What is Creator Next on TikTok?
Creator Next is a program launched by TikTok in 2021 to help creators on the platform earn money and grow their communities (1). It provides creators with monetization opportunities like paid partnerships and the ability to receive tips from fans. Creators can apply to join the program once they meet certain eligibility criteria in terms of follower count, video views, and account engagement (2).
The program aims to give creators on TikTok more ways to earn money directly from the platform, beyond just the TikTok Creator Fund. Creator Next introduces features like the option for fans to send tips during live streams, the ability to showcase “creator-centric” ads, and facilitated brand sponsorships (3). It is part of TikTok’s broader efforts to provide monetization opportunities for its top creators.
Overall, Creator Next serves as a centralized hub within TikTok for accepted creators to access monetization features, track analytics, and receive education on how to turn their TikTok presence into a business. TikTok describes it as “a program designed to help TikTok creators monetize as they grow their communities” (1).
Sources:
(1) https://www.tiktok.com/creators/creator-portal/en-us/getting-paid-to-create/creator-next/
(2) https://megadigital.ai/en/blog/what-is-creator-next-on-tiktok/
(3) https://sproutsocial.com/insights/tiktok-creator-next/
Who is it for?
Creator Next is aimed at established creators who have already built a sizable audience on TikTok. To be eligible, creators need to meet certain baseline requirements:
- Have at least 1,000 followers (this threshold varies by country)
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have accrued at least 10,000 video views in the last 30 days
- Post original content that complies with TikTok’s Community Guidelines
TikTok may also evaluate creators based on the overall quality of their content, engagement levels, and how well they embrace TikTok’s mission before approving them. Meeting the baseline metrics does not guarantee acceptance.
According to TikTok, Creator Next is geared towards creators who are invested in regularly producing creative and inspiring content for the TikTok community. Those who have already demonstrated an ability to build an audience and understand TikTok’s platform are ideal candidates.
Sources: https://www.tiktok.com/creators/creator-portal/en-us/getting-paid-to-create/creator-next/
What are the benefits?
Creator Next offers several benefits for creators looking to monetize on TikTok, including new monetization options, tools, and support.
Monetization options include the ability to earn money from brands through the TikTok Creator Marketplace. Brands can directly connect with creators to pay for content through branded challenges, branded effects, hashtag challenges, and more. Creators also get access to TikTok’s creator funding initiatives like the Creator Fund which pays creators based on their viewership and engagement (Tiktok).
The program provides tools to help creators optimize their content and accounts for monetization. The TikTok Creator Portal offers educational resources on topics like making content that brands want and growing your audience. There is also access to TikTok analytics through Creator Insights to better understand audience demographics and engagement (Megadigital).
Creators in the program can receive support from TikTok representatives to help them navigate monetization features and maximize earnings potential. TikTok experts provide guidance on content strategy, platform best practices, and making the most of partnerships (Sprout Social).
What are the costs?
There are a few potential costs and drawbacks to be aware of when joining TikTok’s Creator Next program:
Creator accounts can’t link out to external websites like business accounts can, so there’s less of an opportunity to drive traffic to your own site or shop (Source). However, you can still add links to your TikTok bio.
Creator accounts also have more limited analytics compared to business accounts. You won’t have access to detailed audience insights or have the ability to see traffic sources (Source).
Additionally, there are no guarantees of brand partnerships or earnings through the Creator Fund. You’ll need to put in consistent effort to grow an engaged audience and stand out from other creators (Source).
Lastly, you do give up some privacy and control when participating in the program. TikTok gains broad rights to use, distribute, and monetize your content.
How do I apply?
To apply for TikTok Creator Next, you first need to meet the eligibility requirements. These typically include having at least 1,000 followers and posting consistently high-quality content that follows TikTok’s community guidelines.
Once you meet the requirements, you can apply by:
- Tapping on your profile icon in the bottom right of the TikTok app
- Going to the settings menu represented by the 3 horizontal lines in the top right
- Selecting “Creator Next” in the menu
- Tapping “Apply” and filling out the application
TikTok will review your application and may reach out via email or in-app notification if you are accepted. The review process can take a few weeks. If accepted, you’ll gain access to monetization features like gifting and tipping.
According to TikTok, the main factors they evaluate are account growth, content quality, and how well you’ve followed their community guidelines. Meeting the baseline requirements doesn’t guarantee acceptance, so focus on producing creative, high-quality videos that resonate with your audience.
What content should I create?
When creating content for TikTok’s Creator Next program, it’s important to develop an effective content strategy. According to TikTok’s Creator Portal, you should focus on making videos that stand out by considering the unique vertical video format that works well on TikTok.
Some best practices from TikTok’s content strategy guide include:
– Tailoring content specifically for TikTok instead of repurposing content from other platforms
– Keeping videos under 3 minutes to match viewer attention spans
– Using text overlays and captions to improve watch time
– Leveraging trending sounds and hashtags to increase discoverability
– Showcasing your skills, talents or knowledge to establish yourself as an authority
– Posting consistently and frequently, such as daily or multiple times per day
Overall, Creator Next participants should focus on developing fun, entertaining, informative or helpful content that plays to TikTok’s strengths as a platform. By following TikTok’s own content strategy advice, you can increase your chances of creating videos that resonate with viewers.
How can I grow my audience?
Here are some tips for growing your audience on TikTok Creator Next:
Use relevant hashtags – Include a mix of popular and niche hashtags to help people find your content. Make sure they are relevant to your video topic.
Engage with your audience – Reply to comments, do live streams, and post content that responds to what your viewers want. Building relationships leads to a loyal audience.
Post consistently – Posting regularly helps keep your content in front of viewers. Use TikTok’s scheduling tool to plan an effective posting strategy.
Promote your account – Use TikTok’s built-in promotion tools to get your content in front of new viewers. You can promote individual videos or your overall profile.
Optimize your profile – Fill out your bio with useful info and links. Choose a profile photo and description that represents your brand.
Collaborate with others – Duet popular creators or do collab videos to tap into their audience. Develop relationships with creators in your niche.
Analyze your data – Use TikTok’s Creator Portal analytics to see what content resonates with your audience. Lean into what’s working.
Stay on top of trends – Take part in viral challenges, dances, songs etc. This helps put you in front of viewers actively looking for that content.
Post at optimal times – According to Sprout Social, the best times to post on TikTok are early morning, late afternoon, and late evening. Test what works for your audience.
What analytics should I track?
TikTok provides creators with robust analytics to measure the performance of videos and LIVE streams. Some of the key metrics to focus on include:
For regular videos:
- Views – The number of times your video has been viewed.
- Likes – How many people liked your video.
- Comments – The amount of comments your video received.
- Shares – How many times people shared your video.
- Followers – Any new followers you gained.
For LIVE streams:
- Peak viewers – The max number of concurrent viewers.
- Average viewers – The average number of viewers throughout.
- Comments – Engagement through comments.
- Shares – How many times people shared your LIVE.
- Followers – Any new followers gained.
Regularly checking your analytics will provide key insights into what types of content resonate most with your audience. This can help inform your content strategy and fuel growth.
Success stories
There are many examples of creators finding great success on TikTok after joining Creator Next. According to TikTok’s own case studies, creators like Pond’s, PepsiCo 7up, Queen Cosmetics, Glams Jewel, and Zoo Berry have grown their follower counts into the millions and received billions of video views after leveraging TikTok’s creator tools and recommendations. For example, Glams Jewel increased sales by 4x and grew their followers from 4k to over 5 million in just 8 months on the platform.
TikTok also highlights success stories of creators across industries like entertainment, sports, music, and more on their business blog. The NHL, SiriusXM, and Warner Media credit TikTok’s unique creator-first platform for allowing them to drive strong engagement and viewership with younger demographics. Their success illustrates the power of TikTok for any creator looking to expand their audience and turn their passions into a career.
Additionally, TikTok Marketing Partners share inspiring case studies of helping brands successfully leverage creator partnerships and community engagement on TikTok. Their strategies, advice, and results provide valuable insights for creators looking to grow on the platform.
Is Creator Next right for me?
Creator Next offers some great opportunities but also requires effort on your part. Here’s a quick summary of the main pros and cons:
Pros:
- Access to monetization features like tips, gifting, and bonuses
- Potential for brand partnerships and sponsorships
- Exclusive events and networking opportunities
- Educational resources and best practices
- Support from TikTok’s team
Cons:
- Need to meet eligibility requirements like follower count
- No guarantee of earning significant income
- Requires consistent high-quality content creation
- Needs promotional effort to drive traffic and views
- Payments can fluctuate month-to-month
Overall, joining Creator Next is a good option if you’re ready to invest time into growing a loyal TikTok following and have ideas for engaging content. It likely won’t generate a full-time income on its own, but can be a nice revenue stream alongside other monetization strategies. Assess your goals and bandwidth before applying.
