How to Earn Money on TikTok: Beginner-Friendly Guide [Update 2026]

Let’s be real, you’ve probably spent hours scrolling through TikTok and thought, “Can I actually make money doing this?” The answer is a big YES. TikTok has blown up from just a fun app for dance challenges into a serious platform where both small businesses and regular folks like you are turning creative ideas into actual cash. If you’re wondering how to make money on TikTok, you’re in the right place.

Top 10 of the most popular ways to make money on TikTok 2026

The Creator Rewards Program

This is TikTok’s main program for paying creators. You earn money based on qualified views for videos that are over one minute long. The key metric here is RPM (revenue per 1,000 views), which determines how much you get paid. The better your video performs with the “right” audience, the higher your RPM.

TikTok Shop Creator (Affiliate)

You don’t need your own products to sell. As a TikTok Shop Creator, you can promote other people’s products in your videos and livestreams. When someone buys through your link, you earn a commission, which is typically between 5-20%. It’s a super popular and effective way to monetize your content.

Livestream & Gifts (Gifts & Diamonds)

When you go live, your followers can send you virtual Gifts. These gifts are converted into “Diamonds,” which you can then cash out for real money. The more entertaining and engaging your livestream is, the more likely your fans will show their support.

Brand partnerships

Once you’ve built a solid following, brands will start noticing. They’ll pay you to feature their products in your videos. Payouts can range anywhere from $150 to over $3,500 per post, depending on your niche, engagement rate, and follower count.

Selling your own products

Got something to sell? Set up a TikTok Shop to sell your own merchandise, crafts, or digital products directly on the platform. You can also use print-on-demand services to create custom merch (like t-shirts or mugs) without having to hold any inventory yourself.

Directing traffic through your bio link

Your bio link is prime real estate. Use it to send your followers to your personal website, e-commerce store, or other platforms where you make money, like YouTube or Patreon. Think of it as the central hub for all your money-making ventures.

Consulting and coaching services

If you’ve mastered a skill, why not teach it? You can offer services like managing TikTok accounts for others or coaching them on how to become better content creators. Your TikTok profile acts as your portfolio to attract clients.

Premium content (Series)

TikTok’s Series feature lets you put a collection of exclusive videos behind a paywall. Your most dedicated fans can pay a one-time fee to access this premium content. It’s a great way to monetize in-depth tutorials, special behind-the-scenes footage, or any valuable content you create.

Running TikTok Ads

This method is for those who already have a product or service to sell. You can use TikTok’s Ads Manager to run targeted ads that promote your offerings and drive sales. It requires a budget, but the return can be massive if you get your targeting right.

Personalized shoutouts

Your fans love you! Some will even pay for a personalized video shoutout, like a birthday wish or a word of encouragement. It’s a quick and easy way to make some extra money while strengthening your connection with your community.

=> Discover 9+ faceless tiktok content ideas 2026

The essential requirements to get paid by TikTok

Before you can start cashing in, you need to meet a few key requirements. Think of these as the rules of the game.

• Account Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old. Your account needs to be in good standing (no major violations) and be based in one of the supported countries.
• Key Milestones:
  • To join the Creator Rewards Program, you need at least 10,000 followers and have racked up 100,000 video views in the last 30 days.
  • To become a TikTok Shop Creator, the bar is a bit lower: you generally need at least 5,000 followers.
• Content Standards: This is a big one. Your videos must be your own original work. They should be high-quality and, most importantly, not violate any copyright laws or TikTok’s Community Guidelines.

A reality check: the “unspoken truths” from the Reddit community

Alright, let’s get real for a second. Here’s what experienced creators on platforms like Reddit are saying about what it’s *really* like to make money on TikTok.

• Income can be unstable: The old Creator Fund was known for its low payouts. While the new Rewards Program is better, your income can still swing wildly. The most successful creators don’t rely on just one source; they combine affiliate marketing, live gifts, and brand deals.
• The algorithm is a mystery: Your views can skyrocket one day and tank the next. Don’t get discouraged. Also, older videos tend to stop earning money fairly quickly, so you constantly need to produce new content.
• “Fake” followers are useless: Buying followers might seem like a shortcut, but it’s a waste of money. The algorithm prioritizes real engagement (likes, comments, shares). Fake followers don’t engage, and your account could even get banned for using these services.
• Success takes time: Don’t expect to go viral and get rich overnight. For most people, it takes anywhere from a few months to two years of consistent posting before they see any significant income.

Strategies to optimize your content for higher earnings (Tips)

Want to speed up your journey to monetization? Focus on creating content that people actually want to watch and engage with.

• The 3-second rule: You have about three seconds to grab someone’s attention. Start your video with a strong “hook”—ask a question, present a shocking fact, or start in the middle of the action to boost your watch time.
• Find your unique niche: Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Focus on a specific area you’re passionate about, like ASMR, gaming, or niche knowledge (e.g., the history of JDM cars, Pokémon card collecting). This helps you build a loyal, dedicated community.
• Engagement is key: The algorithm loves it when you interact with your audience. Reply to comments with a video. Encourage users to Duet or Stitch your content. The more engagement you have, the more TikTok will push your videos out to a wider audience.
• Use TikTok Studio: This is your best friend. Dive into your analytics to see who your audience is, when they’re most active, and what content they love. Use this data to adjust your strategy and give the people what they want.
• Create sustainable content: Mix it up! Jump on trending sounds and challenges to get quick views, but also create “evergreen” content that provides value and will stay relevant for a long time. This will help you retain your audience.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can you make money without showing your face?

Absolutely! “Faceless” channels are very successful. You can create content using voiceovers for tutorials, show your hands unboxing or demonstrating a product, or use stock footage and animated text to share information.

How much does TikTok pay per 1,000 views?

It varies a lot. Under the old Creator Fund, payouts were often a dismal $0.02 – $0.04 per 1,000 views. The new Creator Rewards Program pays significantly more, with RPMs ranging from about $0.40 to $1.50 or even higher, depending on your niche, video quality, and where your viewers are from (views from countries like the US pay more).

Can you make money with AI-generated content?

Yes, you can, but there’s a catch. TikTok requires you to label content that is created or significantly edited by AI. There’s also a risk that your content could be deemed “low-effort” by the algorithm, which might limit its reach and monetization potential. The key is to add your own creative, human touch.

For more real-world tips, deep dives into the TikTok algorithm, and strategies to grow your account, make sure to follow our website for all the latest updates. We’re always sharing new knowledge to help you succeed!

Dercat Leo

I’m Dercat Leo, a 25-year-old content creator from New York. I write practical guides on TikTok trends, tools, and content strategies to help creators grow with FastTik.Online.