These days, Tiktok one of the platforms where people are actually making real money. It’s crazy how much it’s grown. As of 2025, TikTok has over 1.59 billion billion monthly active users globally, with an average user spending about 58 minutes on the app daily. That’s a massive audience, and businesses are definitely noticing, with TikTok’s ad revenue projected to hit around $18.5 billion by 2024. This massive reach and engagement have created a ton of opportunities for creators to turn their content into cash.
But how much can you really make? And what does it take? It’s not like there’s one simple answer, because it totally depends on what you do, how big your audience is, and even where you live. It’s not just a Creator Fund thing anymore; there are so many different avenues to explore. So, let’s break down all the ways people are cashing in on their TikTok fame, from direct payments to brand deals and beyond.
The Creator Rewards Program (Formerly Creator Fund): Direct from TikTok
Okay, so probably the first thing people think about when they hear “making money on TikTok” is the Creator Fund, right? Well, it’s actually called the Creator Rewards Program now, and it’s TikTok’s way of directly paying creators for their popular content. It’s pretty cool because it’s a direct payment from the platform itself, but there are some rules. To get in, you usually need to be at least 18 years old, have a minimum of 10,000 followers, and have racked up at least 100,000 video views in the last 30 days.
Plus, your content has to be original and follow TikTok’s guidelines. The money you make here isn’t fixed; it really depends on stuff like your video length (longer videos often earn more now), originality, watch time, and how much people engage with your content. Creators typically earn between $0.40 and $1.00 or more per 1,000 views under this new program, which is way better than the old Creator Fund’s $0.02-$0.04 per 1,000 views. But remember, this program isn’t available everywhere globally, so that’s something to keep in mind, especially if you’re in a region where it’s not supported, like Pakistan currently.
Live Gifting: Turn Viewer Love into Real Cash
This is a really popular way to earn money on TikTok, especially if you love interacting with your audience live. When you go live on TikTok, your viewers can send you virtual gifts. Think of them like digital stickers or animations that pop up on your screen. These gifts cost money for the viewer to buy, using TikTok Coins, and then you, as the creator, can convert those gifts into “Diamonds.” Eventually, you can cash out these Diamonds for real money.
To be eligible for Live Gifting, you usually need to be at least 18 years old and have a minimum of 1,000 followers. The more engaging and entertaining your live streams are, the more likely people are to send you gifts. So, talking to your audience, doing Q&As, performing, or just chatting genuinely can really boost your earnings here. It’s a direct way for your most loyal fans to show their appreciation and support you financially, and it can add up pretty quickly if you have a very active and generous audience.
Brand Deals and Sponsored Content: The Big Bucks
This is probably where a lot of TikTok creators make the most significant money, especially as they grow their following. Brand deals are basically when a company pays you to create content featuring their product or service. This could be a dedicated video, a mention in a daily vlog, or even just using their product subtly in your content. The rates for brand deals vary wildly. Nano-influencers (1,000-10,000 followers) might earn $100-$500 per campaign, while micro-influencers (10,000-50,000 followers) could see $500-$2,000.
For macro-influencers (500,000-1 million followers), we’re talking $5,000-$10,000 or more per campaign, and celebrity influencers can rake in $20,000 to $200,000+! The exact amount depends on your follower count, your engagement rate (how many likes, comments, shares you get), the quality of your content, and how relevant your niche is to the brand. Building authentic relationships with brands you genuinely like is key, because audiences can spot inauthenticity a mile away. TikTok’s Creator Marketplace also helps connect creators with brands looking for partnerships, making the whole process easier.
Affiliate Marketing: Your Recommendations, Their Sales
Affiliate marketing is another super popular way to earn. It’s basically when you promote a product or service using a unique link or code, and every time someone makes a purchase through that link or with your code, you earn a commission. It’s like being a digital salesperson without actually having to handle the inventory or shipping. Many creators will feature products they genuinely use and love, then put the affiliate link in their bio, or mention their code in the video. This works really well for niches like beauty, fashion, tech, or home goods, where people are constantly looking for recommendations.
The commission rates vary a lot, from a small percentage to a significant chunk of the sale, depending on the product and the company. TikTok is becoming a big player in affiliate marketing; in fact, around 29.6% of affiliate marketers actually use TikTok as a primary source of traffic. The key here is trust; your audience needs to believe in your recommendations, so promoting products you truly believe in is essential.
TikTok Shop: Selling Your Own Products Directly
If you’re a creator who has their own products – maybe merch, handmade items, digital products like e-books, or even services – TikTok Shop is a huge opportunity. It lets you sell your stuff directly within the app. You can showcase your products in your videos, go live to demonstrate them, and even have a dedicated storefront right on your profile. This cuts out the middleman and makes it super easy for your audience to buy from you without ever leaving TikTok. Many businesses have seen massive success with TikTok Shop, completely boosting their sales.
For example, some small businesses have reported going from a few orders a week to hundreds, just by leveraging TikTok LIVEs and Shop features. You’ll need to set up your shop, optimize your product catalog, and then consistently create engaging content that highlights your items. This method gives you the most control over your income because you’re selling your own inventory and setting your own prices.
Subscriptions: Exclusive Content for Your Biggest Fans
TikTok also has a subscription feature, which is a bit like what you see on platforms like Twitch or Patreon. It lets your most dedicated fans pay a recurring fee to get access to exclusive content. This could be subscriber-only videos, special LIVE streams, custom badges and emotes, behind-the-scenes content, or even shoutouts. It’s a fantastic way to build a strong, loyal community and get consistent income directly from your biggest supporters.
To be eligible for subscriptions, you generally need to be at least 18 years old, have an account in good standing, and usually have at least 10,000 followers (though specific LIVE eligibility can sometimes count too). The amount you earn depends on how many subscribers you get and the price you set for your subscription. It’s a great way to deepen your relationship with your audience while also creating a more predictable income stream.
Consulting and Coaching: Sharing Your TikTok Wisdom
Believe it or not, once you’ve figured out how to grow a significant following and master TikTok’s algorithm, you’ve got a valuable skill set that other people are willing to pay for. Many successful TikTok creators actually start offering consulting or coaching services. They teach aspiring creators how to grow their accounts, how to create viral content, how to optimize their profiles, or how to land brand deals. This can be done through one-on-one sessions, online courses, or even e-books.
Your own success on the platform acts as your best marketing tool. People see your large following and engaging content, and they want to learn your secrets. This can be a really high-income stream, especially if you’re a well-known creator, as you’re leveraging your expertise rather than directly selling products or relying on platform payouts. It’s a testament to how valuable knowing TikTok can be.
Repurposing Content: Beyond TikTok’s Borders
Here’s a smart way to make more money without creating entirely new content: repurpose your best TikToks! Think about it, those short, engaging videos you already made can often be tweaked slightly and posted on other platforms like YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, or even Facebook. Each platform has its own monetization programs (like YouTube’s AdSense or Instagram bonuses), and by simply uploading your existing content to these places, you can potentially earn additional revenue from views or engagement on those other sites. You might need to remove the TikTok watermark if you want to optimize for other platforms, but the core content is already there.
This strategy allows you to maximize the reach and earning potential of your existing work, turning one piece of content into multiple income streams. It’s an efficient way to expand your digital footprint and diversify your earnings, which is always a good idea in the ever-changing world of social media.
Donations and Tips: Direct Support from Your Audience
This is a pretty straightforward way for your audience to support you directly, even outside of Live Gifting. Some creators add links to their profiles or in their video captions where viewers can send them direct tips or donations. This could be through platforms like PayPal, Ko-fi, or Buy Me a Coffee. It’s a way for fans who genuinely love your content and want to see you continue creating to offer financial support without going through TikTok’s internal systems.
While it might not be a consistent income stream for everyone, for creators with a very passionate and engaged community, these tips can add up and provide valuable support for their content creation efforts. It shows a strong connection between the creator and their audience, turning appreciation into tangible financial aid, and it’s a lovely way for your most dedicated fans to give back.
FAQs
Do I need a certain number of followers to start making money on TikTok?
Yes, for most official TikTok monetization features like the Creator Rewards Program or Live Gifting, you need a minimum of 1,000 to 10,000 followers, depending on the specific program. See our guide how to monetize tiktok. However, you can start earning earlier through brand deals or affiliate marketing even with a smaller but highly engaged audience.
How much does TikTok pay per 1,000 views in Pakistan?
As of my last update, TikTok’s Creator Rewards Program (which replaced the Creator Fund and pays per 1,000 views) is not officially available in Pakistan. Therefore, direct payments from TikTok for views are generally not possible for creators in Pakistan. Most earnings come from brand deals, Live Gifting, and affiliate marketing.
What’s the difference between TikTok Creator Fund and Creator Rewards Program?
The Creator Rewards Program is the updated version of the Creator Fund. It offers generally higher payouts, typically $0.40-$1.00+ per 1,000 views, compared to the old Creator Fund’s $0.02-$0.04. It also emphasizes longer videos (at least one minute) and rewards originality, watch time, and engagement more directly.
Can I make money on TikTok without going live or showing my face?
Yes, absolutely! You can make money through brand deals (where you might create content using products without showing your face), affiliate marketing, selling your own products via TikTok Shop, or even by offering consulting services. Many successful accounts are based on animation, product reviews, or niche content that doesn’t require the creator to be on camera.
How do I find brands to work with for sponsored content?
You can use TikTok’s Creator Marketplace, which connects brands with eligible creators. You can also directly reach out to brands whose products you genuinely love and use, or use third-party influencer marketing platforms and agencies to find collaboration opportunities. Building a strong portfolio and engagement rate will make you more attractive to brands.
Is it better to have many followers or high engagement on TikTok?
While follower count is important for reach, high engagement (likes, comments, shares, watch time) is often more valuable to brands. A smaller audience that is highly engaged is often more effective than a large, disengaged audience. Brands look for genuine interaction and influence.
What are TikTok Coins and Diamonds?
TikTok Coins are a virtual currency that users buy with real money. They use these Coins to purchase virtual gifts to send to creators during live streams or on videos. Creators receive these gifts, which are then converted into “Diamonds.” These Diamonds can eventually be cashed out for real money, acting as the creator’s earnings from gifting.
