TikTok has evolved beyond just a social media app—it’s now a powerful money-making platform for creators, influencers, and businesses. With multiple monetization options like ad revenue sharing, brand sponsorships, product sales, and LIVE gifts, TikTok offers endless opportunities to turn content into income in 2025.
Whether you’re a viral content creator, eCommerce seller, or live streamer, knowing how to leverage TikTok’s monetization tools can help you build a sustainable online income. Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to make money on TikTok and how to maximize your earnings.
Looking for additional income streams? Check out the best laptops for video editing and blogging to create high-quality content that performs well. If you want to diversify revenue, explore affiliate marketing strategies for passive income. For business owners, understanding the best accounting software for startups can help manage finances effectively.
TikTok Creator Rewards Program (New for 2025)
TikTok has replaced its previous Creator Fund with the Creator Rewards Program, offering higher payouts based on video engagement rather than just views. This shift addresses past complaints from creators who earned minimal amounts despite generating millions of views.
How It Works
Unlike its predecessor, the TikTok Creator Rewards Program rewards content based on several key engagement metrics:
Watch time: Videos that keep users watching for longer durations receive better payouts.
User interaction: Likes, comments, shares, and saves significantly influence earnings.
Retention rate: Videos that encourage users to watch until the end get boosted rewards.
Frequent posting: Creators who post consistently benefit from a higher earning potential.
To qualify for this program, creators must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Have at least 10,000 followers
Receive 100,000+ authentic video views within the last 30 days
Be 18 years or older
Reside in a country where the program is available
Earning Potential
Creators who optimize their content for engagement can see substantial increases in earnings. Some early adopters of the program have reported making between $0.02 to $0.04 per 1,000 views, which is nearly double the previous payout rates under the Creator Fund.
For example, a travel vlogger who consistently posts engaging, high-retention content could earn $3,000 - $5,000 per month from this program alone.
New Feature: Video Gifts for Passive Income
TikTok now allows users to send virtual gifts on pre-recorded videos, expanding monetization beyond LIVE gifts. This means that creators can generate revenue passively from older, high-performing videos instead of relying solely on real-time engagement.
For instance, a fitness creator posting a 30-day workout challenge can receive ongoing Video Gifts from new viewers discovering the content over time.
How to Maximize Earnings in the Creator Rewards Program
Focus on storytelling: Videos that tell compelling, engaging stories tend to have higher retention rates, leading to better payouts.
Encourage interaction: Asking questions in captions, running polls, or requesting comments can boost engagement.
Experiment with longer videos: Since TikTok rewards watch time, creating 45- to 90-second videos instead of shorter ones may lead to higher earnings.
Leverage trending sounds & challenges: Using trending audio and participating in viral trends increases visibility and engagement.
Post consistently: TikTok prioritizes creators who post regularly, so maintaining a daily or frequent posting schedule can improve revenue potential.
2. TikTok Pulse Revenue Sharing
TikTok Pulse is a premium ad revenue-sharing program that allows creators to earn a share of the ad revenue generated from their top-performing videos. It is TikTok’s answer to YouTube’s Partner Program, offering a more direct way for creators to monetize viral content without relying on sponsorships or gifts.
How TikTok Pulse Works
Unlike general ad placements on TikTok, Pulse ensures that high-quality, brand-safe content appears alongside top-tier advertisements. Here’s how it operates:
TikTok selects the top 4% of videos on the platform based on engagement and views.
Brands place ads before, after, or within these high-performing videos.
Creators receive a percentage of the ad revenue when their videos are included in the Pulse program.
For example, if a tech influencer posts a viral unboxing video of the latest iPhone, TikTok may place an Apple ad before or after their video. Because this content is considered “highly engaging and brand-safe,” the influencer will receive a portion of the ad revenue generated from that placement.
Eligibility Criteria for TikTok Pulse
To be eligible for TikTok Pulse, creators must meet the following requirements:
100,000 followers or more
Consistently high engagement rates (watch time, shares, comments)
Brand-safe content (no explicit language, violence, or controversial topics)
Regularly appearing in TikTok’s top-performing content categories
Not all viral creators qualify. TikTok carefully selects which videos and creators are admitted into Pulse, prioritizing content that aligns with advertisers’ needs.
Earnings Potential from TikTok Pulse
TikTok has not publicly disclosed exact revenue share percentages, but early reports suggest creators receive a 50/50 or 55/45 split of the ad revenue. This makes Pulse one of the most profitable monetization streams for established creators.
For instance, creators in high-value niches such as:
Technology (gadget reviews, product demos)
Finance (investing tips, crypto, budgeting)
Beauty & Fashion (makeup tutorials, styling tips)
Fitness & Wellness (workout routines, health advice)
…report earning upwards of $10,000 per month if their content consistently falls into Pulse’s top-performing 4%.
A gaming creator with 300,000+ followers has stated they make an average of $6,000 per month from Pulse alone, with earnings fluctuating based on how many of their videos get selected each month.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Into TikTok Pulse
If you want to maximize your earnings from Pulse, follow these strategies:
Post high-quality content consistently – The more videos you post, the higher your chances of hitting the top 4% of content.
Engage with your audience – Encourage comments, ask questions, and boost shares to improve engagement rates.
Create advertiser-friendly content – Avoid controversial topics and focus on content that major brands want to be associated with.
Leverage trending topics & challenges – Viral trends have a higher likelihood of getting featured in Pulse.
Optimize video length – Videos between 30-90 seconds tend to perform best for engagement-based algorithms.
Use professional-quality video & audio – Higher production value improves watch time and ad placement eligibility.
3. Brand Sponsorships & Influencer Marketing
Brand sponsorships and influencer marketing have become one of the most lucrative ways for TikTok creators to earn money. As businesses recognize the power of TikTok in driving engagement and sales, they are allocating larger portions of their marketing budgets to collaborate with content creators. Whether you have a micro-audience (10K - 50K followers) or millions of followers, brands are actively looking for TikTok influencers to promote their products and services.
How Brand Sponsorships Work on TikTok
Brands pay creators to feature their products in engaging, organic content that resonates with their audience. These partnerships can take multiple forms:
Sponsored Content – A brand pays a creator to showcase its product in a TikTok video.
Example: A beauty influencer gets $2,500 per post to feature a skincare brand in their morning routine video.
Affiliate Marketing – Instead of a flat fee, creators earn a commission per sale when their audience buys a product using their unique link or discount code.
Example: A tech reviewer earns 10% commission per sale when promoting wireless earbuds.
Long-Term Brand Ambassador Deals – Instead of one-off sponsorships, creators sign a multi-month contract to consistently promote a brand’s product.
Example: A fitness creator partners with a supplement company for $5,000 per month to promote protein shakes in multiple videos.
Product Seeding (Gifting Collaborations) – Some brands send creators free products in exchange for social media exposure, which can lead to paid partnerships if the content performs well.
TikTok’s Official Creator Marketplace – This is TikTok’s built-in brand-influencer matching platform, where businesses can find creators for sponsored campaigns based on niche, engagement rates, and audience demographics.
How Much Can Creators Earn from Sponsorships?
The amount creators can charge for brand deals depends on:
Follower count
Engagement rate (likes, comments, shares, watch time)
Niche demand (Tech, Finance, Beauty, and Fitness command higher rates)
Type of promotion (single post vs. long-term deal)
Follower Count | Estimated Earnings per Sponsored Post |
10K - 50K (Micro-Influencer) | $250 - $1,000 |
50K - 200K (Mid-Tier Influencer) | $1,000 - $5,000 |
200K - 1M (Macro-Influencer) | $5,000 - $25,000 |
1M+ (Mega-Influencer/Celebrity) | $25,000+ |
💡 Example:A fashion influencer with 150K followers collaborated with a high-end clothing brand and received $7,500 per video for a three-video campaign.
Best Niches for Sponsorships on TikTok
Certain industries have higher ad budgets and tend to pay creators more per campaign. If you’re in one of these niches, you have a higher chance of landing lucrative brand deals:
Beauty & Skincare (Makeup tutorials, product reviews)
Tech & Gadgets (Unboxing videos, product comparisons)
Health & Fitness (Workout routines, supplement reviews)
Finance & Investing (Personal finance tips, crypto discussions)
Food & Cooking (Recipe tutorials, food challenges)
Travel & Lifestyle (Hotel reviews, packing hacks)
Gaming (Game reviews, gameplay reactions)
💡 Example: A gaming content creator with 500K followers recently signed a $50,000 deal with a game developer to promote a new mobile game in three TikTok videos.
How to Get Brand Sponsorships on TikTok
Build an Engaged Audience – Brands prioritize engagement over followers, so respond to comments, ask questions, and interact with your community.
Niche Down & Be Consistent – Creators who post about a specific niche (e.g., skincare, tech, fitness) attract more relevant brand offers.
Tag Brands in Your Content – If you genuinely use a product, tag the brand in your video. Some brands reach out for paid collaborations after seeing unpaid endorsements.
Join TikTok Creator Marketplace – This is an official way for brands to find and hire influencers for campaigns.
Pitch to Brands Directly – Don’t wait for brands to contact you! Send a professional media kit with your engagement stats and past collaborations.
Use Hashtags & Trends – Many brands look for influencers who participate in TikTok challenges and trending sounds to ensure their products get maximum reach.
💡 Example: A DIY home decor creator (80K followers) started tagging home brands in her videos. After one unpaid video went viral, a furniture company reached out with a $5,000 sponsored deal.
Best Practices for Sponsored Content
To maintain credibility and attract repeat brand deals, follow these guidelines:
✅ Be transparent – Always disclose sponsored posts with hashtags like #ad or #sponsored to comply with TikTok’s guidelines.
✅ Make it entertaining – Don’t just “sell.” Incorporate storytelling, humor, or trends to keep your audience engaged.
✅ Balance organic & sponsored content – Too many ads in a row can make your followers lose interest. Keep a healthy mix of regular content and sponsorships.
✅ Use affiliate marketing for extra income – Even if a brand only pays for a single post, add your affiliate link to earn commissions on sales.
💡 Example: A travel vlogger did a paid hotel review for $3,000 but also included an affiliate link for discounted bookings. Over time, affiliate commissions surpassed sponsorship earnings.
4. Selling Products via
TikTok Shop has emerged as one of the most powerful e-commerce tools on the platform, enabling creators, brands, and businesses to sell products directly without requiring users to leave the app. Whether you want to sell your own merchandise, drop-shipped products, or digital goods, TikTok Shop provides a seamless, high-converting shopping experience for both creators and customers.
What is TikTok Shop?
TikTok Shop is an in-app marketplace that allows users to browse, buy, and check out without leaving TikTok. It enables creators and businesses to:
✅ List products for sale directly on their profile.
✅ Tag products in videos to drive direct purchases.
✅ Feature products during LIVE streams for real-time conversions.
✅ Run in-app promotions & discounts to boost sales.
TikTok’s integration with eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce makes it easy for brands to sync their existing stores with TikTok Shop.
💡 Example: A DIY home decor creator started selling handmade resin coasters through TikTok Shop. After one of their product demo videos went viral, they sold 2,000+ units in 24 hours, generating $50,000 in sales.
What Can You Sell on TikTok Shop?
Creators and businesses can sell physical and digital products, including:
Merchandise (T-shirts, hoodies, accessories)
Beauty & Skincare (Makeup, skincare products, hair tools)
Tech Gadgets (Phone accessories, smart devices)
Fitness & Health (Supplements, workout gear, meal plans)
DIY & Handmade Items (Custom art, crafts, personalized gifts)
Educational Content (E-books, online courses, digital downloads)
💡 Example: A fitness influencer launched a custom meal plan & workout guide as a digital product on TikTok Shop and made $20,000 in the first week after tagging the guide in a viral fitness video.
How to Set Up TikTok Shop
If you want to start selling, here’s how to set up your TikTok Shop:
1️⃣ Sign Up as a Seller
Go to TikTok Shop Seller Center
Choose whether you are an individual creator or a registered business
Provide your business details, payment info, and tax verification
2️⃣ List Your Products
Upload product images, descriptions, and pricing
Optimize your product listings with engaging visuals and keywords
Add inventory details (shipping, availability, variations)
3️⃣ Link Products to Your Videos
Tag your products in TikTok videos and LIVE streams
Use TikTok’s Smart Product Recommendations to showcase trending products
4️⃣ Promote Your Products
Run TikTok Shop Ads to boost visibility
Partner with influencers through Affiliate Programs
Create engaging product demo videos
💡 Example: A beauty influencer started selling a custom lipstick line via TikTok Shop. By collaborating with other influencers and running TikTok LIVE sales, they generated $100,000+ in sales in the first month.
Best Strategies to Sell More on TikTok Shop
1. Use TikTok’s LIVE Shopping Feature
Go LIVE and showcase products in real time
Offer exclusive deals for viewers
Answer customer questions and demonstrate product use
2. Create Viral Product Demo Videos
Show before-and-after transformations
Use trends and challenges to promote products
Feature customer testimonials for social proof
3. Offer Limited-Time Discounts & Bundles
Run flash sales & exclusive discounts for TikTok users
Create bundles to increase average order value
4. Leverage Drop Shipping & Print-on-Demand
No inventory? No problem! Use drop-shipping models to sell trending products.
Print-on-demand allows you to sell custom apparel & accessories without handling inventory.
💡 Example: A motivational speaker started selling inspirational t-shirts and mugs using a print-on-demand business model. Their videos gained traction, leading to $30,000 in sales within 90 days—without ever touching inventory!
TikTok Shop vs. Other E-Commerce Platforms
Feature | TikTok Shop | Shopify/WooCommerce | Amazon/Etsy |
In-app shopping experience | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Viral potential | ✅ High | ❌ Lower | ❌ Lower |
Live Shopping | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Affiliate & Influencer Integration | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ Limited |
Transaction Fees | ⚡ Low | 📈 Varies | 🏷️ Higher (Amazon & Etsy take a bigger cut) |
5. TikTok LIVE Gifts & Diamonds
TikTok LIVE has become one of the most interactive ways for creators to engage with their audience and generate income in real-time. With LIVE Gifts and Diamonds, TikTok allows followers to support their favorite creators financially by sending virtual gifts during live broadcasts. These gifts are then converted into Diamonds, which can be withdrawn as real cash.
For influencers, going live frequently and engaging with fans can result in steady, recurring revenue without needing sponsorships or product sales.
How TikTok LIVE Gifts & Diamonds Work
1️⃣ Viewers purchase TikTok Coins
Users buy TikTok Coins using real money. These coins act as TikTok’s in-app currency.
Example: 1,000 TikTok Coins cost around $14.99 USD, though prices may vary by country.
2️⃣ Fans send virtual gifts during LIVE streams
TikTok users spend their Coins to send creators virtual gifts like Roses, Fire, or Lions.
These gifts appear as animations on-screen, encouraging more engagement and donations.
3️⃣ Creators earn Diamonds
TikTok converts gifts into Diamonds, which can then be redeemed for real money.
Exchange rate: Creators typically receive 50% of the gift value, as TikTok takes a commission.
Example: If a creator receives $100 in LIVE gifts, they earn around $50 after TikTok’s cut.
4️⃣ Withdraw earnings via PayPal or bank transfer
Once creators accumulate enough Diamonds, they can cash out their earnings through TikTok’s payout system.
💡 Example: A gaming streamer who goes LIVE daily has built a loyal fan base. By interacting with viewers, accepting challenges, and hosting giveaways, they earn over $5,000 per month from Diamonds alone.
Best Ways to Maximize TikTok LIVE Gifts & Diamonds
1. Go LIVE Consistently
Creators who schedule regular live streams see higher gift earnings.
Best times to go LIVE: Evenings and weekends when engagement is highest.
2. Engage With Your Audience in Real Time
Call out usernames and thank gifters during the stream.
Run Q&A sessions, polls, and interactive games to keep viewers engaged.
3. Set Up Challenges & Rewards
Encourage fans to send certain gifts by setting fun challenges (e.g., “If I get 5 Rockets, I’ll do a dance challenge”).
Offer special shoutouts or exclusive content to top gifters.
4. Promote Your LIVE Sessions
Post a TikTok video teaser announcing your LIVE session.
Use the “LIVE Event” feature so followers receive reminders.
💡 Example: A fitness influencer hosts LIVE workout sessions where followers send gifts as motivation. In one session alone, they earned $1,200 from viewers who sent virtual gifts to keep the workout going.
Understanding TikTok Diamonds: How Much Can You Earn?
Gift Type | Cost (TikTok Coins) | Estimated Creator Earnings |
Rose 🌹 | 1 Coin | ~$0.005 |
Panda 🐼 | 5 Coins | ~$0.025 |
Fire 🔥 | 100 Coins | ~$0.50 |
Luxury Car 🚗 | 1,000 Coins | ~$5.00 |
Lion 🦁 | 29,999 Coins | ~$150.00 |
💡 Example: A fashion creator hosted a LIVE fashion haul and received multiple Lion gifts (worth $150 each) in under an hour, earning $2,500 in one stream.
Optimizing Your TikTok Strategy with the Right Tools
Making money on TikTok isn’t just about posting content—it’s about creating high-quality videos, managing finances, and finding additional income streams. If you're serious about content creation, investing in the best laptops for video editing and blogging can improve your workflow and production quality.
For those looking to monetize beyond TikTok, explore affiliate marketing strategies to earn passive income. If you plan to treat content creation as a business, using the best accounting software for startups can help you track expenses and earnings. And if you're considering brand deals and sponsorships, check out how to land Instagram brand deals to expand your reach.
TikTok Monetization Comparison Table (2025)
Monetization Method | Earnings Potential | Best For | Key Strategy | Difficulty Level (⭐=Easy, ⭐⭐⭐=Challenging) |
TikTok Creator Rewards Program | $3,000 - $7,000/month | Creators with high engagement & long watch times | Posting high-retention videos & using trending content | ⭐⭐ |
TikTok Pulse Revenue Sharing | $5,000 - $15,000/month | Viral creators with 100K+ followers & brand-safe content | Creating top 4% performing videos for ad placements | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Brand Sponsorships & Influencer Marketing | $1,000 - $50,000 per deal | Niche influencers with loyal & engaged audiences | Partnering with brands, using affiliate marketing & long-term sponsorships | ⭐⭐ |
Selling Products via TikTok Shop | $2,000 - $50,000/month | Creators selling physical or digital products (eCommerce, Print-on-Demand, Dropshipping) | Tagging products in videos, running TikTok LIVE shopping events | ⭐⭐⭐ |
TikTok LIVE Gifts & Diamonds | $500 - $10,000/month | Creators who stream regularly & interact live | Hosting interactive LIVE sessions, challenges & battles | ⭐ |
Key Takeaways from the Table:
✔ TikTok Creator Rewards Program: Best for highly engaging video creators who post consistently. Medium difficulty but reliable passive income.
✔ TikTok Pulse Revenue Sharing: High payout potential but only available to top-performing videos with 100K+ followers. Harder to qualify.
✔ Brand Sponsorships: Most profitable for influencers in high-demand niches (Beauty, Tech, Fitness, Finance). Requires a strong personal brand.
✔ TikTok Shop: Best for eCommerce entrepreneurs who want to sell their own products or dropship. High earnings but requires marketing efforts.
✔ TikTok LIVE Gifts: Easiest monetization method but works best for creators who enjoy live interaction. Can be highly lucrative if done strategically.
Final Thoughts: How to Make Money on TikTok
TikTok offers multiple ways to earn, whether through creator rewards, ad revenue sharing, brand sponsorships, selling products, or LIVE gifts. The best strategy is to diversify income streams—combining engaging videos, partnerships, and real-time interactions to maximize earnings.
Success comes down to consistent, high-quality content and audience engagement. Whether you're an influencer, entrepreneur, or live streamer, leveraging multiple TikTok monetization methods can turn your passion into a profitable career.
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