How to Make Money on TikTok for Beginners (2025 Guide)

If you're a beginner wondering how to make money on TikTok in 2025, you're not alone. TikTok has become a powerful platform for creators to earn income by simply creating engaging content. Whether you're starting with zero followers or a small audience, there are multiple ways to monetize your TikTok account.

Main Program:

1. Join the TikTok Creator Rewards Program:
Once you reach 10,000 followers and 100,000 video views in the last 30 days, you can join the Creator Rewards Program. It pays you based on your video performance and engagement.

2. Use TikTok Shop and Affiliate Marketing:
Promote trending products using TikTok Shop or affiliate links. Every sale made through your link earns you a commission. It’s perfect for creators without their own products.

3. Go LIVE for Gifts and Tips:
Once you have 1,000 followers, you can go LIVE and receive virtual gifts from viewers. These gifts are redeemable for real money. Engaging lives bring better results.

4. Offer Exclusive Content:
TikTok’s “Series” feature lets you post premium video collections users pay to watch. You can also direct fans to platforms like Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

5. Sponsored Content and Brand Collaborations:
As you grow, brands may pay you to promote their products. Sponsored posts are one of the highest-paying monetization methods on TikTok.

6. Sell Merchandise or Services:
Link your online store to TikTok and sell branded merchandise or digital services directly to your audience.

TikTok Shop Affiliate Marketing Tutorial
In 2025, TikTok Shop Affiliate Marketing is one of the most effective ways to earn money. Start by joining the TikTok Affiliate Program within the TikTok Shop. Select trending products and create engaging videos showcasing them with your affiliate link. You earn a commission every time someone purchases using your link. Focus on high-converting niches like beauty, tech gadgets, or fashion. Use TikTok SEO strategies like keywords and hashtags to improve visibility. Build trust with your audience by giving honest reviews and tutorials. The better your content performs, the more you earn. No inventory or shipping needed—just content creation and smart promotion.

Grow and Sell TikTok Accounts
Many people make money in 2025 by growing and selling TikTok accounts. This strategy involves creating a niche-specific account—like fitness, pets, or fashion—and growing it with viral content until it reaches a valuable follower count (10k, 50k, or more). Once established, you can sell the account to businesses, influencers, or brands looking to tap into an active audience. Use growth strategies like trending sounds, consistency, and engagement to build followers quickly. Platforms like Fameswap and Social Tradia can help facilitate secure account sales. Always ensure your content is clean and brand-safe to increase resale value.

Collect Tips
TikTok now allows creators to collect tips directly from their followers. If you're 18+ and meet TikTok’s eligibility, you can activate the tip feature in your profile settings. Fans who appreciate your content can send small amounts of money as tips to support you. It’s like virtual tipping—commonly seen in live streaming platforms—but can happen any time through your profile. To increase tips, provide valuable content, show appreciation, and engage with your community. This feature is ideal for creators with a loyal fan base and doesn’t require sponsorships or ads—just genuine connection and gratitude.

Go LIVE for Virtual Gifts
Going LIVE on TikTok unlocks monetization via virtual gifts. During your live broadcasts, followers can send virtual gifts purchased with TikTok coins. These gifts convert into Diamonds, which you can redeem for real money. To maximize earnings, go live consistently, interact with viewers, and use eye-catching visuals or topics. Popular LIVE formats include Q&As, tutorials, behind-the-scenes looks, or casual chats. You must be at least 18 years old and have over 1,000 followers to access this feature. Promote your upcoming LIVE sessions to get more viewers and boost gift earnings. Consistency is key to long-term LIVE success.

Offer Premium Paid Content
TikTok now enables creators to lock certain content behind a paywall using features like TikTok Series or external platforms like Patreon. Offer exclusive videos, tutorials, tips, or entertainment that your audience can pay to access. Choose a niche your followers are willing to invest in—like advanced beauty tutorials, business tips, or comedy series. Create teaser content to build interest and direct users to the premium section. Ensure high production value and deliver consistent, valuable content. This model turns your followers into paying subscribers and gives you more financial control than relying solely on views or gifts.

Provide Exclusive Content With TikTok Series
TikTok Series lets creators publish exclusive video collections that users must pay to view. Think of it as a mini-course or premium content playlist within TikTok. Ideal for experts, educators, or entertainers, this feature works well for how-to tutorials, fitness routines, life advice, or storytelling. You can charge for access to a whole series or per video. Promote your Series in regular content and clearly explain the value users will gain. Quality matters—good lighting, sound, and editing can justify your price. TikTok takes a small cut, but you keep most of the revenue from your paying viewers.

Join the Creator Rewards Program
The TikTok Creator Rewards Program pays eligible creators for high-performing content. Formerly known as the Creator Fund, this revamped program rewards creators based on video performance, engagement rate, watch time, and region. You must be 18+, with at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 video views in the last 30 days. Once accepted, you’ll earn money for every eligible video you post. To succeed, post high-quality, engaging content regularly. Trends, hooks, and originality play a major role. Track your progress and earnings via the Creator tools tab in your account settings.

Sell Merch
Selling merchandise is a proven way to monetize your TikTok following. In 2025, it’s easier than ever to integrate merch stores using platforms like Spring, Shopify, or TikTok Shop. You can sell custom t-shirts, mugs, digital products, or any item that resonates with your audience. Use your videos to showcase your products naturally—wear them, demonstrate their use, or show behind-the-scenes of the creation process. Create a strong brand identity and promote discounts or limited-edition drops. Link your merch store directly in your TikTok bio or use product tags in eligible markets.

Crowdfund Projects
TikTok creators can use their influence to crowdfund creative or personal projects. Platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or GoFundMe can be linked through your bio. Whether you’re producing a short film, launching a product, or funding a cause, use TikTok videos to share your journey, mission, and goals. Show progress updates, thank donors, and engage with your backers. Authenticity is key—your followers are more likely to support you if they believe in your passion and transparency. Use storytelling and trending formats to reach wider audiences and increase crowdfunding success.

Open a TikTok Shop
Opening a TikTok Shop is a direct way to sell products to your followers. You can list physical goods, digital items, or dropshipped products. TikTok integrates your storefront with your videos, so you can tag products directly in your content. This seamless experience makes it easy for followers to purchase without leaving the app. Use short, engaging videos to demonstrate or promote your products. Run discounts, bundles, or limited-time offers to create urgency. Combine your TikTok Shop with influencer collaborations or TikTok ads to boost exposure and revenue.

Create In-feed Ads
TikTok in-feed ads allow you to run promotional videos that appear in users’ “For You” feeds. These ads are ideal for selling products, services, or driving traffic to your website. To get started, use TikTok Ads Manager and choose your campaign objective—like conversions or app installs. Design creative, engaging content that mirrors organic TikTok styles. Use strong hooks in the first few seconds to keep users watching. Analyze ad performance with real-time metrics and optimize for best results. Whether you’re a brand or influencer, in-feed ads are a scalable way to generate income on TikTok.

Partner with Affiliates on Creator Marketplace
The TikTok Creator Marketplace connects influencers with brands for affiliate deals and paid campaigns. As a creator, you can browse offers or receive invitations to promote products. When selected, you’ll create content that includes affiliate links or codes. You earn commissions based on sales or performance metrics. To increase chances of selection, keep your engagement rate high and focus on a niche. Update your Marketplace profile with relevant stats and content examples. Many small creators can earn steady income with micro-affiliate deals across fashion, beauty, gadgets, and more.

Refer New TikTok Users
TikTok offers referral bonuses when you invite new users to join the app. Each successful referral earns you points or cash depending on the region and current promotion. Share your invite link via social media, blogs, or word-of-mouth. To maximize earnings, target audiences who haven’t joined TikTok yet and explain the benefits. Some campaigns even pay both you and the person who signs up. While it’s a limited-time offer in some countries, it’s a quick and easy way to make extra money—especially if you already have a large off-platform audience.

Offer Personalized Shoutouts
Offering personalized shoutouts is a fun and personal way to make money. Platforms like Cameo or TikTok’s own services allow creators to charge fans for customized video messages. You might wish someone a happy birthday, give advice, or deliver a motivational pep talk. Set your price and profile, then deliver videos within the deadline to maintain good reviews. Promote your availability through your bio or pinned videos. This works especially well if you’re a creator with a niche following or viral persona. Personal touch = premium value.

Run TikTok Ads
Running TikTok ads can turn your business or content into a revenue-generating machine. As a creator, you can promote your services, products, or even affiliate offers using TikTok’s Ads Manager. Choose formats like in-feed ads, branded effects, or Spark Ads that promote organic posts. Target the right demographics using TikTok’s powerful ad tools. A small budget can yield big results with the right creative. Use catchy visuals, strong hooks, and a clear call to action. TikTok ads are especially powerful when combined with trending content and a solid sales funnel.

TikTok Creator Fund
The TikTok Creator Fund pays eligible creators based on video views, engagement, and region. While it doesn’t pay as much as brand deals, it’s a passive income stream that rewards consistent content creation. Requirements include being 18+, having 10,000 followers, and 100,000 video views in the last 30 days. Once accepted, you’ll earn money for each eligible video you post. To increase earnings, post frequently, follow trends, and keep engagement high. The more views you get, the more you earn. It’s a great starting point for serious creators looking to turn their hobby into income.

Affiliates
Affiliate marketing on TikTok allows you to earn commissions by promoting third-party products or services. Choose products from TikTok Shop or external networks like Amazon, ClickBank, or ShareASale. Create honest, engaging videos around the product, then place your affiliate link in the bio or video description. Use storytelling, tutorials, or unboxing formats to boost trust and conversions. Track your clicks and earnings using your affiliate dashboard. Consistency and niche focus are key. Whether you’re in beauty, tech, fashion, or fitness, affiliate marketing can become a reliable income stream with the right approach.

Brand Collabs
Brand collaborations are one of the most profitable ways to earn money on TikTok. Companies pay influencers to promote their products or services. Once you build an engaged following (typically over 10k), brands will start reaching out, or you can pitch yourself via the Creator Marketplace or influencer platforms. These deals often involve one-off sponsored posts, product reviews, or long-term ambassador partnerships. Make your content authentic, high-quality, and aligned with the brand's message. Be selective—your credibility matters. The more targeted your niche, the more valuable your endorsements.

Be 18 Years or Older
To qualify for most of TikTok’s monetization tools—including Creator Fund, LIVE Gifts, Series, and affiliate programs—you must be at least 18 years old. This age requirement ensures users meet legal standards for contracts, payouts, and data protection. If you’re under 18, focus on growing your account ethically and gaining experience. Once eligible, you can activate monetization settings in your profile. Brands also prefer working with adult creators due to regulatory compliance. Meeting the age requirement is your first step toward earning consistently and legally on TikTok.

At Least 10,000 Followers
Having at least 10,000 followers is a key requirement for many monetization tools on TikTok, including the Creator Fund, LIVE Gifts, and Series. Reaching this milestone shows you're a serious creator with an engaged audience. Focus on niche content, consistency, and leveraging trends to grow fast. Once you cross the 10k mark, you unlock access to brand deals, affiliate opportunities, and exclusive creator tools. This follower count also makes you more attractive to sponsors and collab opportunities. Hit this threshold and start turning your audience into income.

Collect Donations
Donations are a direct way for followers to support you financially. TikTok allows eligible creators to receive donations during LIVE sessions or via third-party platforms like Ko-fi or Buy Me a Coffee. These tools integrate easily with your TikTok bio or profile links. Build rapport with your audience, deliver consistent value, and mention how donations help you create better content. Thank donors publicly and give shoutouts to encourage more support. Donations are especially effective for creators in education, music, or motivational content spaces.

Get Paid Directly by TikTok
TikTok pays creators directly through programs like the Creator Fund, Creator Rewards, LIVE Gifts, and Series. These payments are processed monthly and sent to your linked payment method. To get paid, you must meet eligibility criteria such as age, follower count, and content performance. Your earnings will vary depending on video engagement, audience region, and program type. Access your income dashboard through the Creator Tools tab in your settings. Make sure to complete your tax and payment information correctly to avoid delays. Regular posting and quality content are key to maximizing your TikTok payouts.

Publish Sponsored Posts
Sponsored posts involve getting paid by brands to promote their products or services in your videos. As your TikTok following grows, companies will offer you sponsorship deals. The key is to make the sponsored content feel natural and authentic. Use the product in a relatable way, highlight its benefits, and be transparent with your audience by using #ad or #sponsored. Fees can range from $100 to thousands per post depending on your audience size and niche. Build a media kit and track your analytics to attract more sponsors.

Start a Patreon
Patreon allows TikTok creators to monetize their fanbase with monthly subscriptions. Offer exclusive content, behind-the-scenes footage, tutorials, or early access to videos in exchange for a membership fee. Promote your Patreon in your TikTok bio and teaser videos. Use tiers to offer different levels of access, such as $5 for shoutouts and $20 for custom content. This model helps build a loyal community and provides consistent monthly income. It’s ideal for creators in education, entertainment, or storytelling who want to deliver more than short-form content.