TikTok isn’t just the world’s fastest-growing social platform – it’s also one of the most exciting places to turn your creativity into real income. Whether you’re making viral skits, lifestyle vlogs, tutorials, or trending sounds, there are more ways than ever to monetize on TikTok and get paid for your content.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through every legitimate way to earn money on TikTok – from TikTok’s built-in Creator Rewards Program and ad revenue sharing to sponsorships, live gifts, affiliate links, and selling your own products. You’ll learn what qualifications you need, how much you can make, and strategies to build a sustainable creator business.
At Thematic, we’re passionate about empowering creators to grow, earn, and stay copyright-safe. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear roadmap to monetize on TikTok and take your creator career to the next level.
Table of Contents:
- What Does “Monetize on TikTok” Really Mean?
- How Do You Qualify to Monetize on TikTok?
- How Much Can You Earn on TikTok?
- Main Ways to Monetize on TikTok
- Step-by-Step Strategy to Maximize Your TikTok Earnings
- How to Use Thematic to Protect Your Monetization and Boost Video Performance
- FAQs
- Conclusion
What Does “Monetize on TikTok” Really Mean?
When you monetize on TikTok, you’re turning your content, audience, and engagement into income. Monetization isn’t just one program – it’s an ecosystem of opportunities, including:
- Direct payouts from TikTok (via Creator Rewards or ad revenue share)
- Brand deals and sponsorships
- Live stream gifts and tips
- Affiliate links and TikTok Shop sales
- Selling your own products, merch, or services
Essentially, you’re transforming your TikTok presence into a personal brand that earns revenue through multiple channels (just like a small business).
How Do You Qualify to Monetize on TikTok?
Not every TikTok account is eligible for every monetization feature. Here’s what you generally need to qualify:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Account Type: Have a creator or business account in good standing (no major violations).
- Follower Count: Many programs require at least 10,000 followers.
- Views: You’ll typically need 100,000+ video views in the past 30 days.
- Original Content: Your videos must be original (not reuploads or heavily duplicated content).
- Location: TikTok monetization programs are available only in supported regions (like the US, UK, Canada, etc.).
Can you get monetized with 1,000 followers?
Yes, but your options are limited. With 1,000 followers, you can go live and potentially earn gifts, or use affiliate links. For larger monetization programs, you’ll need to keep growing.
How Much Can You Earn on TikTok?
Before you can monetize on TikTok, it helps to understand what kind of money creators are really making. TikTok’s earnings vary widely – depending on your niche, engagement rate, and income sources. Some creators earn $100 a month, while others make thousands through multiple monetization streams.
Creators in high-engagement niches like beauty, gaming, lifestyle, and education often see the highest returns, especially when combining brand deals, live gifts, and affiliate links.
Average TikTok Earnings Breakdown:
- TikTok Creator Rewards Program: Around $0.01–$0.04 per 1,000 views
- Brand Deals and Sponsorships: $100–$10,000+ per post
- TikTok Shop & Affiliate Marketing: 10%–50% commission rates depending on products
✅ Pro Tip: Most full-time TikTok creators rely on three or more income streams to maximize their overall earnings.
How Much Does TikTok Pay per 1,000 Views?
The amount TikTok pays depends on the monetization method:
- TikTok Creator Fund (old model): About $0.02–$0.04 per 1,000 views
- TikTok Creator Rewards Program (new model): Around $0.40–$1.00+ per 1,000 views
That means a video with 1 million views might earn anywhere from $400 to $1,000+ under the new program.
What Qualifies You to Get Paid?
To qualify for TikTok payouts:
- Meet follower and view thresholds
- Create original, engaging videos
- Maintain an active, guideline-compliant account
- Apply through the Creator Rewards dashboard in your TikTok settings
While direct payouts can be modest, they add up, and can be multiplied through sponsorships and affiliate deals.
Main Ways to Monetize on TikTok
There’s no single path to success – there are multiple ways to monetize on TikTok, so you can tailor your income strategy to your content style and audience size. Below are the main ways to earn money on TikTok in 2026.
TikTok Creator Rewards Program
The Creator Rewards Program is TikTok’s direct monetization platform and a great way for creators to monetize on TikTok. Once you meet eligibility, TikTok pays you based on video performance metrics like watch time and engagement.
Requirements for the TikTok Creator Rewards Program:
- 10,000+ followers
- 100,000+ video views in the last 30 days
- High-quality, original videos over 1 minute long
Once approved, you’ll earn based on engagement and video performance. The payout is small but consistent – a great foundation for your monetization journey.
👍 Pros of the TikTok Creator Rewards program:
- Easy to track and automated payments
- Great foundation for income growth
❌ Cons of the TikTok Creator Rewards program:
- You must meet eligibility and location requirements
- Earnings fluctuate based on performance
✅ Pro Tips to maximize your TikTok earnings:
- Post consistently
- Focus on videos over 1 minute (higher payout potential)
- Target audiences in higher-paying regions (like the U.S. or U.K.)
Click here to learn more about about TikTok’s Creator Rewards program so you can monetize on TikTok today!
Brand Deals and Sponsorships
For many creators, brand deals are the most profitable way to monetize on TikTok. Brands pay you to feature or promote their product in your videos.
How to Get Brand Deals:
- Build a loyal niche audience (engagement > follower count)
- Create a media kit (highlight your analytics, audience, and past work)
- Join the TikTok Creator Marketplace – a built-in platform connecting brands and creators
- Reach out directly to brands you genuinely use and love
Earning Potential:
- Micro-influencers (10K–50K followers): $100–$500 per post
- Mid-tier creators (50K–250K followers): $500–$5,000 per post
- Large influencers (250K+): $5,000+ per campaign
✅ Pro Tip: Combine brand deals with affiliate links to create passive income after the campaign ends.
TikTok Live Streams and Gifts
TikTok Live lets you connect with your followers in real time (and get paid for it).
How It Works:
- Viewers buy coins and send “gifts” (like roses or fireworks) during your stream.
- TikTok converts gifts to “diamonds,” which you can cash out for real money.
To qualify for TikTok Live gifts:
- Be 18+
- Have at least 1,000 followers
- Follow TikTok’s community guidelines
✅ Pro Tips for TikTok Live Earnings:
- Go live regularly (schedule weekly sessions)
- Interact directly with viewers (shoutouts, Q&As, behind-the-scenes content)
- Collaborate with other creators to cross-promote audiences
Live streams can be a steady source of income if you’re consistent and engaging.
Affiliate Marketing and TikTok Shop
Affiliate marketing is one of the fastest-growing ways to monetize on TikTok. You promote products using a special link, when followers buy through your link, you earn a commission.
How to Get Started:
- Join affiliate networks like Amazon Associates, Impact, or Rakuten.
- Choose products related to your niche (like: camera gear, makeup, or fitness tools).
- Add affiliate links to your TikTok bio or link-in-bio tool.
- Use TikTok videos to demonstrate or review the product.
TikTok also has its own TikTok Shop, which lets creators tag products directly in videos. This feature turns content into instant shopping opportunities.
✅ Pro Tip: Create tutorial-style content or honest reviews – this type of content performs best for conversions.
Join Thematic’s Affiliate Squad
Want to boost your income by promoting premium licensed music and audio tools your audience will love? Join Thematic’s Affiliate Squad – our exclusive program for creators and influencers.
By partnering with Thematic, you can earn commissions while sharing top-quality music that’s perfect for TikTok, YouTube videos, social content, and more. It’s a great way to diversify your revenue streams with relevant products tailored to creators.
Apply now to join Thematic’s Affiliate Squad and start monetizing your influence today!
Selling Your Own Products or Services
If you have your own product, service, or expertise, TikTok can be your biggest sales channel.
Examples:
- Fitness trainers selling online programs
- Artists selling prints or merch
- Coaches or consultants offering sessions
- DIY creators selling digital downloads
How to Sell on TikTok:
- Add your product link to your bio
- Create content showing your product in action
- Use TikTok Ads to reach new audiences
- Funnel followers to your website or Shopify store
Owning your product means you control your pricing, margins, and brand experience, making it one of the most powerful monetization paths.
TikTok Ad Revenue Share (TikTok Pulse)
TikTok Pulse is an ad-revenue-sharing program that allows top creators to earn a percentage of ad revenue from ads shown next to their content.
Eligibility:
- At least 100,000 followers
- Consistent engagement and high-quality content
- Compliance with TikTok’s guidelines
👍 Pros:
- True “YouTube-style” ad revenue
- Passive income as your videos continue to perform
❌ Cons:
- Currently available to a limited group of creators
- Requires significant following and engagement metrics
If you qualify, Pulse can become a steady stream of income alongside brand deals and Creator Rewards earnings.
Step-by-Step Strategy to Maximize Your TikTok Earnings
Earning real money on TikTok requires more than luck – it’s about strategy. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to build a clear path to consistent income and scale your creator business on TikTok.
Step 1: Find Your Niche and Build Your Brand
- Focus on one theme (examples: fashion, gaming, wellness, tutorials)
- Use consistent aesthetics and messaging
- Optimize your bio and profile for clarity
Step 2: Grow Your Audience
- Post 3–5 times per week
- Engage with trends early but stay authentic
- Use strong hooks in the first 3 seconds of your video
- Respond to comments and DMs regularly
Step 3: Increase Engagement and Watch Time
- Keep videos visually dynamic
- Use captions (most viewers watch without sound)
- Ask interactive questions or encourage stitches and duets
Step 4: Apply for TikTok’s Creator Rewards or Ad Share Programs
- Once eligible, apply in your TikTok settings
- Focus on long-form videos (1 minute+)
- Analyze which videos generate the most revenue and replicate those formats
Step 5: Diversify Your Monetization Streams
- Combine direct payouts, sponsorships, affiliate links, and your own products
- Don’t rely on one source – balance short-term cash (brand deals) with long-term income (affiliate sales)
How to Use Thematic to Protect Your Monetization and Boost Video Performance
Music is one of the most powerful elements of TikTok videos, but it can also be a major roadblock for monetization if you use copyrighted tracks. That’s where Thematic comes in.
Creator music sites like Thematic offer a wide selection of fully licensed tracks tailored for creators. By using properly licensed music, you ensure your videos remain eligible for monetization and avoid copyright issues that can cut into your revenue ✅
Why creators love using Thematic:
- ✅ Stay copyright-safe: Use trending, pre-cleared songs without worrying about takedowns or demonetization.
- ✅ Save editing time: No need to re-edit or replace audio on old videos.
- ✅ Boost engagement: Music drives watch time and helps your videos perform better in TikTok’s algorithm.
Start now with Thematic‘s free music platform, so you can focus on creating (not copyright issues) and confidently grow your revenue 💪
FAQs about How to Monetize on TikTok
Below are answers to the most common questions creators ask about how to monetize on TikTok and start earning money from their videos.
How do I monetize my TikTok account?
Join TikTok’s Creator Rewards Program, do brand sponsorships, go live for gifts, use affiliate links, and sell your own products or services.
How much is TikTok monetized per 1,000 views?
On average, creators earn $0.40–$1.00 per 1,000 views under TikTok’s Creator Rewards Program.
How many followers are needed to monetize on TikTok?
Typically 10,000 followers and 100,000 views in the last 30 days for direct payouts, but you can start earning earlier through other methods.
Can you get monetized on TikTok with 1,000 followers?
Yes! With 1,000 followers, you can start live streaming, collect gifts, or share affiliate links.
How do you get paid on TikTok?
TikTok pays through linked bank accounts or PayPal for official programs. Gifts convert into “diamonds” that can be cashed out. Brand and affiliate income is paid directly by partners.
What qualifies you to get paid on TikTok?
You need to meet age, follower, and view thresholds, post original content, and comply with community guidelines.
📌 Conclusion: Turning Your TikTok into a Sustainable Business
The most effective way to monetize on TikTok is by combining creativity with smart strategy. Start by building your audience, then layer in multiple income streams – from the Creator Rewards Program and brand partnerships to affiliate sales and your own products.
As you continue your TikTok journey, remember that music plays a huge role in your monetization success. The right track can make your videos pop in the algorithm – and that’s where Thematic comes in.
With Thematic, you can find copyright-safe, trending music that helps your content perform better while keeping your earnings protected. Explore Thematic’s “Trending on TikTok” playlist – a curated collection of viral-ready tracks already blowing up across the platform, to save time, boost your reach, and stay fully monetized.
By blending creative strategy with reliable monetization tools like Thematic, you can confidently grow your TikTok presence, connect with more fans, and get paid doing what you love, one video at a time.
Start today, keep experimenting, and turn your TikTok passion into a thriving creator business. 🚀
Looking for more free creator tools and resources? Visit Thematic’s Creator Toolkit for additional resources on creating content – including thumbnail and channel art templates, best practices, and of course, great royalty free songs to use in your videos for free with Thematic.
This guide to monetizing on TikTok is brought to you by Thematic Co-Founder & COO Audrey Marshall
With a background in entertainment PR (via Chapman University), Audrey has led digital strategy for music artists, content creators, and brands. From brand campaigns for Macy’s, American Cancer Society, and the L’Oréal luxe family of brands, to music-driven influencer marketing campaigns for Interscope Records, Warner Music, AWAL, and Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas (featuring creators such as Lexy Panterra, Blogilates, Mandy Jiroux, Matt Steffanina, and Seán Garnier), she is an expert in navigating the influencer marketing space. Audrey has also developed and managed some of the leading beauty, lifestyle, and dance channels on YouTube.
Certified across the board with YouTube, Audrey has a specific focus on digital rights management for music assets, running multiple SRAV-enabled CMS. She is passionate about working with other builders in the space for a more transparent digital rights ecosystem.
At Thematic, Audrey leads the product team and oversees operations. She has driven partnerships with leading talent and music companies, including Songtrust, Kobalt/AWAL, Select Management, BBTV, ipsy, and Black Box, and has helped the platform grow to a thriving community of 1M+ content creators who have posted 1.6M+ videos using the platform, driving 60B+ music streams and $120M+ in earned media value for independent music artists.
