What is the TikTok Creator Fund?
The TikTok Creator Fund is a program launched by TikTok in 2020 to reward and support creators on the platform [1]. It provides creators with cash payments based on the engagement and views that their videos generate. According to TikTok, the Creator Fund aims to “celebrate and support the creativity of the TikTok community” [2].
The Creator Fund allows TikTok to directly pay creators for the content they produce for the platform. It is not an ad revenue sharing program, but rather a way for TikTok to incentivize creators to produce high-quality and engaging videos. To receive payments from the fund, creators must meet certain eligibility criteria set by TikTok. Overall, the Creator Fund serves as a way for TikTok to reward and motivate its most talented creators.
Who is Eligible for the Creator Fund?
To be eligible for the TikTok Creator Fund, creators must meet certain requirements in terms of followers, age, location and content. As per TikTok’s Creator Fund Terms, eligible creators must:
- Have at least 10,000 followers on TikTok
- Be at least 13 years old
- Post original content that follows TikTok’s Community Guidelines
TikTok reviews each Creator Fund application to ensure creators meet these baseline eligibility criteria. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee approval, as TikTok evaluates additional factors in selecting creators. However, having at least 10,000 followers is a key threshold that creators need to cross to even be considered for the program.
How to Apply for the TikTok Creator Fund
Applying for the TikTok Creator Fund is easy and can be done directly within the TikTok app. Here are the steps:
1. Open the TikTok app and tap on your profile icon in the bottom right corner.
2. From your profile, tap on the “Creator Tools” option.
3. Within Creator Tools, tap on “TikTok Creator Fund”.
4. On the Creator Fund page, tap on the “Apply” button.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete your Creator Fund application.
You’ll need to agree to the Creator Fund terms and conditions, confirm your account and personal information, and give TikTok permission to review your account history and stats.
According to TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/creators/creator-portal/en-us/getting-paid-to-create/creator-fund/), the application process takes about 30 days. You’ll receive a notification on whether your application was approved or denied.
Creator Fund Application Review Process
Once a creator applies for the TikTok Creator Fund, TikTok reviews the channel to determine if it is eligible. According to Sprout Social, TikTok evaluates channels based on the following criteria:
– Channel engagement: TikTok looks at the number of likes, comments, and shares the channel receives. Channels with more engagement are more likely to be accepted.
– Video views: TikTok reviews the number of views per video. Channels with higher view counts tend to get approved more often.
– Content: TikTok evaluates the videos and content being produced. Higher quality, original content that follows guidelines has a better chance of acceptance.
The review process aims to ensure creators in the fund are posting content that contributes value to the TikTok community. TikTok wants to encourage quality content that aligns with its brand safety and community guidelines (Sprout Social).
Timeline for Creator Fund Approval
The timeline for getting approved for the TikTok Creator Fund can vary quite a bit. Many creators report that it takes anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to get accepted into the program.
After applying for the Creator Fund, TikTok reviews each application to ensure creators meet the eligibility requirements. This review process is not instantaneous, and can take some time depending on how many applications TikTok is processing.
Here are some typical timeframes reported by creators:
- 2-4 weeks – Some creators get approved in just a few weeks after submitting their application.
- 1-2 months – For many creators, it takes 1-2 months between applying and getting accepted.
- 2+ months – In some cases, especially for new creators, it can take over 2 months to get approved.
The best thing to do after applying is be patient. Approval times vary but can take upwards of a couple months in many cases. Continuing to post quality content and engage your audience is the best way to pass the time while awaiting your application decision.
Check out this Reddit thread for first-hand accounts of how long the approval process took for some creators:https://www.reddit.com/r/Tiktokhelp/comments/v1pi7l/how_long_did_it_take_you_to_get_approved_for_the/
Payment Structure of the Creator Fund
The TikTok Creator Fund offers monetary compensation for creators based on the views that their videos generate. According to TikTok’s Creator Fund Terms, “the amount each Creator is paid out of the Creator Fund depends on their videos’ performance, based on the number of views and other factors”
Some key factors that determine payout from the Creator Fund include:
- Number of views – More views on videos generally translate to higher payout
- Engagement – Videos that garner more comments, shares, likes etc. tend to earn more
- Location – The fund is distributed based on geographic location, with the US currently having the biggest share
TikTok does not disclose the exact monetary value per view or engagement. However, creators estimate earnings of around 2 to 4 cents per 1,000 views from the fund. So a video with 1 million views could generate $20 to $40 through the Creator Fund.
The minimum payout creators can receive is $10. Funds accrue monthly and are paid out 30 days after the month ends in which they were accrued. All transfers must be equal to or exceed $50, unless otherwise approved by TikTok.
In summary, the TikTok Creator Fund aims to compensate creators based on their content’s popularity and engagement. More views and interactions equal higher payout.
When Do Creators Get Paid?
Creators get paid on a monthly basis via direct deposit once they’ve reached the payment threshold in their Creator Fund account. According to TikTok’s Creator Fund Terms, payments are made around the 15th of each month for earnings accrued in the previous calendar month.
For example, if a creator reaches the payment threshold in January, they would receive their first payout around February 15th. After the initial payout, creators are paid monthly as long as they consistently meet the payment threshold each month.
The payment gets deposited directly into the bank account or third-party payment platform connected to the creator’s TikTok account. This allows for fast, seamless monthly payouts.
It’s important to note that any earnings in the Creator Fund below the payment threshold will roll over to the next month. TikTok does not issue partial payments, so creators must hit the threshold each month to get paid.
How Much Money Do Creators Earn?
How much money TikTok creators earn through the Creator Fund varies quite a bit and depends on many factors. Some key things that impact earnings include:
– Country of residence – TikTok adjusts payout rates based on average costs per country.
– Amount of views – More views equals higher earnings. Rates are estimated at $0.2 to $0.4 per 1,000 video views.
– TikTok algorithm engagement – Videos that perform well and are promoted by TikTok earn more.
– Length of videos – Longer videos typically monetize better.
– Types of videos – Certain content verticals tend to earn more money.
– Brand deals – Sponsored content and promotions can significantly boost income.
Most creators report earnings ranging from a few dollars per day up to hundreds or even thousands per day for top creators. However, earnings vary widely and depend largely on consistently creating engaging content that gets high view counts over time. With enough views, it is possible to earn a viable income through the TikTok Creator Fund.
Sources: https://www.descript.com/blog/article/how-much-does-tiktok-pay, https://www.theleap.co/blog/how-much-does-tiktok-pay/
Tips to Maximize Creator Fund Earnings
Here are some tips to help creators maximize their earnings from the TikTok Creator Fund:
Create high-quality, engaging content daily. The algorithm rewards accounts that post consistently with increased views and engagement. Focus on creating content that provides value to your audience in order to boost watch time and likes (https://www.tiktok.com/creators/creator-portal/en-us/getting-paid-to-create/creator-fund/).
Optimize your videos for discoverability by using relevant hashtags, sounds, effects, and challenges. Making content that aligns with current trends can help more users find and interact with your videos.
Engage with your audience in the comments section. Responding to comments shows users you care and helps promote your content.
Post content at optimal times when your target audience is most active on TikTok. Analyze when your existing followers are online and adjust your posting schedule accordingly.
Partner with other creators through collaborations, shoutouts, and challenges. Cross-promoting content can help reach each other’s audiences.
Analyze your earnings and content analytics within Creator Tools to identify top-performing videos. Make more content that is similar to your best-performing content.
Promote your TikTok account and best videos across other social platforms as well to maximize reach.
Common Creator Fund Questions
Many creators have questions about how the TikTok Creator Fund works and when they will get paid. Here are some frequently asked questions:
How often do I get paid?
You will receive monthly payments on or around the 15th of each month. Payments are for earnings accrued in the previous calendar month. For example, earnings from March 1-31 will be paid out around April 15th. (Source)
When will I get my first payment?
It can take 1-2 months after joining the fund to receive your first payment. This is because earnings are calculated and paid out on a monthly basis, so you need to accrue at least a month of earnings before receiving payment. (Source)
What is the minimum payout amount?
The minimum payout is $50. If your accrued earnings for the month are under $50, they will roll over to the next month until you hit the $50 minimum. (Source)
Why was my video excluded from Creator Fund earnings?
Videos may be excluded if they violate TikTok’s community guidelines or other eligibility criteria. Make sure to read and follow all policies. (Source)
How are Creator Fund earnings calculated?
The formula involves your video views, engagement, and overall performance compared to other creators in your geographic area. TikTok has not released the exact formula. (Source)
