How to Monetize Your TikTok Account: A Step-by-Step Guide

TikTok isn’t just for fun anymore. You can make real money from it. This guide shows you how.

If you’ve built up followers and your videos get solid views, you’ve got what brands want. Even if you’re not huge yet, there are ways to start small and grow your income over time.

Let’s break down how to start making money with your TikTok account.

1. Meet the Basics

Before anything else, check these:

You must be 18 or older.
You need at least 10,000 followers.
Your videos must get 100,000 views in the last 30 days.
You must live in a country where TikTok Creator tools are available.

These are the rules to join the TikTok Creator Fund. It’s one of the main ways people earn.

If you don’t meet these numbers yet, keep posting and improving. Post often, respond to comments, and use trending sounds and hashtags.

2. Join the TikTok Creator Fund

Once you qualify, apply through the app:

Go to your TikTok profile.
Tap the menu (top right corner).
Choose Creator tools.
Tap Creator Fund and follow the steps.

The fund pays you based on video views, engagement, and content quality. The pay is small at first, but it adds up if your views are steady.

Tip: You’ll make more if people watch the full video. So make content that holds attention to the end.

3. Try the Creator Rewards Program (if available)

TikTok started a new system called Creator Rewards Program to replace the old fund in some areas. It pays better and focuses on longer videos (over 1 minute).

If it’s rolled out to your region, use it. Longer content means more money per view.

Check for it in the Creator Tools section of the app. If it’s there, follow the steps to join.

4. Work With Brands

This is where many creators earn the most.

Brands pay creators to make videos that show their product or service. You can charge more if your audience trusts you and you get strong views.

Here’s how to start:

Use TikTok Creator Marketplace

TikTok made a tool that connects brands and creators:

Go to Creator Tools.
Tap Creator Marketplace.
Sign up and complete your profile.

Once in, brands can reach out to you with offers.

Tip: Only work with brands that match your content. Your followers can tell when you’re being fake.

Or Find Deals Yourself

You can also pitch brands directly. Start with small businesses or local shops. Send them a short message or email with:

Who you are
Your follower count and average views
Why their product fits your page

Keep it simple and polite.

5. Sell Your Own Stuff

You don’t need brands to make money. You can sell your own products or services.

Here are a few ideas:

Merch – Shirts, hats, stickers
Digital products – E-books, guides, templates
Services – Coaching, editing, design

Use a site like Shopify, Gumroad, or Ko-fi to set up shop.

Then post videos showing your products. Tell viewers where to buy them. Add your link in your bio.

6. Go Live and Collect Gifts

TikTok lets you go live if you’re over 18 and have 1,000+ followers.

During live streams, viewers can send you gifts (they cost them real money). You can trade these for cash later.

To earn more:

Go live often and for longer times.
Talk with your viewers. Answer questions. Make it fun.
Play games, host Q&As, or react to videos live.

You won’t get rich overnight, but it helps build your fan base and adds extra income.

7. Become an Affiliate

TikTok now supports affiliate links. You earn a small fee when someone buys through your link.

There are two ways to do this:

TikTok Shop Affiliate – You promote items sold on TikTok Shop.
External Affiliate Programs – You use services like Amazon Associates or RewardStyle.

Add the product link to your bio or promote items during videos. TikTok tracks clicks and sales.

If you’re good at reviewing or showing how things work, this is a solid income stream.

8. Create a Patreon or Subscription

Some fans are willing to pay for extra content.

Use services like Patreon, Ko-fi, or Buy Me a Coffee. Offer perks like:

Behind-the-scenes videos
Early access to posts
Shoutouts or Q&As

Let your followers know they can support you directly. Put the link in your bio and mention it now and then.

9. Use YouTube or Instagram Too

Don’t keep all your content on one app.

Post short clips on YouTube Shorts or Instagram Reels. Then tell viewers to follow your TikTok.

You can also earn from YouTube ads, sponsors, or memberships. Cross-posting helps you reach more people and reduce risk.

TikTok could ban your account or change rules. Having followers on other platforms gives you backup.

10. Track Your Income and Plan Ahead

Set up a simple system to track what you earn and where it comes from.

Use a free spreadsheet or tool like Notion. Keep notes like:

Date
Source (brand deal, TikTok fund, merch, etc.)
Amount earned
Notes or results

Knowing what works helps you focus on the best money-makers.

A Few Quick Tips to Grow Faster

Post 1–3 times a day if you can.
Use trending sounds and hashtags.
Respond to comments to build community.
Keep videos clear, bright, and easy to follow.
Watch other creators and learn what works.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need millions of followers to make money. But you do need effort and a clear plan.

Start with the basics like the Creator Fund or TikTok Shop. Then test new income streams as you grow.

The more value you give your followers, the more they’ll support you—through gifts, buys, or shares.

Stay consistent. Be real. And keep trying things until something clicks.

You’ve already done the hard part—making videos people like. Now it’s time to get paid for it.