How to Monetize TikTok: Proven Strategies to Make Money in 2025

TikTok has transformed from a trend-driven application into a full-blown income phenomenon, whether you’re a dancer, a DIY expert, a foodie, or just excellent at narrating stories.

This platform has a monetization model for every creator out there, so now the question isn’t limited to if you can monetize this platform—it has shifted to ‘how to monetize TikTok?’

So, this ultimate blueprint will break down everything you need to know and precisely answer your query. It will then provide pathways to monetize TikTok in 2025. From TikTok’s built-in Creator Rewards Program and live gifting features to brand sponsorships and affiliate links, this breakdown has it all.

How to Monetize TikTok?

Monetizing TikTok isn’t limited to a single process any more, you can monetize your TikTok account by signing up for the TikTok Creator Rewards Program.

This platform has evolved so much by now, and we can see new features, interactions, and much more added to the application in a breeze. Intrigued to know the other strategies? Continue reading this, as we’ll be breaking down the other pathways and other standards in detail. Let’s get started!

How to monetize TikTok account by followers?

You’ll need at least 10,000 followers to monetize TikTok by unlocking TikTok’s Creators Rewards Program, which is the main gateway to direct payouts from the TikTok application itself.

How to monetize TikTok by views?

You can monetize TikTok when you hit 100,000 views in a month; the more views you rack up, the more you can earn. Rates vary, but creators report earning between $2 and $15 per 1,000 views.

Join TikTok’s Creator Rewards Program & Creativity Program

Until now, this was the only way to make money on TikTok: the Creators Rewards program, which pays creators who are eligible for high-performing content. 

But does that mean anyone could earn from TikTok back then? Well, no, there was a predetermined qualification criterion that every creator must pass to be eligible for this campaign back then.

Requirements: 

• Age: 18+
• Followers: Minimum 10,000
• Views: At least 100,000 authentic video views in the last 30 days
• Content: Original videos, typically over 1 minute long (for Creativity Program)
• Location: Available in selected countries

How to Apply:

• Go to your TikTok profile > Creator Tools > Creator Rewards Program (or Creativity Program).

• Submit your application and agree to the terms.

How Much Can You Earn?

• Payouts vary, but creators typically earn $0.02–$0.15 per 1,000 views. Viral videos and high engagement can boost your earnings.

Tips to Maximize Earnings:

• Focus on original, high-quality content.
• Post consistently and engage with trends.
• Analyze your analytics to see what resonates with your audience.

Brand Sponsorships & TikTok Creator Marketplace

Brands pay creators to promote products or services, the TikTok creator marketplace is an official platform connecting brands with vetted creators.

Requirements:

• Followers: Typically 10,000+ (Marketplace requires 1,00,000+ in some regions)
• Engagement: High engagement rates attract better deals.

How to Get Started:

• Sign up for the Creator Marketplace via TikTok Studio.
• Brands may also reach out directly via DMs or email (include contact info in your bio).

Earning Potential:

• Micro-Influencers (10k-50k followers): $50-$500 per post.
• Mid-tier (50k-500k): $500-$5,000 per post.
• Top Creators: $10,000+ per campaign.

Tips:

• Build a niche audience-brands love targeted communities.
• Be transparent with #ad or #sponsored tags as per FTC guidelines.

Affiliate Marketing – Clicks to Cash

Affiliate marketing basically means promoting products using affiliate links. You can earn a commission for every sale or action tracked through your unique link.

How to Get Started:

• Join affiliate programs (Amazon Affiliate Program, TikTok Shop Affiliate, ShareASale, etc.)
• Add your affiliate links to your bio using a link aggregator (Linktree, Beacons, Koji).
• Create authentic product reviews, tutorials, or unboxings.

Tips:

• Focus on products relevant to your audience.
• Use TikTok’s ‘Shop Now’ and shoppable video features if available.

TikTok LIVE: Gifts, Tips, and Diamonds

Monetize your live streams through virtual gifts and tips from your audience. Gifts convert to Diamonds, which you can redeem for cash.

Requirements:

• Followers: 1,000+ to go LIVE
• Age: 18+
• Region: Available in most countries.

How to Maximize LIVE Earnings:

• Host regular Q&As, tutorials, or behind-the-scenes sessions.
• Interact with viewers to encourage gifting.
• Promote your LIVE sessions in advance.

Payouts:

• The value of Diamonds fluctuates, but typically, TikTok takes a commission before you cash out.

Sponsored Posts & Shoutouts

The biggest perk of being a social media creator is that brands are always looking for talented artists to promote their products. So, make the most out of it by selling promotional posts or personalized shoutouts to other users or brands.

How to Get Started?

• List your services on platforms like Cameo, Shoutcart, or directly in your bio.
• Set clear rates and deliverables.

Tips:

• Keep sponsored content authentic to maintain audience trust.
• Bundle shoutouts with other services (like Instagram Stories) for higher earnings.

TikTok Series & Subscriptions

Use TikTok’s series feature or paid subscription utility to create long-form videos (up to 20 minutes). Fans pay a monthly fee to access behind-the-scenes clips, tutorials, and more.

Requirements:

• Followers: 10,000+ for Series
• Views: Recent engagement (at least 1,000 views in the last 30 days).
• Age: 18+

How to Use:

• Create a series (up to 80 videos, max 20 minutes each) and set your price.
• Offer subscriber-only content, badges, or community access.

Tips:

• Offer high-value, niche content (tutorials, masterclasses, behind-the-scenes).
• Promote your series/subscription benefits in regular videos.

Crowdfunding & External Monetization 

Drive your TikTok audience to external platforms for additional income streams, and use this platform to promote crowdfunding campaigns for creative projects.

Popular Platforms:

• Patreon: Offer exclusive content to paying subscribers.
• Ko-fi/Buy Me a Coffee: Accept one-off tips.
• YouTube: Monetize longer-form content with ads.

How to Do It?

• Add links in your TikTok bio.
• Mention your external platforms in your videos.

TikTok Ads (For Businesses & Advanced Creators)

TikTok ads let you advertise physical and digital products directly within the application. You can showcase products with TikTok ads, host live events featuring your product, and even let other creators promote your products as affiliates.

Ad Types:

• In-feed ads.
• Branded hashtag challenges.
• TopView ads.

Tips:

• Use TikTok’s ad manager for targeting and analytics.
• Combine organic and paid strategies for maximum reach.

Grow & Sell TikTok Accounts

Build niche TikTok accounts and sell them to brands or individuals to earn a decent amount of money in exchange for that.

How to Do It:

• Focus on a specific niche (pets, travel, memes).
• Grow the account with high-quality, consistent content.
• Sell via social media forums or marketplaces (ensure compliance with TikTok’s terms).

Monetization Requirements at a Glance

TikTok offers several monetization avenues, each with its own eligibility criteria. So, here’s a detailed breakdown of the main programs and what you need to qualify for each.

Method	Followers	Age	Other Requirements
Creator Rewards Program or Creativity Program	10,000	18+	1,00,000 views/ 30 days, 18+, 1-min+ videos
LIVE Gifts	1,000	18+	18+ (19+ in South Korea)
Creator Marketplace	100,000	18+	100,000 views/30 days
TikTok Shop Affiliate	5,000	18+	18+, Business Account
Series/Paid Subscriptions	10,000	18+	1,000+ views/30 Days, 18+

Creator Rewards Program / Creativity Program

• Content: Only original, high-quality videos over 1 minute are eligible. Videos must not be Duets, Stitches or contain watermarks. Ads, paid promotions, or sponsored content are excluded.
• Account Type: Personal account in good standing; business and political accounts are not eligible.
• Region: Available in select countries (e.g. US, UK, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Brazil).

LIVE Gifts

• Content: Some content types (Duets, Stitches, sponsored videos) are ineligible for gifts
• Account Type: Personal account; business and political accounts are ineligible.
• Region: LIVE gifts must be available in your country.

Creator Marketplace

• Content: Consistent posting history and compliance with TikTok’s guidelines.
• Account Type: Personal account, business verification required for brands.
• Region: Availability and requirements may vary.

TikTok Shop Affiliate

• Content: Must comply with TikTok’s affiliate and content policies.
• Account Type: Business accounts may be required for some features.
• Region: Requirements can differ by country and brand.

Series/Paid Subscriptions

• Content: Must comply with TikTok’s guidelines and terms.
• Account Type: Personal account in good standing.
• Region: Feature availability varies by location.

Key Notes:

1. All programs require compliance with TikTok’s community Guidelines and Terms of Service.
2. Eligibility can change based on region and program updates.
3. Only personal accounts in good standing are eligible for most monetization features; business and political accounts are generally excluded.
4. Application and approval are required for most programs, with TikTok reviewing your account and content before granting access.

This ensures creators understand exactly what’s needed to unlock each TikTok monetization feature and can plan their growth accordingly.

Pro Tips for TikTok Monetization Success

By now, you know different pathways to unlock your creativity potential in 2025 on TikTok and build a thriving career out of it. 

But considering the limitless opportunities, the competition is crazy, so here are some pro tips for TikTok monetization that will come in handy in the long run.

Niche Down for Maximum Impact

Focus on a specific niche, such as food, travel, or product reviews, that helps you attract a dedicated, engaged audience and makes your profile more appealing to the brands seeking partnerships.

Choose a sub-niche that matches your expertise and audience’s interest, for example – ‘meal prep for busy professionals’ or ‘budget travel tips’. This specialisation builds credibility and increases your value in brand collaborations and affiliate marketing.

Stay Consistent with Content

Staying consistent is crucial for TikTok growth and monetization. Create a content calendar, plan your videos ahead, and find a posting hook that works for you; it can be daily or even several times a week. Totally up to you!

TikTok’s algorithm rewards creators who post regularly, and posting 3–5 times a week is the best time to post on TikTok, to keep your account active and visible.

Engage and Build Community

Reply to comments, go LIVE, participate in trends and challenges to foster loyal community interactions. Real-time interaction through TikTok LIVE not only boosts engagement but also unlocks features like virtual gifts, which can be converted to cash.

Hosting Q&A, giveaways, or challenges encourages more interaction and can rapidly grow your follower base.

Track Performance and Adapt

Use TikTok analytics to monitor which videos perform best and why. Analyse metrics like watch time, replays, and engagement to refine your content strategy.

Additionally, you can experiment with different how-tos, behind-the-scenes, or storytelling, and double down on what resonates with your audience.

Diversify Your Monetization Streams

Relying on just one income source isn’t a good idea at all!

So, try to create diverse income streams from different pathways such as Combine Creator Rewards, brand sponsorships, Affiliate marketing, TikTok Shop, and LIVE gifts. These will bring in more financial stability and continue to evolve more revenue streams.

With so many monetization avenues at your fingertips, there’s no reason to hold yourself back. Let your creativity be unleashed, and embrace the full potential TikTok has to offer.

Wrapping Up!

Monetizing TikTok is a straightforward process, but making a fortune out of it solely depends on your creativity, consistency, and the community you build.

Whether you’re leveraging TikTok’s built-in tools, working with brands or selling your merchandise, there’s a path for every creator regardless of their niche.

So, what are you waiting for? Start building your audience, explore the monetization options and turn your TikTok account into a thriving income stream.