The Top 7 Ways to Make Money on TikTok in 2025
Introduction
TikTok isn’t just for dance trends and funny clips anymore — it’s now a powerful way to make money online. With over a billion users, TikTok has become a hot spot for creators, influencers, and even small businesses looking to monetize their content.
Whether you have thousands of followers or you’re just starting out, there are real opportunities to earn money on TikTok. In this guide, we’ll break down how to turn your creativity into income and explore the top methods to monetize your TikTok account in 2025.
Monetization Methods on TikTok (Overview)
| Method | Requirements | Income Potential | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| TikTok Creator Fund | 10K followers, 100K views (30 days) | Low–Medium | Consistent content creators |
| Creator Marketplace | Varies (usually 10K+ followers) | Medium–High | Influencers & niche creators |
| Brand Sponsorships | Engaged audience, strong niche | Medium–High | Niche-focused creators |
| Affiliate Marketing | Any follower count | Low–High (scalable) | Product reviewers, educators |
| Selling Products/Services | Link in bio, product or service offer | High | Business owners, solopreneurs |
| TikTok Live Gifts | 1K+ followers, go live | Low–Medium | Engaging live streamers |
| UGC for Brands | No audience needed | Medium–High | Skilled creators behind-the-scenes |
2. Who Can Make Money on TikTok?
The great news? Almost anyone can make money on TikTok. You don’t need millions of followers to get started. In fact, many creators with small but engaged audiences are already earning through brand deals, affiliate marketing, and TikTok’s Creator Fund.
What matters most is your content quality, niche, and how well you connect with your audience. To monetize your TikTok account, you usually need to be 18+, have at least 10,000 followers, and 100,000 video views in the past 30 days (for the Creator Fund). But even if you’re not there yet, don’t worry—there are other ways to earn money on TikTok while you grow your account.
3. Top 7 Ways to Make Money on TikTok
There are many ways to earn money on TikTok, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced creator. Here are the top methods:
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TikTok Creator Fund – Get paid based on your video views and engagement.
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TikTok Creator Marketplace – Connect with brands looking to collaborate with influencers.
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Brand Sponsorships – Partner with companies to promote their products or services.
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Affiliate Marketing – Share affiliate links and earn commission from sales.
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Selling Your Own Products or Services – Use TikTok to drive traffic to your store or website.
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TikTok Live Gifts – Receive virtual gifts (converted to cash) during live streams.
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User-Generated Content (UGC) – Create content for brands without posting on your own page.
These options show how easy it is to monetize your TikTok account—even if you’re just starting.
4. The New Rules: TikTok’s Monetization Policies in 2025
TikTok has updated its monetization policies to make it easier—but also more structured—for creators to earn. To qualify for programs like the TikTok Creator Fund or TikTok Creator Marketplace, you typically need to be at least 18 years old, meet follower and view count minimums, and follow community guidelines.
In 2025, TikTok introduced TikTok Pulse, which lets creators share ad revenue from popular content. There are also stricter checks for authenticity and copyright compliance. If you want to make money on TikTok, understanding and following these updated policies is key. Always check TikTok’s official rules to stay eligible and keep your TikTok income growing smoothly.
5. How to Set Up a TikTok Account for Success
Before you start to monetize your TikTok account, you need a strong foundation. First, choose a niche that matches your interests and has potential for TikTok monetization—like beauty, fitness, finance, or lifestyle. Then, optimize your profile: use a clear profile picture, write a compelling bio, and add a link-in-bio tool to direct followers to your store or affiliate offers.
Make your username easy to remember and aligned with your brand. Your content should have a consistent theme, so viewers know what to expect. A solid setup builds trust and helps you make money on TikTok, even if you’re just getting started.
TikTok Follower Tiers & Monetization Strategies
| Follower Count | Common Strategy | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0–1,000 | Affiliate links, UGC for brands | Product reviews, faceless videos |
| 1K–10K | Live gifts, niche growth, micro deals | Livestream Q&As, affiliate tutorials |
| 10K–50K | Creator Fund, small brand partnerships | Sponsored content, digital product sales |
| 50K–100K | Marketplace invites, brand campaigns | Apparel, makeup, fitness brands |
| 100K+ | Full-time monetization | Multiple revenue streams, content funnels |
6. Going Viral: How the TikTok Algorithm Affects Monetization
If you want to earn money on TikTok, understanding the algorithm is essential. TikTok’s “For You” page (FYP) is powered by user behavior—things like watch time, comments, shares, and video completion rates. The more engaging your content is, the better your chances of going viral.
That means using strong hooks in the first 3 seconds, clear visuals, trending sounds, and encouraging viewers to interact. Viral videos often lead to more followers, higher visibility, and increased TikTok income.
Remember, quality and consistency matter more than luck. If you learn how the algorithm works, you’ll be one step closer to monetizing your TikTok account successfully.
7. TikTok SEO: Boosting Discoverability Through Keywords & Hashtags
Just like Google, TikTok uses search signals to recommend content. That’s where TikTok SEO comes in. To increase your reach—and ultimately make money on TikTok—use keywords in your video captions, on-screen text, and spoken audio. For example, if you’re talking about affiliate marketing or selling on TikTok, include those exact phrases naturally.
Combine this with relevant hashtags to boost visibility on the “For You” and search pages. Tools like TikTok Creative Center or keyword planners can help you find trending terms. Smart TikTok SEO makes it easier for people to discover your content, which leads to more views, followers, and better chances to monetize your TikTok account.
TikTok SEO Optimization Checklist
| Element | Action |
|---|---|
| Caption Text | Include 1–2 primary keywords naturally |
| Spoken Words | Mention your topic keyword early in the video |
| On-Screen Text | Reinforce keyword phrases visually |
| Hashtags | Mix trending and niche-specific hashtags |
| Video Length | Aim for 15–60 seconds for strong engagement |
| CTA (Call to Action) | Ask users to comment, share, or visit your link |
8. Advanced Strategies for Scaling TikTok Income
Once you’ve built a solid foundation, it’s time to scale your TikTok income. Start by repurposing content—turn your TikToks into YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, or Pinterest Pins to reach more people. Next, build an email list or funnel that drives traffic from your videos to a product, service, or offer.
Many successful creators also outsource video editing or scriptwriting to stay consistent and professional. If you’re using affiliate marketing or selling products, test different calls to action to see what converts best. Scaling isn’t just about posting more—it’s about working smarter. These strategies help turn your TikTok page into a real business and maximize your ability to make money on TikTok.
9. What TikTok Doesn’t Tell You About Monetization
While it’s exciting to make money on TikTok, there are a few things creators often learn the hard way. For example, not everyone earns the same from the TikTok Creator Fund—payouts can be low and inconsistent. Some creators also face issues like shadowbanning, where their reach suddenly drops without warning.
If you rely only on one income stream, your TikTok monetization may stall. Brand deals may fall through, and affiliate links may stop converting. It’s important to diversify your income and read TikTok’s terms closely. Being aware of these hidden challenges helps you protect your TikTok income and build something that lasts.
10. FAQs: Real Answers to Real Creator Concerns
Q1: Do I need a lot of followers to make money on TikTok?
Not always! While some programs require 10,000+ followers, you can still earn through affiliate marketing, UGC, and brand deals with smaller but active audiences.
Q2: How long does it take to start earning?
It varies. Some creators earn within weeks, others take months. Focus on consistent content and building trust to grow your TikTok income.
Q3: Can I earn money outside the U.S.?
Yes. Many features like the Creator Fund and TikTok Marketplace are available in multiple countries, though availability may vary.
Q4: Is it possible to monetize without showing my face?
Absolutely. Many creators use voiceovers, text-based content, or screen recordings to monetize their TikTok account without being on camera.
Conclusion
TikTok is more than just entertainment—it’s a real opportunity to make money online, no matter your background or follower count. From the TikTok Creator Fund to affiliate marketing and brand deals, there are plenty of ways to monetize your TikTok account.
The key is consistency, creativity, and understanding how the platform works—from the algorithm to SEO and policy updates. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale your TikTok income, now’s the perfect time to turn your passion into profit. So pick a strategy, stay authentic, and start building your path to success on TikTok today.
