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You know how people keep saying it’s too late to cash in on TikTok? Well, guess what? They’re totally wrong! It’s like déjà vu—everyone thought the same about Instagram and YouTube, but folks are still making bank on those platforms.
Is TikTok still a money-making machine, or is the market oversaturated with challenges and dance videos? Heck no!
I’ve heard this same story for every hot app out there. I mean, I started on Pinterest when people thought it was past its prime, and guess what? I still managed to make more than $150,000 on Pinterest for my blog! And don’t even get me started on the whole “too late to monetize YouTube” thing…
Although it may seem unbelievable, TikTok is still growing like crazy, even after being around since 2016. It’s got billions of users signed up and an impressive 1 billion of them are active each month.
So, whether you’re rocking a business, a mom-and-pop shop, a solopreneur, or just creating awesome content, you’ve gotta jump on the TikTok train—the platform is just too massive to miss out on. Now, let’s chat about how you can start making some moolah on TikTok!
How Do People Make Money On TikTok?
Most people think that becoming an influencer is the only way to earn on TikTok, but that’s not the case!
Personally, I believe that the best route to take is to be a content creator or influencer, but I understand that it doesn’t work for everyone. It involves a lot of commitment and dedication, but all the effort is worth it!
Once you’ve proven your worth as a content creator, the cash and perks just keep on flowing. Next thing you know, you have a passive income stream in the form of TikTok.
It’s okay if that’s not for you, though. There are a lot of ways to make money on TikTok, which is why I made this handy guide so I can break down each strategy for you.
Affiliate marketing, TikTok’s Creativity Program, and brand partnerships are just some ways to monetize your TikTok presence.
How Much Money Can You Make On TikTok?
The great thing about making money on TikTok is that there’s no set amount. Your earning potential will vary greatly depending on many factors, such as how many followers you have and how many views a video gets.
Of course, the higher the number of views and followers you have, the more cash you can demand and earn from your posts. Well-known TikTok stars charge upwards of $50,000 per post! Charli D’Amelio, who is known as the biggest TikTok influencer, reportedly asks for $105,000 per sponsored TikTok video. She’s entitled to that much because she has 151 million followers and 11 billion likes on the platform. 1 million views on a video is already a low number for her, so just imagine the reach she has!
You don’t have to be a hotshot influencer to earn on TikTok, though. Business Insider also shared that you can earn up to $20,000 by having a brand partnership on the platform.
The possibility of earning money on TikTok is thrilling and exciting. There’s clearly an opportunity on the platform that’s just waiting for you to grab it!
How Many Followers Do You Need To Make Money On TikTok?
To be directly paid by TikTok, you need to have at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 views over the last 30 days. However, don’t be discouraged if those figures seem too high; there are alternative methods to earn money.
By building a loyal following that trusts your voice and opinions, you can approach brands and propose partnerships. But you do need to go for smaller brands first if you don’t have 10,000 followers because big companies would rather invest their time and money in creators that already have millions of followers. After all, they have a marketing budget to spend.
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1. Sell Products Through TikTok Shop
What comes to your mind when you think of TikTok? It’s the endless videos and dance challenges, right? Well, what we don’t think of is that TikTok is already more than just a platform for entertainment. It now caters to businesses and individuals who want to sell their productsand services.
With the introduction of the TikTok Shop, you have a stage not only to shine a light on your talents but also to showcase and sell your products. The TikTok Shop allows sellers to handle everything on the platform. By everything, I mean managing inventory, orders, promotions, and customer service.
If you think about it, everything you could ever need is all in one place. It’s a strategic move from TikTok since allowing users to make money online by selling on the platform means that others would stay longer on the app to browse, buy, and place their orders.
Are you already an established entrepreneur? Or are you starting to turn your online business idea into reality? Either way, TikTok Shop offers a user-friendly platform to turn your passion into profit.
What I love about it is how easy it is to join. All you have to do is head over to the TikTok Seller Center, sign up, and submit the required documents, like your government-issued ID and a business registration (if applicable).
Once approved, you just have to link your bank account, and you’re ready to make some cash with the help of TikTok’s wide reach and promotional tools! Your next big sale is just a swipe away.
2. Partner With An Influencer Or Be An Influencer
We’re all familiar with influencers. Just a simple scroll on any social media platform will already introduce you to individuals flaunting their lifestyles, promoting products, and sharing their expertise. But TikTok has taken influencer marketing to a whole new level. It’s already a breeding ground for influencers.
There are two ways to go about it if you want to make money on TikTok: partnering with an influencer or becoming one.
Business
Partnering with influencers can be a game-changer for businesses looking to reach new audiences and increase brand awareness. The idea of influencer marketing can be hard to grasp for some people, but just take a look at how this struggling taco shop did a 180, thanks to a TikTok influencer. That’s how effective it is! Even businesses on the verge of closing could experience a turn with the right influencer partnership.
Another one that proves just how effective influencer marketing is, is this luxury furniture business that experienced a $30,000 surge in sales within a month because of a collaboration with influencers.
Instead of traditional advertisem*nts, a business can use the trust and rapport that influencers already have with their followers. If you partner with an influencer that aligns with your brand’s niche and values, you can tap into a loyal audience that will most likely make a purchase.
Remember: the influencer should be relevant to the product or service you’re selling. If you’re selling fitness supplements, you can’t partner with a gamer just because he fits your budget. If you’re selling fashion items, it’s best to tap influencers who do styling videos.
To find influencers in your niche, you can use TikTok’s search bar. Input keywords related to your industry or those that you already use. For example, a business in the fitness niche would use keywords like #fitness, #workout, or #personaltrainer.
Before you agree to work with an influencer, make sure that you do your research and you’re transparent about everything. You should lay everything in a written document so there won’t be any problems. It’s best to hold an interview of sorts so you can inquire about the influencer and who they cater to. The key here is finding the perfect match for your brand.
Creator/Influencer
On the flip side, becoming an influencer is also a very lucrative path for those who shine bright in front of the camera. If you enjoy creating content and building a loyal following, you shouldn’t think twice about this one.
Are you intimidated because you don’t think you can reach a million followers? Well, let me tell you right now that you don’t need to have that big of a following. There are now what we call micro-influencers, and they can be more sought-after by businesses than the biggest TikTok stars.
Many brands prefer to work with smaller TikTok accounts since they put a more personal touch on their output. Micro-influencers usually have a more authentic vibe compared to bigger influencers. For example, the kitchenware brand Our Place collaborates with creators who have only thousands of followers.
So don’t lose hope just yet!
With dedication, creativity, and consistency, anyone can become a TikTok influencer and monetize their platform through brand partnerships and sponsored content.
If you work on your TikTok account consistently, you can turn it into a thriving platform for collaboration, creativity, and success.
The key here is building the door so opportunity can knock! That means that you have to take the initiative. Reach out to brands and offer collaboration proposals that showcase your unique style and the value you can bring to their brand. Make sure that when you’re sending out your pitch, you already include information that brands need, including the demographics of your audience and your video reach.
3. TikTok’s Creativity Program
The question “Do people make money on TikTok?” was answered with the introduction of the Creativity Program in December 2023, designed to reward the platform’s most talented creators. While not an ad revenue program, it is a revenue-sharing initiative based on various factors, such as engagement and authentic views, provided that the videos adhere to TikTok’s guidelines and terms of service. The earnings from the Creator Fund can vary, as not every factor remains consistent across videos.
If you’re interested in joining, here are the requirements for earning money on TikTok:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Have at least 10,000 followers
- Accumulate 100,000 video views in the last 30 days
- Have a US-based account
- Creator’s account must comply with TikTok’s community guidelines and terms of service
To fulfill these requirements, focus on crafting compelling, one-of-a-kind content that resonates with your target audience. By consistently providing value and entertainment, you’ll attract a loyal fan base, enabling you to achieve your milestones of gaining at least 10k followers and 100,000 views within a single month. Put your heart and soul into it, and watch your audience numbers and engagement soar as your efforts propel you toward success on the platform.
The definition of engaging videos varies by niche; what works in the gadget space may not apply to cooking videos. Thus, it’s essential to study viral content within your niche. Analyze what made a video go viral, why people shared it, and how the creator sustained the audience’s attention.
By examining various viral TikTok videos, you’ll eventually understand the key to capturing your target market’s attention.
4. Sponsored Posts
For those unfamiliar with sponsored content, these are posts created by creators to showcase a brand or product. You might have seen your favorite influencer doing something similar—posting content that focuses on a product, explaining its benefits, unique features, and why it’s worth trying out.
Nowadays, creators typically disclose when a video is sponsored because authenticity matters online. If your audience feels deceived into buying something, they’ll likely unfollow you like their ex. So, it’s important to be transparent about sponsored content.
But how do creators land these sponsored deals? It all starts with your content performance. Businesses won’t be interested in partnering with you if your videos don’t generate views and engagement.
This might sound harsh, but it’s just the nature of the game: when businesses invest in a creator, they expect a return on investment. No company hands out money without reason.
To attract views and engagement within your niche, it’s essential to choose topics you genuinely enjoy discussing. If you’re creating videos solely for the sake of it, your audience will notice and may call you out for inauthenticity–the internet can be an unforgiving place!
Suppose you’ve chosen fitness as your niche. In that case, the next step is to devise a strategy to attract attention to your videos, ensuring they are fascinating enough for people to share, ultimately helping you amass a large following.
Once you see your engagement numbers growing and people start commenting on your videos, it’s time to analyze your metrics. Determine what’s driving your follower and share growth. The more specific you are with your data, the better.
Important data to examine may include age demographics, gender, and the countries where most of your viewers reside. All this information will help you with the final point.
Finally, once you know your metrics, create a media kit. Having one prepared gives you an edge over your competition. A media kit is a document that creators share with brands and businesses, outlining what they can expect when collaborating with you.
Presenting a media kit can leave a lasting, positive impression on businesses. They’ll perceive your brand as professional and experienced in working with other companies, which is a significant advantage over other creators.
5. TikTok Rewards
Want to pocket some extra cash without transforming into a TikTok star or hawking items on the app? Then you need to check out TikTok Rewards! TikTok Rewards is a hassle-free way to earn money simply by getting others to sign up and create an account on the platform.
TikTok Rewards is basically a referral program that hooks you up with rewards for bringing new users into the TikTok family. It’s pretty similar to other referral programs you might’ve seen before.
Now, it’s no secret that you won’t strike it rich with TikTok Rewards compared to making content or selling products on the app, but the beauty of it is that it hardly takes any effort at all! Just share your referral link with your friends, relatives, or even folks on social media, and TikTok will handle the rest.
To increase your rewards, both you and the person you invite can check out video tasks on the Activity page. But heads up: these tasks have deadlines, so you can only watch new videos during certain time frames.
Okay, I know what you’re thinking: What can we get from TikTok Rewards?
You can redeem your rewards for money, so you’ll need to link your PayPal or bank account to TikTok. You can also receive coupons as a reward. This reminds me of Swagbucks where I would do everyday activities, like watching videos, taking paid surveys, and doing online shopping, to get free Starbucks drinks!
Speaking of coupons, Reddit users mentioned some big-name brands TikTok has teamed up with:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Uber Eats
- eBay
- PlayStation Store
- Sephora
So if you do like shopping from those brands or converting your rewards for cash, you better start looking into TikTok Rewards and get to know it.
6. Affiliate Programs
Affiliate marketers always seem to pop up wherever there’s a crowd. You’ve seen them on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and now TikTok. If you’ve had success with affiliate products before, you’ll likely do well on this platform too. But if you’re new to the game, you should check out the beginner’s guide to affiliate marketing that I’ve put together!
Like any other platform, you’ll need a solid TikTok following to thrive in affiliate marketing. If nobody’s watching your videos, who are you gonna sell your affiliate products to, right?
First things first, you’ve gotta boost your viewership. Here are three ways to do just that:
- Find your niche – Choose an industry that you have an interest in and that’s got plenty of folks willing to spend their hard-earned cash on products and programs. For instance, fashion is a big one.
- Create valuable content – Valuable content gives your audience useful advice or information they can actually use. Make sure they learn something from your videos!
- Hook ’em fast – On TikTok, where users can easily swipe through videos, you only have a few seconds to grab their attention. Study how top TikTok creators reel in their audience and try to replicate their approach.
Even if you’re still building your following, go ahead and sneak an affiliate link into your videos. You never know when a video might go viral on TikTok! If your content suddenly gets thousands of views and shares, you’ll want your affiliate link right there where viewers can easily find it.
It’s important to note that the product you’re promoting aligns with your audience’s needs and interests. Don’t just slap affiliate links onto any old product that doesn’t resonate with your viewers because that won’t work.
7. Sell Merch To Your Audience
As your fanbase expands, so do the exciting ways in which you can turn your TikTok success into real-world earnings. You don’t need to wait around for TikTok to pay you or for a company to approach you with a brand deal. Instead, you can sell your very own products to your followers.
You’ve probably noticed that many creators, regardless of the platform (YouTube, Twitch, etc.), tend to sell typical merch like t-shirts, hoodies, beanies, sweatshirts, and caps. That’s likely because these items are easy to produce and ship.
In the digital realm, it seems like everyone with a following has some sort of merch for sale. From Justin Bieber to Mr. Beast, they all offer fan gear, even though they’ve got plenty of brand deals and other income streams.
If you’re sitting on a sizable following but haven’t ventured into merch sales yet, it might be because you’re worried that nobody will buy your stuff. Don’t let that fear hold you back and break through that limiting belief! Try selling your own merch and gauge your audience’s interest. You can even ask your fans if they’d be keen on merch that represents the community you’ve built together.
Take Allie and Sam, for example. This TikTok duo has 456k followers and sells baby shirts, mugs, sweatshirts, and beanies catered to same-sex couples. They didn’t wait to hit a million followers—they just went for it and found success.
When you’re ready to launch your own merch, think about setting up a dedicated website for your online store. And remember, when you make videos featuring your products, always add the link in the video description or comments so your fans can effortlessly discover your shop.
8. Launch A Patreon
Another way to monetize your TikTok influence is by offering exclusive content. Let’s say you’re a creator who teaches people how to beautifully renovate their homes.
Sure, you share free content on TikTok to showcase your expertise, but why not take it up a notch? Set up a Patreon group where you share high-level content with your dedicated fans.
For instance, if you post general tips on home renovation, your exclusive content could include more in-depth videos like a detailed guide to remodeling a kitchen, maximizing space in small homes, or increasing property value through landscaping.
Here’s another example: Cooking and baking videos are pretty popular on TikTok, right? Let’s say that’s your niche, and people follow you for quick and tasty recipes.
You could create a Patreon with your own pricing, say $15 a month, and give members access to exclusive videos like “Mastering the Art of French Cooking: Secret Techniques” or “How to Make Money on TikTok by Cooking.”
Some of your fans would be stoked to learn these tricks from you because you’ve already figured it all out, and they want to do the same. Do you see why offering exclusive content to your paying audience is a game-changer yet?
9. Consulting For Brands
Growing a TikTok account is no joke. It’s a skill that could not only help you earn some side cash but might even evolve into a full-fledged business!
Navigating the marketing landscape can be a minefield for brands, but they can avoid the traps by enlisting the help of niche experts like yourself. No more trial and error, just results!
Imagine you’ve built a successful skincare routine account, teaching people suffering from skin conditions how to achieve flawless skin. Now, there’s a skincare start-up targeting the same audience, offering similar content. Instead of navigating the costly learning curve of campaign testing, they could simply tap into your expertise, seeing your proven track record on your profile.
When pitching your consulting services to a brand, emphasize that you already know how to captivate their audience. Let them know your strategy is data-driven, not based on gut feelings or hunches.
To seal the deal, offer a guarantee. For example, “If your account doesn’t reach 5,000 followers in 3 months, I’ll work for free until we hit it.” This creates a win-win situation for both parties, but it’s especially advantageous for the business. They won’t face any risks with this arrangement because you’re committed to delivering their desired results, no matter what it takes.
10. Be A TikTok Social Media Manager
Why blend in when you can stand out? Unlock your full potential by targeting a niche market of established TikTokers who have surpassed the beginner’s stage and now need support in managing their accounts. As these creators concentrate on brand partnerships and broadening their reach across platforms, your exceptional skills as a social media manager can be the driving force behind their continued success in attracting and maintaining highly engaged audiences.
Make a name for yourself by keeping on top of growing trends, algorithm changes, and new TikTok features. When you’re informed and constantly adapting your strategies accordingly, you can ensure that the content you manage remains fresh, relevant, and engaging.
Keep in mind that an “engaged audience” is key here. You want to attract real, quality followers, not bots. Some services claim to build accounts, but their followers are mainly bots, which is obvious when an account has thousands of followers but only a few views and no comments.
Steer clear of that approach, as it could damage your reputation and make creators think twice about working with you.
On the flip side, if you can provide a TikToker with an audience that actively engages with their content and is genuinely interested in their brand, you’ll be a sought-after TikTok content manager in your niche.
The most exciting part? As your value becomes evident, creators will seek you out, saving you the effort of chasing them down. There’s no better marketing than word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients, as these recommendations showcase the trust and confidence they have in your abilities, drawing even more content creators to your services.
Building Your Own TikTok Account
Before you get to enjoy the perks of making money on TikTok, you need to prioritize growing your account. With only a few hundred followers and limited views, it’ll be challenging to convince businesses to use your services. Moreover, you won’t qualify for the monetization programs that TikTok has designed for creators.
That’s why it’s important to invest the time to learn how to grow your account and establish yourself as an expert in your niche. Here are three strategies to help you achieve this:
1. Capitalize On Proven Strategies
It’s natural to believe that your content strategy should be distinct and innovative, setting you apart from the rest. However, when your account has only a few hundred followers, going against the grain might not be the most effective approach. To start new trends, you need a substantial following to view and engage with your content.
Embracing successful strategies is a smart move. Viral content takes off for a reason, and identifying the common elements among top-performing videos in your niche is essential.
You might ask, how do I determine which content types are effective? The key is to browse TikTok purposefully. Avoid aimlessly scrolling through your feed; instead, when you spot a high-engagement video in your niche, analyze and deconstruct its components.
Ask yourself these questions:
- What made viewers stop scrolling and watch this video?
- Did the creator use a call to action that encouraged sharing?
- How did the creator maintain engagement throughout the video?
Feel free to develop your own set of questions for a more tailored analysis. To distinguish yourself among the multitude of accounts in your niche, take your research seriously. Otherwise, you risk becoming one of the countless accounts that fail to monetize their TikTok presence.
2. Know Your Target Audience
To truly grow your TikTok account, a significant mindset shift is necessary. You may be creating content based on your interests, but to resonate with viewers, you need to produce content that caters to their preferences.
This is the pivotal mindset change: shifting from creating content for yourself to crafting content for your audience.
To pinpoint what engages your audience, consider four key aspects:
- Problems
- Wants
- Entertainment
- Dreams
Problems: These are the challenges your audience faces. If they struggle with motivation throughout the day, mention that in your video and provide practical strategies for overcoming it.
Wants: These are your audience’s short-term goals. Show them how to achieve these objectives.
Entertainment: Keep your audience captivated by providing content that appeals to their interests and keeps them entertained. Whether it’s humor, fascinating facts, or creative performances, deliver content that consistently holds their attention and sparks conversation.
Dreams: These represent the long-term goals of your target market. Demonstrate that you understand their aspirations and provide a roadmap they can follow to reach those goals.
3. Post At The Right Time
Timing your posts on TikTok is like catching the perfect wave in surfing; you need to find that sweet spot to ride the wave of audience engagement. Simply relying on the algorithm to push your content to viewers isn’t enough; strategic planning on the platform is paramount.
To discover the ideal posting time, you’ll need to experiment with A/B testing. Share your content at various times throughout the day, and observe the engagement each post receives. The time that garners the most engagement is the one to focus on.
Additionally, keep an eye on your competition, as they may be employing similar tactics. Observe the times they post and the engagement metrics, such as shares, comments, and likes. This can provide valuable insights into the best posting times for your target audience and niche.
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