Getting Started on TikTok
To get started on TikTok, the first step is to download the app. TikTok is available for free on both iOS and Android devices. Once downloaded, you can create an account either using your phone number or by connecting to other existing social media profiles like Facebook or Instagram.
When setting up your profile, be sure to add a profile photo and bio to give potential followers some background on who you are. You can also link other social media profiles in your bio to help drive traffic. According to Statista, TikTok had over 1 billion monthly active users globally as of January 2022, so creating an engaging profile is key to standing out.
Additionally, take some time to optimize your account settings for privacy and discoverability. For example, you can choose whether your account is private or public, turn commenting on or off, and use relevant hashtags so your content surfaces for users interested in those topics.
Creating Engaging Content
To create content that performs well and trends on TikTok, focus on leveraging popular sounds and challenges while applying high-quality editing and consistent branding. As noted by the experts at AtOnce, trending on TikTok can significantly expand your reach. Using trending sounds and participating in viral challenges gives your content a better chance to be discovered in TikTok’s algorithmically-curated For You feed.
Invest time into editing your videos using transitions, text, effects, and stickers to elevate the quality. Consistent branding in terms of logos, color schemes, fonts, and other elements also helps viewers recognize your content and associate it with your brand across videos.
Building a Following on TikTok
One of the best ways to build a following on TikTok is by using relevant hashtags that will help your content be discovered. According to Buffer, hashtag challenges are a great way to reach new audiences. You can also try duetting popular videos in your niche which allows you to piggyback off accounts that already have a large following. Cross-promoting your TikTok content on other social platforms like Instagram and YouTube can help drive followers back to your TikTok as well.
Focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that will make people want to follow you for more. Use captions, effects, trends, and challenges to make your videos stand out. Interact with your followers by liking comments, doing duets, and responding to messages. Post consistently so you remain on people’s For You pages. Follow these best practices for gaining a loyal TikTok audience.
Monetization Options
There are several ways TikTok creators can earn money on the platform. Three of the most popular monetization methods are:
TikTok Creator Fund
The TikTok Creator Fund provides creators an opportunity to earn money for the videos they post. To qualify, you need at least 10,000 authentic video views in the last 30 days and be over 18 years old. TikTok evaluates your account and may invite you to join the fund. Payouts are based on the number of video views and level of engagement.
Brand Sponsorships
Popular creators can partner with brands to promote products or services in their videos. Companies may pay a flat sponsorship fee or a percentage of sales. Landing sponsorships involves having an engaged audience in your niche and reaching out to relevant brands.
Affiliate Marketing
The TikTok affiliate program lets creators earn commissions by promoting products and driving sales. You can share affiliate links to products you genuinely like and make money when followers purchase through your links.
Sponsored Content
One way TikTok creators can monetize their account is through sponsored content and brand partnerships. This involves collaborating with brands to promote their products or services through sponsored posts and videos. According to research, the average cost for a sponsored post on TikTok ranges between $100 to $2,500 depending on the creator’s following and engagement levels (https://izea.com/resources/how-much-do-tiktok-influencers-charge/).
To land these lucrative sponsorship deals, the first step is reaching out to brands that are a good fit for your niche and content style. When contacting potential partners, have details ready about your audience demographics, engagement metrics, and content rates. Be clear about the types of brand integrations you’re open to, like product mentions, reviews, unboxings, or creative branded video concepts.
When negotiating the sponsorship, take into account your follower count, average views and engagement on videos, and the brand’s budget. Typically, brands will expect exclusivity for a certain period, so don’t accept too many deals within a short timeframe. Also confirm details like usage rights, payment timeline, and post requirements upfront to avoid miscommunication.
Importantly, always disclose paid partnerships transparently by using #ad or #sponsored in your video caption. While affiliate marketing doesn’t require explicit disclosure, it is still good practice to mention the brand partnership as TikTok viewers value authenticity.
Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is a great way to start earning money on TikTok by promoting products and services in exchange for a commission on sales. Some of the most popular affiliate programs for TikTok creators are:
Amazon Influencer Program: With over 200 million products, Amazon has one of the largest affiliate programs that pays influencers 10% commission on sales. You can promote popular Amazon products in your niche using custom affiliate links. According to AuthorityHacker, Amazon influencers can make anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per month depending on their reach and engagement[1].
Commission Junction: This affiliate network connects you with thousands of brands across various niches. Commission rates vary but are typically between 3-15%. Promoting products in beauty, fashion, gaming and other popular niches can be lucrative. Influencers Share How to Make Money With Affiliate Marketing reports creators earning $50 to $25,000 per month depending on their following and content[2].
Rakuten: Formerly known as Ebates, Rakuten offers up to 40% commission on sales and provides influencers their own personalized affiliate links. Focus on promoting brands shoppers are likely to purchase from frequently. The Ultimate Guide to TikTok Affiliate Marketing recommends showcasing Rakuten promo codes and cashback offers in your content[3].
When getting started with affiliate marketing, focus on frequently promoting a handful of products you genuinely like and can recommend. Be transparent about partnerships and provide your custom affiliate links in captions and bios.
[1] https://www.authorityhacker.com/tiktok-affiliate-marketing/
[2] https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-make-money-with-affiliate-marketing
[3] https://influencermarketinghub.com/tiktok-affiliate-marketing/
Generating Ad Revenue
TikTok offers creators two main ways to earn ad revenue directly on the platform: the TikTok Creator Fund and LIVE subscriptions.
The TikTok Creator Fund allows popular creators to earn money based on the engagement on their videos. To be eligible, you need at least 10,000 authentic followers and have accrued at least 10,000 video views in the last 30 days. TikTok evaluates the performance of your content and shares ad revenue with you. According to one analysis, creators can make anywhere from $20 to $40 on average for every 1 million video views [1].
LIVE subscriptions allow viewers to pay a monthly fee to access exclusive LIVE content from their favorite creators. As a LIVE broadcaster, you can set subscription prices and keep up to 50% of the revenue. This gives fans a way to directly support creators financially.
Selling Merchandise
One way to monetize your TikTok account and content is by selling branded merchandise. TikTok recently launched the TikTok Shop feature, which allows creators to sell products directly through their TikTok profiles and videos. To get access to TikTok Shop, you’ll need to apply and be approved as a TikTok seller. Once approved, you can add products and sync your merchandise catalog. Viewers can then easily tap on your videos to view and purchase featured products without leaving the app.
Another option is to work with third-party merchandise providers and services like Shopify, Sellfy, and Printful to produce and sell your own custom branded products. These platforms allow you to easily create merch like t-shirts, hoodies, phone cases, and more featuring your brand, designs, or content. You can promote and direct your TikTok followers to your online merchandise shop through links in your profile and posts. The third party provider handles production and order fulfillment, while you earn a commission on sales. This is a simple, low-risk way to sell merchandise without major up-front costs.
When selling merchandise, make sure to create branded, high-quality products that appeal to your audience and align with your brand identity. Promote new merchandise drops through TikTok posts and announcements. Consistency, quality, and providing value through your merchandising are key factors to successfully earning revenue through TikTok merchandise sales.
Best Practices
To grow your TikTok account, it’s important to follow some best practices when creating and posting content:
Post Consistently: Try to post at least once per day to stay top of mind with viewers. Consistency helps the TikTok algorithm recommend your content.
Respond to Comments: Engage with your audience by liking comments and responding when appropriate. This increases engagement and helps build a community.
Use Trends Strategically: Jump on trending sounds, hashtags, and challenges, but also aim to create your own original trends. Putting a unique spin on trends can help videos stand out.
Additional best practices include optimizing captions, using relevant hashtags, collaborating with others, going live, and analyzing your analytics to optimize content.
Measuring Success
Tracking key metrics is important for measuring your success and growth on TikTok. Focus on the following areas:
Follower Growth
Gaining more followers shows that your content is resonating with viewers. Check your follower count regularly and aim to grow it steadily over time. You can view follower growth trends in your TikTok analytics.
Engagement
High engagement rates indicate your content is capturing attention. Key metrics to watch are likes, comments, shares and watch time. According to TikTok, the average engagement rate for top creators is around 18-20%. Monitor how your engagement compares.1
Earnings
If monetizing your account through ad revenue or sponsorships, check your earnings regularly to see if they are growing. Key earnings benchmarks will depend on your niche and monetization strategies. Track earnings over time to identify profitable content.
Consistently analyzing TikTok metrics can help you refine your content approach and maximize your account’s success.
