How to make money on TikTok
TikTok isn’t just for viral dances and funny memes anymore. With over a billion users and a highly engaged audience, it’s become a powerful platform where creators can earn real income — whether you're building a personal brand, running a small business, or sharing your passion.
This guide covers 14 effective ways to make money on TikTok in 2025 — from live shopping and brand deals to selling digital products and getting paid directly by your followers. Read on for monetization tips as well as best practices to maximize earnings.
Summary/Overview
Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your income, these 14 proven strategies will show you exactly how to make money on TikTok — from building your presence to landing brand deals and selling products.
1. Build your presence
Before you can start monetizing your content on TikTok, you need to establish a strong presence and engaged audience on the platform. That means choosing a niche, building a consistent brand, and posting regularly to attract and retain followers.
Here’s how to set yourself up for success:
- Create a standout profile: Use a high-quality profile picture, craft a bio that clearly describes your content, and add a link to your website, store, or link-in-bio tool.
- Pick your niche: Whether it’s beauty, fitness, comedy, gaming, education, you name it, focus on content that resonates with both your interests and your audience’s needs.
- Post with purpose: TikTok rewards consistency and originality. Aim for frequent uploads that use trending sounds, relevant hashtags, and strong hooks in the first few seconds.
- Optimize for TikTok SEO: many users treat the platform like a search engine. Use descriptive captions, clear video text, and relevant keywords to improve visibility on the For You page and in search results.
Establishing yourself as a creator takes time, but it’s the foundation of every monetization strategy on this list.
2. Earn commissions through affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing is a smart way to generate passive income by recommending products and earning a commission when someone buys through your unique link. The key is authenticity. When your followers trust your recommendations, they’re far more likely to convert.
To succeed with affiliate marketing, try to:
- Promote products that align with your niche and audience.
- Disclose affiliate relationships to maintain trust.
- Use short reviews, demos, or storytelling to show real value.
TikTok has made this easier than ever with the TikTok Shop Affiliate Program, which allows you to promote physical products listed in TikTok Shop, tag products directly in your videos, and track performance and commissions in the TikTok Creator Center.
You can also use external affiliate programs (like Amazon Associates or LTK) by placing links in your bio using a link-in-bio tool. If you’re promoting digital products or services, consider bundling them into landing pages or content series.
3. Promote music through brand partnerships
Promoting songs on TikTok is most effective for creators already working in the music or entertainment niche. Keep in mind that using unlicensed music without proper agreements can lead to content removal or demonetization.
Instead of informal song promotion, TikTok facilitates paid partnerships between verified creators and music labels through official licensing channels. If you're a creator with a strong following in music, dance, or viral trends, record labels may pay you to feature their tracks in your content. These partnerships are typically handled through TikTok’s Creator Marketplace or external influencer agencies.
To make the most of this opportunity, music creators should:
- Focus on a niche that includes music, choreography, or artist reviews.
- Use TikTok’s Commercial Music Library or tracks provided through partnerships to avoid copyright issues.
- Highlight your engagement metrics when pitching to labels or agencies.
4. Sell products directly with TikTok Shop
TikTok Shop allows creators to sell physical products — from merch to beauty tools to gadgets — without needing a separate e-commerce platform. As a creator, you can either sell your own items or partner with brands to promote theirs via the TikTok Shop Affiliate Program.
Benefits of TikTok Shop include the ability to:
- Tag products in your videos and livestreams.
- Let followers buy without leaving the app.
- Earn income from both your own store and affiliate links.
If you run a small business or personal brand, you can set up your own TikTok Shop, upload your catalog, and start promoting products through content.
Pro tips for using TikTok Shop:
- Use TikTok’s “Tag Products” feature when uploading videos.
- Showcase your products in action (e.g., tutorials, unboxings, transformations).
- Host live shopping events for exclusive discounts or product drops.
TikTok Shop is a powerful, low-barrier sales channel for both influencers and entrepreneurs.
5. Go live to sell products and earn gifts in real time
TikTok Live is one of the most interactive ways to connect with your audience — and it’s a high-impact opportunity to earn revenue. When you go live, you can sell products, receive virtual gifts, and host events that deepen your relationship with followers.
Key ways to monetize during livestreams:
- Live Gifts: Viewers can send virtual gifts (bought with TikTok coins), which you can convert into money.
- Live Shopping: If you’re enrolled in TikTok Shop, you can tag products in your stream so users can buy instantly.
- Real-time exclusives: Offer livestream-only discounts, giveaways, or behind-the-scenes access to encourage views and purchases.
TikTok Live best practices:
- Use countdowns and teasers to promote your live event in advance.
- Interact with viewers through shout-outs, polls, and Q&As.
- Feature a clear CTA (e.g., “Click the product link below!” or “Send a gift to get a shout-out!”).
Livestreaming works best when you build momentum and make it a consistent part of your content plan. Think of it as your personal QVC — fun, direct, and profitable.
During a live event on TikTok, watchers have the option to send donations to the host. This feature is called "Gifts" and allows viewers to send virtual gifts to show their appreciation for the host's content. To send a gift, viewers purchase “coins” in the app and use them to send their gifts during the livestream. The host can then convert these coins into real money and withdraw it from the app.
Gifts range in price from a few coins to several hundred coins, and each gift has a unique animation and sound effect. Using the Gifts feature during a live event is a great way to monetize your content so your most loyal fans can show their appreciation for what you do.
Especially during live events, remember that TikTok's community guidelines prohibit users from requesting donations or gifts from their audience. This means that you cannot directly ask your followers to send you money or gifts through the platform. In addition, TikTok's guidelines prohibit the use of third-party payment services to solicit donations or gifts from your audience.
6. Collaborate with other TikTok influencers
Collaborating with other creators is one of the fastest ways to grow your audience and boost engagement. When you team up with someone who shares your niche or overlaps with your target audience, you benefit from shared exposure and creative energy.
Look for creators who:
- Have similar or complementary audiences.
- Align with your values or style.
- Consistently create quality, original content.
Once you’ve connected, brainstorm collaboration ideas that feel natural — whether it’s a skit, a challenge, a joint product review, or a back-and-forth conversation.
TikTok now supports Collab Posts, which allow a single video to appear on both creators' profiles, doubling its reach and engagement.
Make the most of a collab by:
- Cross-promoting each other in captions and comments.
- Sticking to a consistent theme or story.
- Creating follow-up content to continue the momentum.
Collabs are especially effective when launching new products, trends, or even mini-series.
When planning your collaboration, set clear goals and expectations. Decide on the type of content you want to create, the frequency of your collaborations, and how you'll promote each other's content. Having a shared vision and plan ensures that your collaboration is successful.
When reaching out to potential partners, highlight the value that you bring to the collaboration, like your unique perspective or creativity. Be open to their ideas and suggestions, and ensure the collaboration benefits both parties.
7. Join TikTok Creator Next
To start earning on TikTok, you’ll need to join TikTok Creator Next, a program that unlocks a suite of monetization tools for eligible creators. These include Video Gifts, Live Gifts, Tips, the Creator Rewards Program, and the ability to apply to the Creator Marketplace.
To join Creator Next, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have at least 1,000 followers.
- Have at least 1,000 video views in the past 30 days.
- Be based in an eligible region.
Once enrolled, you’ll gain access to features like:
- Tips: Direct donations from fans.
- Video Gifts: Earn from engagement on your public videos.
- Creator Rewards: A new replacement for the Creator Fund that pays based on retention and original content.
Joining Creator Next is a must for anyone serious about building income on TikTok in 2025.
TikTok offers several monetization features specifically for Creators, including Live Gifts and Video Gifts, the Creator Marketplace, and the Creator Fund. These features can help you earn money from your TikTok content and build a sustainable income stream from your work on the platform.
8. Earn through Live Gifts, Video Gifts, and Tips
TikTok offers several direct monetization tools under its Creator Next program — including Live Gifts, Video Gifts, and Tips. These allow your followers to show appreciation for your content using in-app currency that you can convert to real cash.
Here’s how each works:
- Live Gifts: During livestreams, viewers can send animated virtual gifts.
- Video Gifts: Followers can reward your short-form videos with gifts.
- Tips: Fans can send you direct monetary tips anytime (without needing a livestream).
These tools work best when you have an engaged, loyal audience. To activate them, you must be enrolled in Creator Next and meet TikTok’s eligibility criteria.
To encourage gifts and tips:
- Create content that encourages fan interaction.
- Go live consistently with Q&As, behind-the-scenes content, or real-time storytelling.
- Thank supporters on screen to build community and repeat engagement.
While this revenue stream may start small, it scales as your following and fan loyalty grow.
9. Get brand deals through the Creator Marketplace
The TikTok Creator Marketplace (TCM) is the platform’s official hub for connecting creators with brands for paid partnerships. If you want to earn through sponsored content, this is one of the most efficient and transparent ways to do it.
Applying to join the Creator Marketplace includes filling out an application and providing information about your content, audience, and partnerships. The application process is competitive, and not all applicants are admitted. If accepted, you can access a variety of sponsorship opportunities and collaborations with brands. Scoring a brand deal that results in a sponsored post or sponsored content is a great TikTok money-making strategy.
To qualify, you’ll need:
- A complete profile with at least 10,000 followers (requirements vary by region).
- High engagement rates and original, brand-safe content.
- At least three public posts in the last 30 days.
Once you’re accepted into the Creator Marketplace, you can:
- Receive invitations from brands directly.
- Pitch your profile to brands seeking creators in your niche.
- Access campaign tracking and performance insights.
Some creators also use the affiliate features within TCM to earn commissions by promoting products without needing formal sponsorships.
To make the most of the Creator Marketplace:
- Keep your profile and content updated with your best work.
- Respond promptly to brand messages.
- Only accept deals that align with your audience and content style.
Being discoverable in the Creator Marketplace opens the door to consistent brand income.
10. Earn with the TikTok Creator Rewards Program
TikTok retired its Creator Fund in favor of the Creator Rewards Program, which pays creators based on the performance of original content — especially longer videos. Unlike the original fund, which was based mostly on views, this program rewards:
- Video completion rate.
- Watch time.
- Engagement (likes, comments, shares).
- Originality (not reposts or reused clips).
To qualify, you must:
- Be enrolled in TikTok Creator Next.
- Post videos that are at least 1 minute long.
- Consistently generate high engagement and retention.
This update encourages creators to invest more time in valuable, watchable content. If your videos hook viewers from start to finish, the Creator Rewards Program can offer a steady stream of income.
11. Sell exclusive content with TikTok Series
Want to turn your most valuable content into a premium offering? That’s where TikTok Series comes in. This feature lets you package multiple videos — up to 80 per series — behind a paywall. Each video can be up to 20 minutes long, making this perfect for tutorials, how-tos, or deep dives your audience would pay for.
Here’s how to use TikTok Series to monetize your expertise:
- Break down big topics into short, bingeable videos (like a mini-course).
- Set your own price for access.
- Promote the Series with teaser clips to get your audience excited.
Whether you're a beauty pro, fitness coach, educator, or artist, TikTok Series can help you earn from your most loyal fans — and it all happens right on the app.
12. Monetize with TikTok Pulse
If your videos consistently perform well, TikTok Pulse gives you a way to earn ad revenue from them — just like YouTube’s ad-share model. Your content will be paired with premium ads from major brands, and you’ll receive a percentage of the revenue when your videos are featured.
To qualify, you’ll need:
- At least 100,000 followers.
- High-performing, brand-safe videos.
- Consistent original content that keeps people watching.
This is a great way to passively earn from videos that are already doing well — especially if you post frequently and know how to engage your audience for the full length of your video.
13. Sell digital products or services
You don’t have to sell physical products to make money on TikTok. In fact, creators in niches like design, education, photography, and business are making great money selling digital products.
Here are a few ideas:
- E-books, templates, and guides.
- Digital courses and workshop recordings.
Promote your digital products in your videos by showing how they work, how they help people, or how they save time. Then add a link in your bio using tools like Linktree or Beacons to drive traffic to your online store or sales page.
If you’re already creating helpful content, offering a product that solves a problem for your audience is a natural next step.
14. Build a paid community with subscriptions and tips
Want to deepen your relationship with your audience — and earn consistent income while you’re at it? Consider setting up a paid membership or tip-based system using platforms outside of TikTok, like:
- Patreon for exclusive content and community access.
- Ko-fi or Buy Me a Coffee for one-time or recurring tips.
- Substack for paid newsletters or behind-the-scenes insights.
Use TikTok to drive traffic to these platforms by talking about the extra content or value fans can get when they support you. It’s a great way to build a fan-supported business without relying on algorithms or brand deals alone.
Best practices for making money on TikTok
Whichever monetization path you choose, following these best practices will help you build trust, drive engagement, and maximize earnings:
1. Focus on one niche first
Sticking to a specific topic — like beauty, personal finance, or fitness — helps TikTok’s algorithm understand your content. This makes it easier for you to attract a loyal audience. You can always branch out later.
2. Give value before you sell
Educate, entertain, or inspire your viewers before asking them to buy something, follow you, or click a link. Value-first content builds trust and encourages repeat engagement.
3. Use a link-in-bio tool
Since you can only add one clickable link in your TikTok bio, use tools like Linktree, Beacons, or Adobe Express Link in Bio to direct fans to your shop, affiliate links, newsletter, or other platforms.
4. Repurpose your TikToks
Cross-post your videos to Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or Pinterest to increase your reach without extra work. You can also turn your TikTok into longer content for email or YouTube.
5. Prioritize storytelling
TikToks that follow a clear narrative or emotional arc tend to perform better. Use storytelling frameworks like “problem-solution” or “before-and-after” to keep viewers watching — and buying.
6. Be transparent and authentic
Always disclose paid partnerships or affiliate links. Transparency builds credibility and protects your relationship with your audience in the long term.
What to do after you choose your monetization strategy
Picking a monetization path is only part of the equation. To actually make money on TikTok, you need people watching, liking, and engaging with your content. Here’s how to grow your audience and increase your earning potential:
1. Create content that stands out
TikTok is a visual-first platform, so aim for videos that are eye-catching and high-quality. Use natural lighting, clean audio, and easy-to-follow visuals. Keep intros short and hook viewers in the first three seconds.
Use Adobe Express to edit clips, add transitions, text overlays, captions, and polish your overall aesthetic.
2. Use hashtags strategically
Hashtags help TikTok categorize and surface your content. Combine trending hashtags with niche-specific ones, and don’t forget to create a branded hashtag for your content or challenge.
3. Ride trends, but make them your own
Jumping on trending sounds, effects, or formats can boost visibility. But don’t just copy them — put your unique spin on it so your content feels authentic and relevant to your brand.
4. Stay consistent
TikTok’s algorithm rewards consistency. Whether that means posting three times a week or once a day, stick to a schedule. Over time, followers will come to expect (and look forward to) your content.
5. Mix up your content types
Keep your feed interesting by alternating formats:
- Tutorials or how-tos
- Duets or stitches with other creators
- Behind-the-scenes clips
- Day-in-the-life vlogs
- Challenges and reactions
- Q&As with your community
This keeps your audience engaged and gives the algorithm more signals to work with.
6. Use your analytics
Check your TikTok analytics regularly to see what’s working. Look at metrics like:
- Watch time
- Completion rate
- Audience retention
- Top-performing videos
Being data driven helps you refine your content and double down on what your audience loves.
7. Drive sales with TikTok Ads
Once you’ve built a solid presence, consider investing in TikTok Ads to grow faster or promote a product. TikTok Ads Manager lets you:
- Target your ideal audience by age, interest, or behavior.
- Run in-feed or spark ads that feel native to the platform.
- A/B test creatives and monitor ad performance in real time.
It also integrates with third-party platforms like Adobe Express, making it easy to manage assets, track performance, and scale your campaigns across channels.
Whether you're launching a digital product, promoting a sale, or growing a personal brand, TikTok Ads can give your content the push it needs to go further, faster.
Ready to start creating content?
TikTok offers creators more ways than ever to turn content into income. Whether you're just starting or already monetizing, the key is to stay consistent, connect with your audience, and experiment with different revenue streams. Use tools like Adobe Express to create stand-out content, stay ahead of trends, and bring your creative ideas to life — faster and easier.
Keep creating. Stay curious. And don’t forget: Your next video could be the one that changes everything.