is to make these promotions feel natural and true to your style — nobody likes a forced pitch.

While some creators get lucky with inbound offers, don't be afraid to pitch yourself to brands that fit your niche. Check out TikTok's Creator Marketplace. It's like a dating app but for creators and brands looking to collaborate. You might just find your perfect (business) match.

When it comes to getting paid, you can negotiate a flat fee based on factors like your follower count, engagement rate, and what the brand wants you to do. The more eyes you can get on their product, the more you can charge.

2. TikTok Creativity Program

TikTok's Creativity Program — the upgraded and rebranded version of the Creator Fund — is the platform's way of rewarding TikTok creators for their hard work. To join, you need to be at least 18, have 10,000 followers, and have racked up 100,000 video views in the last 30 days. That might sound like a lot, but with a little patience and consistent, quality content, it's a reachable goal.

The program loves videos that are on the longer side because it means users are spending more time on the app, so aim for 60 seconds or more. It's your chance to dive a little deeper into the topics you know and love and to really showcase your creativity.

3. TikTok Shop

TikTok Shop transforms your profile into a virtual storefront, blending content creation with e-commerce. Just apply to become part of the Seller Center, and once you're approved, you can start selling products through livestreams and videos — or even set up a shop right on your TikTok account. It's like having your own personal TV shopping network.

Sell your own merchandise or team up with brands to offer sponsored product placements. Either way, you're turning your influence into a way to earn money. Keep in mind that TikTok takes a cut of each sale as a commission, so plan your finances accordingly.

4. TikTok advertising

TikTok's advertising platform is a powerful tool to add to your creator monetization toolkit. Use TikTok ads to drive traffic to your account, website, or TikTok Shop, turning viewers into potential customers and bringing more people to your content.

TikTok offers a few creative ad options, like in-feed image ads that blend with users’ For You pages and attention-grabbing fullscreen TopView ads that appear when users fire up the app.

5. Affiliate marketing

One of the most straightforward ways to make money on TikTok as a creator is earning commissions through strategic product promotions. By sharing special links to products you love, you can earn a bit of money every time someone makes a purchase. Add these links to your bio, video descriptions, and other platforms to cast a wider net. You could pocket anywhere from 5% to 30% commission on each sale.

Remember: Authenticity is key. Stick to products you like and use yourself. Users can tell when a TikTok creator is pitching a product for monetary gain alone, and it’s not worth promoting anything you don’t actually like.

6. Virtual gifts and diamonds

During live broadcasts and in video comments, your fans can shower you with virtual gifts in the form of diamonds — TikTok's own sparkly currency for content creators. As these digital gems pile up, you can convert them into real-world cash, so keep an eye on your account balance to watch your savings grow.

7. Premium Series content

TikTok's Series feature lets you monetize your expertise and influence by offering premium video collections. Users pay a small fee to access this content. Think of it as your own mini Netflix within the TikTok platform.

You can package up to 80 videos into a series — perfect for things like in-depth tutorials and stories with multiple parts. You have the freedom to set your price anywhere from $0.99 to $189.99. It's a nice way to offer your most dedicated fans exclusive content while creating another income stream at the same time.

8. Personalized interactions

Take your TikTok game to the next level by offering tailor-made content for your biggest fans. Craft paid personalized shoutouts that make your followers feel like VIPs, or host live sessions where you can interact with your audience in real time. These intimate connections not only boost engagement but can also fill your virtual creator tip jar. Plus, regular face time with your fans keeps them coming back for more.

9. Music promotion

Turn your TikTok account into a launchpad for musical stardom. Creators can cash in by featuring up-and-coming tracks in their videos, helping artists gain exposure and earn money at the same time.

And if you're a musician yourself, TikTok is your stage for showcasing your tunes and driving fans to your merch store or ticket booth. The real magic happens when a video featuring your song catches fire. Suddenly, you're not just a TikTok creator — you're a hitmaker, with the potential to skyrocket your career or another artist's career to new heights.

6 tips for making money on TikTok

Ready to level up your TikTok game? Here are some pro tips to maximize your money-making potential:

Carve out your niche. Find your unique voice and stick to it. Whether you're a comedy genius or a DIY wizard, owning your specialty will help you stand out and increase your following.
Consistency is key. Keep your content flowing regularly. Your audience (and the algorithm) loves reliability.
Team up with fellow creators. Collaborations can expand your reach and introduce you to new audiences.
Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Mix and match monetization strategies. Combine affiliate marketing with live events, or sponsored content with your own merch. The more you do, the more you can make, and you’ll have something to fall back on if one method fails.
Keep it real. Authenticity resonates with viewers. They're more likely to support creators they trust and relate to.
Track and tweak. Keep an eye on your analytics. Use data to understand what works and what doesn't and adjust your strategy accordingly.

FAQs

Here’s more about how TikTok monetization works.

How many followers and views do you need to make money on TikTok?

You need at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 video views in the past month to join the Creativity Program. That said, you can start monetizing with any number of followers using methods like sponsored content or product sales. You might not make a lot of money at first, but you'll be well-positioned if you gain a lot of followers in the future.

How often should I post on TikTok to boost my earnings?

Consistency is your best friend on TikTok. Aim to post at least once a day to keep your audience engaged and stay on the algorithm's good side. As for timing, Thursday afternoons around 3 p.m. tend to see peak engagement for general audiences, though this will vary depending on your niche.

Are TikTok earnings taxed?

Like any other income, you do need to pay taxes on TikTok money. As a TikTok creator, you're considered self-employed, which means you're responsible for reporting your income.

If you net $400 or more, you'll need to pay self-employment taxes. For earnings over $600, expect to receive a 1099-NEC form from TikTok. If you hit the jackpot with over 200 transactions and $20,000 in earnings, you'll receive a 1099-K. Keep in mind that you can offset some of this by deducting your business expenses.

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