What is TikTok?
TikTok is a social media platform that allows users to create short 15 to 60 second videos, typically set to music. It was first launched as Douyin in China in September 2016 by ByteDance, and TikTok was introduced to the global market in 2017. By 2021, TikTok had over 1 billion global monthly active users (https://backlinko.com/tiktok-users).
Key features of TikTok include:
- Creating short videos set to music, dialogue or other sound clips
- Adding special effects and filters
- Duet and react features to collaborate with others
- Powerful algorithm that personalizes the “For You” feed
The platform is popular for sharing viral content like dance videos, comedy skits, challenges and more. 41% of TikTok users are aged 16-24 according to demographic data, making it highly popular with teenagers and young adults (https://www.demandsage.com/tiktok-user-statistics/). Brands also leverage TikTok for marketing, engagement and driving trends.
How TikTok Creators Can Earn Money
There are several ways for TikTok creators to earn money from their accounts and content. The main monetization options include:
Creator Fund
The TikTok Creator Fund pays creators based on the number of views their videos receive. According to top creators, TikTok pays between $0.02 and $0.04 per 1,000 video views through this program (Descript). While the payout per view is relatively low, creators with millions of views can earn substantial revenue through the fund.
TikTok LIVE and Gifts
Fans can purchase virtual “gifts” during TikTok LIVE broadcasts to support their favorite creators. The value of gifts ranges from a few cents to over $100. Creators typically earn a percentage of the gift value, ranging from 20-50%. Top creators like ASMR artist Lucy Davis report earning $20-300 per LIVE session from gifts (Business Insider).
Sponsored Content
Popular creators can collaborate with brands to create sponsored content. Rates vary based on followers, engagement, industry, and other factors. However, a sponsored TikTok video can earn anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Affiliate Marketing
Creators make money through affiliate programs by promoting products and receiving a commission on resulting sales or signups. Affiliate links are commonly integrated into TikTok profiles.
Selling Merchandise
Many creators design and sell custom merchandise like clothing, phone cases, and other products featuring their brand. Merch provides an additional revenue stream for TikTok influencers.
Signing Up for a TikTok Creator Account
To get started earning money on TikTok, the first step is to download the app and sign up for an account. The TikTok app is available for free download on both iOS and Android devices. Once downloaded, you can register for a standard TikTok account using your email address or phone number.
After setting up your account, you’ll need to upgrade to a TikTok Pro account in order to access monetization features. According to Dexerto, here’s how to switch to a Pro account on TikTok:
- Tap on your profile icon in the bottom right
- Go to the settings menu and tap “Manage account”
- Select “Switch to Pro Account”
- Choose either a Creator or Business account
- Enter your name, birthday, bio, and profile photo
Upgrading to a Pro account unlocks additional analytics, broader video length, the ability to add links to your profile, and access to monetization features.
Optimizing Your TikTok Profile
Your TikTok profile is your chance to make a strong first impression and convey what kind of content you create. Optimizing your profile properly will help attract more followers who are genuinely interested in your niche. Here are some key tips for optimizing your TikTok profile:
Choose a high-quality profile photo that shows your face clearly. According to The Leap, your profile photo is the very first thing people will see, so make sure it looks professional. Pick a friendly, welcoming headshot so viewers immediately relate to you.
Craft your profile bio carefully to communicate your niche, interests, and what you offer viewers. As tips from Ampfluence suggest, choose a memorable, relevant username and display name. Write an engaging bio that covers who you are and what makes your content special. You can include your niche, a brief intro, emojis related to your content, and a call-to-action.
Include a link to your website or other social channels like YouTube. This gives viewers a way to find more content from you and learn about products or services you may offer.
Make use of hashtags in your bio to highlight your niche and interests. Choose relevant hashtags that will connect you with viewers passionate about those topics and help people find your profile.
Creating Compelling Content
One of the best ways to increase your visibility and go viral on TikTok is by creating compelling content that captivates viewers. Focus on producing high-quality videos by using trending sounds and participating in popular TikTok challenges. According to HootSuite, jumping on the latest viral challenges or trends is a great way to get more eyes on your content.
High-quality editing also helps your videos stand out. Use editing features in the TikTok app to stitch together clips, add text, filters, effects, and more. Consistent branding in your videos contributes to a professional look and feel that viewers will remember. Match your content style, visuals, logos, color schemes, etc. across videos.
Furthermore, write creative and engaging captions to intrigue viewers to watch your full video. Ask questions, tell a story, or use humor to compel people to interact. According to SocialBee, captions play a major role in content distribution on TikTok, so put effort into writing good ones.
Growing Your Following
One of the most important aspects of becoming a successful TikTok creator is growing your following. Here are some effective strategies for gaining more followers on TikTok:
Using relevant hashtags in your captions is key for discovery. Check out trending hashtags and include a mix of popular and niche tags that relate to your content. You can use up to 100 hashtags per video. Tools like Later and All Hashtag can help you find the best hashtags to reach your target audience.
Dueting popular videos is another great way to get more eyeballs on your content and profile. Choose videos that are trending in your niche and offer commentary, a reaction, or additional value via the duet feature. This taps into the audience of the original video.
Make sure to regularly engage with your existing followers by responding to comments, liking posts, and encouraging users to interact. Being active in the TikTok community helps boost your profile.
Cross-promoting your TikTok account on other social platforms like Instagram and YouTube can help drive new followers. Encourage people to check out your TikTok in other profiles’ bios or posts.
Joining the TikTok Creator Fund
To participate in the TikTok Creator Fund, you must meet certain eligibility requirements:
- Based in the US, UK, France, Germany, Spain or Italy
- At least 18 years old
- Have at least 10,000 followers
- Have at least 100,000 video views in the last 30 days
You can apply to join the fund through the TikTok app. Go to your profile, tap the three-dot menu icon, choose “Creator Fund,” and follow the on-screen prompts to submit an application 1. TikTok will review your account to ensure you meet the requirements.
Once approved, you will begin earning money based on the engagement and views your videos receive. TikTok calculates payment amounts based on factors like video views, engagement, and more. According to their website, the Creator Fund will initially start with $200 million to fund creators in the US 2. The minimum payout is $100, which you must earn before receiving a deposit into your bank account.
Monetizing Videos with Brand Partnerships
One of the most lucrative ways for TikTok creators to earn money is through paid brand partnerships and sponsorships. As your following grows, brands will take notice and may reach out to collaborate. But you can also be proactive about pitching yourself to brands that are a good fit for your content and audience.
When negotiating sponsorship deals, take into account your follower count, average views and engagement on your videos, and the brand’s budget. According to the Influencer Marketing Hub TikTok Money Calculator, influencers can expect to earn between $100 to $20,000 per sponsored video based on their reach and engagement. Be sure to follow FTC guidelines requiring disclosure of paid sponsorships.
Here are some tips for monetizing through brand sponsorships:
- Research brands that align with your niche and content style
- Put together a media kit summarizing your audience demographics and content statistics
- Pitch creative sponsorship ideas tailored to the brand
- Negotiate a fair rate based on your influence and the brand’s goals
- Sign a contract or agreement detailing the partnership terms
- Properly disclose sponsorships by using #ad or #sponsored in your caption
- Track engagement and ROI to show the value you brought to the brand
With strategic brand partnerships, TikTok creators can monetize their influence while also creating winning campaigns for sponsors. Just be sure to disclose all paid promotions properly and remain authentic to your personal brand.
Selling Merchandise
One way TikTok creators can earn money is by selling merchandise featuring their brand or designs. Many creators use print-on-demand services to produce and ship products without needing to hold inventory. Popular print-on-demand companies used by TikTokers include Printful (https://www.oberlo.com/blog/print-on-demand-companies), Printify, and SPOD (https://www.shopify.com/blog/print-on-demand-companies). These platforms allow uploading designs that get printed on t-shirts, phone cases, mugs, and other products as orders come in.
To maximize merchandise sales, TikTok creators should promote their products in videos and link to their shop in their profile’s bio. When featuring merchandise in videos, be sure to model the products to showcase the design. Providing discount codes for first purchases or during holidays can also help drive sales. Overall, merchandise provides another potential revenue stream for TikTok creators to monetize their audience and brand.
Key Takeaways
Building a successful creator account on TikTok that earns money requires consistency, engagement, patience and persistence. There are several key steps covered in this guide:
- Optimizing your profile and creating compelling content to grow your following
- Joining the TikTok Creator Fund to earn money from views
- Partnering with brands for sponsorships of your videos
- Selling merchandise through your profile and links
The most important factors are consistently producing engaging videos, interacting with your audience, and gradually growing your account. With patience and persistence, TikTok can become a revenue stream. But it requires dedication and commitment to keep providing value for viewers. By following this guide, you can get your TikTok account set up for monetization success.
