Making Money On Tiktok: 17 Ultimate Strategies

TikTok isn’t just about viral dances anymore—it’s become a serious money-making machine.

In fact, TikTok crossed 1.6 billion monthly active users globally in 2025.

That means there’s a massive audience not just watching, but buying. Creators like Charli D’Amelio, who turned lip-sync clips into an empire worth millions, or Khaby Lame, who went from factory worker to one of TikTok’s highest-paid stars, prove just how powerful the platform can be.

And it’s not just celebrities—micro-influencers with only a few thousand followers are landing paid brand deals and selling digital products every day.

The best part?

You don’t need to be famous to earn. With TikTok’s Creator Fund, affiliate programs, live gifting, and clever product placements, anyone with engaging content and a smart strategy can start turning views into income.

In this guide, we’ll break down the proven ways to make money on TikTok—whether you’re starting fresh or scaling your creator business.

Let’s go!

17 strategies that will help you make money on Tiktok

1. Grow and sell your Tiktok accounts

One of the lesser-known but increasingly profitable ways of making money on TikTok is by growing niche accounts and selling them.

Think of it like digital real estate: you build an audience around a specific interest—say cooking hacks, motivational quotes, or pet videos—and then sell the account once it gains traction.

Buyers are usually brands, agencies, or entrepreneurs who want a ready-made audience instead of starting from scratch.

The key here is choosing the right niche. Accounts in evergreen niches like fitness, beauty, gaming, or personal finance tend to sell faster and at higher prices.

Growth strategies are straightforward: consistent posting, hopping on trends, using TikTok SEO (keywords in captions and hashtags), and engaging with followers. Once your account hits 10K+ followers with decent engagement (3–8%), it becomes a valuable asset.

As for earnings, small niche accounts can sell for a few hundred dollars, while larger, highly engaged accounts can fetch thousands of dollars on marketplaces like Fameswap, ViralAccounts, or through direct deals.

Just make sure you comply with TikTok’s Terms of Service, and always transfer ownership securely.

If you enjoy content creation but don’t want to build a personal brand, this route is one of the smartest ways to profit. You’re essentially flipping TikTok accounts—grow, scale, sell, repeat.

2. Collect tips

Another simple but powerful way of making money on TikTok is through tips and gifts from your followers. TikTok allows viewers to directly support their favorite creators with TikTok Gifts (virtual coins that can be converted into real money) and now even through Cash Tips on profiles.

When you go live on TikTok, your audience can send you virtual gifts (like roses, lions, or even universes) which translate into Diamonds—TikTok’s in-app currency. These Diamonds can be redeemed for actual cash through PayPal or other payout methods. Some creators make hundreds of dollars per live session if they have an engaged audience.

On top of that, TikTok has introduced a “Tips” feature on eligible accounts, where fans can send small payments (like $5, $10, or custom amounts) directly to the creator. TikTok doesn’t take a cut of these tips, so you keep 100% of the money (minus standard payment processor fees).

The secret is to encourage tipping without begging. Make your live streams interactive—answer questions, shout out tippers, and create fun challenges (“If I hit 100 roses, I’ll show you my next recipe trick”). When done right, tips can become a steady stream of side income, especially if you go live regularly.

Also read: How Much Does TikTok Pay Per View (+Monetization Strategies)

3. Open a Tiktok shop

If you want to turn your content into a direct sales channel, TikTok Shop is one of the most lucrative ways to start making money on TikTok. TikTok Shop lets you sell physical or digital products right inside the app—no external website required. Think of it as TikTok’s built-in e-commerce marketplace.

There are two main ways to profit:

1. As a seller – You can list your own products (like fashion items, skincare, gadgets, or even digital downloads) and showcase them in your videos or live streams. Viewers can purchase directly without leaving TikTok, which drastically boosts conversion rates.

2. As an affiliate – You don’t even need your own products. TikTok lets you add products from other sellers into your videos and earn a commission every time someone buys through your link. For many creators, this is one of the fastest entry points into e-commerce without upfront inventory costs.

What makes TikTok Shop powerful is the seamless integration with content.

A cooking video can instantly link to the pan being used. A beauty influencer’s GRWM (Get Ready With Me) can include clickable product tags for all the makeup shown. This native shopping experience keeps viewers engaged and increases impulse buys.

To succeed, pick trending but evergreen products (fitness gear, phone accessories, skincare tools), optimize your product descriptions with TikTok SEO, and consistently pair your shop items with engaging short-form videos.

Top TikTok sellers earn anywhere from a few hundred dollars a month to six figures annually, depending on niche, consistency, and content quality.

4. Join the Tiktok Creator Fund

One of the first official ways TikTok rewarded creators was through the Creator Fund—a program that pays you for the views your videos generate. If you’re looking for a direct, platform-supported route to making money on TikTok, this is a solid starting point.

To qualify, you’ll need to meet TikTok’s eligibility criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Have 10,000+ followers

• Have at least 100,000 video views in the last 30 days

• Follow TikTok’s community guidelines and policies

Once accepted, TikTok pays you based on video performance, audience engagement, and adherence to guidelines. Earnings typically average 2–4 cents per 1,000 views. While that may not sound like much, it adds up quickly for creators who consistently post and rack up millions of views. For example, a video with 1 million views could bring in $20–40 from the fund alone.

That said, the Creator Fund isn’t a full-time income source for most people—it’s better viewed as a nice bonus for content you’d be making anyway. Many successful creators combine the Fund with other income streams like brand deals, affiliate sales, or TikTok Shop to maximize their earnings.

Also read: When Does TikTok Start Paying You?

5. Offer subscriptions

If you want recurring income instead of one-off payments, TikTok’s subscription feature is worth exploring. This allows creators to set up monthly paid subscriptions, giving their most loyal fans access to exclusive perks. For anyone serious about making money on TikTok, this can create a steady, predictable revenue stream.

Subscribers usually get:

• Exclusive subscriber-only live streams

• Custom badges and emotes that make them stand out in comments and chats

• Behind-the-scenes content or early access to videos

• Closer community interaction with the creator

For example, if you charge $4.99 per month and just 200 of your fans subscribe, that’s nearly $1,000 per month in recurring revenue—before you’ve even factored in brand deals or ad income. Creators in niches like gaming, education, lifestyle, and coaching are seeing the best results, since their followers value ongoing tips, tutorials, or community.

The key is to balance free vs. paid content. Your regular TikToks should keep attracting new audiences, while your subscription offers an upgraded experience for superfans who want more. Think of it like Patreon—but directly inside TikTok, where your audience already spends their time.

6. Provide exclusive content with Tiktok series

Another high-potential way of making money on TikTok is through the TikTok Series feature.

This tool lets creators package premium, long-form or exclusive content into a paid collection that followers can purchase directly.

Think of it as turning your TikToks into mini courses, workshops, or binge-worthy episodes.

A TikTok Series can include up to 80 videos, each as long as 20 minutes, giving you plenty of room to dive deep into a topic.

You set your own price—anywhere between $0.99 and $189.99—and fans can unlock the full series for a one-time payment. This makes it perfect for niches like education (step-by-step tutorials, language lessons, fitness programs), entertainment (storytelling, premium comedy skits), or insider access (behind-the-scenes content, exclusive interviews).

For example, a fitness creator could launch a 30-day workout challenge as a TikTok Series for $29.99. Sell just 100 copies, and that’s nearly $3,000 in revenue from one piece of content.

The beauty is that it’s fully integrated into TikTok, so users can purchase without ever leaving the app—reducing friction and boosting conversions.

To succeed with TikTok Series:

• Tease free content that hooks viewers, then upsell the premium series.

• Use strong storytelling and professional editing to justify the price.

• Promote it consistently in your captions, live streams, and profile bio.

7. Become an affiliate

If you don’t have your own product to sell, you can still make money on TikTok by becoming an affiliate.

This means promoting other people’s products and earning a commission every time someone buys through your link. With TikTok’s massive reach and built-in shopping tools, affiliate marketing is one of the easiest entry points for new creators.

Here’s how it works:

• Sign up for affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, ClickBank, or even TikTok Shop’s affiliate network.

• Choose products that genuinely fit your niche (a beauty creator promoting skincare, a gamer promoting headphones, a fitness influencer recommending supplements).

• Create short, engaging videos around those products—tutorials, reviews, “unboxing,” or “before-and-after” transformations work especially well.

• Add your affiliate link in the description or through TikTok Shop tags so viewers can purchase instantly.

Earnings depend on your engagement and niche, but commissions can range from 5% to 20% per sale, and high-ticket products can make affiliates hundreds of dollars per transaction. For example, a creator reviewing a $200 gadget with a 10% commission could earn $20 every time a follower buys through their link. Multiply that by a viral video and you’ve got a serious side income.

To succeed, focus on trust and authenticity. People can spot spammy promotions from a mile away, so weave products naturally into your content. Instead of “buy this now,” try storytelling—show how it fits into your lifestyle or solves a common problem.

8. Sell digital products

One of the most scalable ways of making money on TikTok is by creating and selling digital products. Unlike physical goods, digital products have no shipping, no inventory headaches, and can be sold an unlimited number of times once created. This makes them a favorite for creators who want to monetize their expertise.

Popular digital products to sell on TikTok include:

• E-books & Guides – Step-by-step guides (fitness plans, budgeting tips, recipes, travel itineraries).

• Templates & Printables – Social media templates, resume designs, planners, or Notion dashboards.

• Online Courses & Workshops – Teach a skill in-depth, from photography to marketing to coding.

• Exclusive Digital Assets – Stock photos, music beats, digital art, or presets for photo/video editing.

The strategy is simple: create engaging TikToks that tease value from your product, then link directly to your online store (Shopify, Gumroad, or TikTok Shop if eligible). For example, a productivity creator might share a “3 hacks to organize your day” TikTok and then promote their $9 Notion template in the caption or bio.

Earnings vary depending on pricing and niche, but even a low-cost product can scale. Selling a $15 e-book to 500 buyers means $7,500 in revenue, all from one product. And since TikTok’s algorithm favors discoverability, even small creators can get viral traction and boost sales.

To maximize results:

• Use story-driven content (“This is how I paid off $10K debt in 6 months—here’s my budgeting template”).

• Show social proof (reviews, testimonials, or behind-the-scenes of your product).

• Keep your call-to-action clear: tell viewers exactly where to click.

9. Create in-feed ads

If you’re ready to treat TikTok like a business, running in-feed ads is one of the smartest ways to amplify reach and start making money on TikTok. In-feed ads are TikTok’s native ad format that show up directly in a user’s “For You Page,” blending seamlessly with organic content. They look just like regular TikToks—except with a small “Sponsored” tag and a clickable call-to-action (CTA) button.

For creators, in-feed ads open two revenue streams:

1. Promote your own products or services – If you sell digital products, merch, or courses, running in-feed ads helps you target the exact audience most likely to buy. TikTok’s algorithm can narrow in on demographics, interests, and behaviors, making conversions easier.

2. Work with brands – Many companies hire creators to produce TikTok-style ads that perform better than polished, corporate-looking campaigns. If you’ve got a knack for engaging short-form content, you can get paid thousands to create ad-ready videos for brands.

The cost of running ads varies, but TikTok recommends a minimum budget of $20/day for campaigns. Done right, the ROI can be huge—especially for creators selling high-ticket digital products or growing an e-commerce brand.

The secret is to make ads feel native. Viewers scroll past anything that looks too polished or “salesy,” but they’ll engage with ads that feel like authentic TikTok content (think storytelling, quick tips, humor, or trending sounds). The goal is to hook attention in the first three seconds and drive viewers toward your CTA.

Also read: 12 Digital Products That Can Make You Rich In 2025

10. Offer personalised shoutouts

Not every income stream has to be complex—sometimes, fans just want direct interaction. Offering personalized shoutouts is a fun, low-effort way to make money on TikTok, especially if you’ve built a community that looks up to you.

Here’s how it works: You create short, customized videos for your fans—wishing them a happy birthday, celebrating milestones, or even giving motivational pep talks.

Think of it like Cameo, but through your own TikTok account. Many creators charge anywhere from $10 to $100 per shoutout, depending on their follower count and niche.

For example, if you have 50,000 followers and just 20 fans book a $25 shoutout each month, that’s an extra $500 in easy income. Larger influencers charge significantly more, but even micro-creators can make steady side income because personalized content feels special and exclusive.

You can promote shoutouts directly on your TikTok profile (“DM me for personalized shoutouts” or “Link in bio to book your custom video”). Platforms like Cameo, Clouty, and Fiverr can also help streamline the booking process and payment collection.

This strategy works best for creators in entertainment, comedy, music, sports, or lifestyle niches—basically anywhere fans want a personal connection.

11. Crowdfund projects

Another creative way of making money on TikTok is through crowdfunding. If you’ve got a loyal audience and a big idea—like launching a product, funding a music video, writing a book, or starting a social cause—you can invite your community to chip in and support your journey. Platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and GoFundMe integrate well with TikTok’s short-form, story-driven content.

The formula is simple:

1. Tell your story – Explain what you’re building and why it matters.

2. Show progress – Share behind-the-scenes updates, prototypes, or early results.

3. Involve your audience – Let them feel like part of the project by giving shoutouts, credits, or early access rewards.

For example, a TikTok filmmaker raised thousands of dollars for their indie short film by documenting the process on TikTok and linking viewers directly to their crowdfunding campaign. Similarly, indie musicians often crowdfund album releases or tours, offering exclusive perks like signed merchandise or private Zoom concerts for backers.

Crowdfunding works best when it feels authentic. TikTok users resonate with personal stories, transparency, and progress updates, so treat it less like fundraising and more like community-building. Even small contributions ($5–$10 from hundreds of people) can add up to thousands, giving you the resources to bring your vision to life.

Also read: 15+ Practical Ways To Monetize Your Community in 2025

12. Become a Tiktok consultant

Once you’ve cracked the code on growing followers and engagement, you can monetize your expertise by becoming a TikTok consultant. Businesses, brands, and even other creators are constantly looking for guidance on how to build a presence on TikTok, and they’re willing to pay good money for it. This is one of the most profitable “behind-the-scenes” ways of making money on TikTok.

As a consultant, you might offer:

• Account Audits – Reviewing a brand’s TikTok presence and suggesting improvements in content strategy, hashtags, and posting frequency.

• Content Strategy – Helping clients identify trends, craft scripts, and create content calendars that align with their brand voice.

• Ad Campaign Support – Advising businesses on running TikTok Ads effectively to boost reach and sales.

• TikTok SEO Optimization – Teaching how to rank for keywords within TikTok search (e.g., “best skincare routine”).

Consulting rates vary, but many TikTok strategists charge anywhere from $50–$150 per hour for individual sessions, while agencies or seasoned consultants can command $1,000+ per month retainers. For creators who already understand the algorithm, trends, and content psychology, this is a natural progression.

13. Collect donations

If you have an engaged audience that values your content, asking for donations can be a simple yet effective way of making money on TikTok.

Unlike tips or subscriptions, donations are usually voluntary contributions from fans who want to support you without expecting exclusive perks in return.

There are several ways to set this up:

• TikTok Gifts & Live Donations – During live streams, followers can send you gifts that convert into Diamonds, which you can cash out.

• Linking to External Platforms – Add donation links in your bio through services like Ko-fi, Buy Me a Coffee, or PayPal. These platforms let fans send one-time or recurring contributions.

• Cause-Based Donations – If your content supports a mission (like environmental awareness, mental health, or animal rescue), viewers are often motivated to donate toward the cause rather than just the creator.

For example, educational creators often use a “Buy Me a Coffee” link to collect small $3–$5 donations, while non-profits leverage TikTok challenges and storytelling to drive larger fundraising campaigns. Even if only a small percentage of your audience donates, the numbers add up. A creator with 10,000 loyal followers might easily collect a few hundred dollars per month just from micro-donations.

The key is authenticity. Don’t beg—frame donations as a way for fans to help you continue creating free content they love. A simple mention like, “If you enjoy my tutorials, you can support me through the link in bio” keeps it casual but effective.

14. Partner with brands

One of the most profitable and common ways of making money on TikTok is through brand partnerships. Businesses know TikTok has massive influence, and they’re eager to collaborate with creators who can authentically promote their products or services to engaged audiences.

These partnerships usually take the form of sponsored posts, product placements, or long-term ambassadorships. Depending on your niche and follower count, payouts can range from $100 for a single video to $10,000+ for multi-post campaigns. Top-tier influencers even secure six-figure deals.

What brands care about most isn’t just follower count—it’s engagement rate and niche relevance. A micro-influencer with 20,000 highly engaged followers in beauty or fitness may be more valuable to a brand than a general lifestyle creator with 200,000 followers but low engagement.

To land deals, you can:

• Join influencer platforms like TikTok Creator Marketplace, AspireIQ, or Upfluence.

• Reach out directly to brands you already use and love.

• Post organic content that subtly features products—brands often notice creators who are already genuine fans.

When partnering, transparency is key. Always use #ad or #sponsored tags to comply with guidelines, and focus on creating content that feels natural, not forced. The best brand deals don’t feel like ads—they feel like recommendations from a trusted friend.

For example, a fashion creator might partner with a clothing brand to showcase styling tips, while a tech influencer could demonstrate how a gadget makes their workflow easier. When done right, these deals boost both income and credibility.

15. Cross post to other platforms

Why limit your content to one app when you can multiply its reach? Cross-posting TikTok videos to platforms like YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and Facebook Reels is a smart way to maximize visibility and diversify income streams. If TikTok is the engine of your content creation, other platforms can be the extra fuel that drives even more revenue.

Here’s how cross-posting helps with making money on TikTok (and beyond):

• YouTube Shorts – Monetization through YouTube’s Partner Program (ad revenue share) and channel memberships.

• Instagram Reels – Brand partnerships often pay more on Instagram, and Reels also boost follower growth that can be monetized through sponsored content.

• Facebook Reels – Facebook’s ad revenue sharing program has made Reels surprisingly profitable for creators, especially in niches like comedy, family, or lifestyle.

The best part? You don’t need to reinvent the wheel—your TikToks can be repurposed with minor edits. Just remember to remove TikTok watermarks (tools like SnapTik or CapCut can help) to avoid being penalized by other platforms’ algorithms.

Cross-posting also strengthens your personal brand. Brands prefer working with creators who have a multi-platform presence, because it shows you’re not reliant on just one algorithm. Plus, if TikTok ever faces restrictions in your region, you’ll still have other income streams intact.

16. License your content or audio

If your videos or sounds go viral, you can make money on TikTok by licensing them. Brands, media outlets, and even other creators often want to use trending clips, music, or sound bites legally—and they’ll pay for the rights.

There are two main ways this works:

1. Content Licensing – Viral clips (like funny moments, pet videos, or unique stunts) can be licensed to news outlets, entertainment companies, or ad agencies. Platforms like Jukin Media, ViralHog, and Storyful specialize in buying viral content and reselling it to publishers. A single clip can earn hundreds or even thousands of dollars if picked up by major media.

2. Audio Licensing – TikTok sounds drive trends, and if you create an original track, beat, or sound effect that takes off, you can license it for use beyond TikTok. Musicians and producers often monetize their viral audio by distributing it through services like DistroKid or TuneCore, earning royalties when it’s streamed on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or used commercially.

For example, the “Corn Kid” viral audio and Nathan Apodaca’s “Dreams” (Fleetwood Mac skateboard video) both ended up generating licensing deals that extended well beyond TikTok.

To maximize this opportunity:

• Upload original audio under your name to protect ownership.

• Register content with licensing platforms before it goes viral.

• Be proactive—if brands use your clip without credit, reach out and negotiate usage rights.

Licensing might not be your main income source, but when a single video blows up, it can become an unexpected windfall.

17. Build a membership community

If you want to turn casual viewers into loyal superfans, consider building a membership community. While TikTok is great for reach, deeper engagement (and income) often comes from bringing your audience into a private space where they pay for ongoing access. This is one of the most sustainable ways of making money on TikTok, because it creates recurring monthly revenue.

Membership communities can live on platforms like Patreon, Discord, Circle, or even your own website. You can charge members a monthly fee in exchange for perks such as:

• Exclusive behind-the-scenes content

• Private Q&A sessions or workshops

• Direct access to you via chat or live calls

• Early access to products, videos, or resources

• A tight-knit community of like-minded people

For example, a language-learning creator could charge $15/month for a private Discord group where members get weekly practice sessions, worksheets, and personal feedback. With just 200 members, that’s $3,000 in recurring monthly income.

The key is to deliver value that fans can’t get on TikTok alone. Your free content should act as the “teaser,” while your community becomes the premium experience. Over time, this not only boosts earnings but also builds a loyal tribe that supports all your projects—whether it’s courses, books, or merchandise.

Next steps

The online course industry is booming, but here’s the hard truth—most courses don’t make it.

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