How to Make Money on TikTok in 2026 (Proven Strategies)

If you’ve spent any time on TikTok lately, you probably already know just how huge it’s become. We’re talking nearly 1.9 billion active users worldwide in 2026. That’s a lot of people scrolling, watching, and yes, spending.

So, if you’ve ever wondered how to make money on TikTok, you’re in the right place.

There are three main ways you can earn. First, TikTok itself can pay you through programs like the Creator Fund. Then, brands might pay you to promote their products. And finally, your own audience can become a source of income, think tips, merch, or online courses.

Now, I won’t sugarcoat it. This isn’t about getting rich overnight. It takes patience, strategy, and consistent effort.

Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything, from earnings and requirements to how to get paid on TikTok, payment timelines, and strategies for scaling your income this year.

Oh, and I’ll even explain why knowing the best time to post on TikTok can actually boost your results.

One Dashboard, Endless TikTok Possibilities!

From content scheduling to analytics, Social Champ makes it easy to manage your TikTok journey. Keep all your accounts, stats, and monetization strategies under one roof.

Free 14-Day Trial

Can You Make Money on TikTok?

You might be wondering, can you actually earn on TikTok, or is it just hype? The answer is yes, but let’s be clear about what “making money” on TikTok really means.

Earning isn’t just about cash magically appearing in your account. It comes in two main forms: TikTok paying you directly, or TikTok enabling you to earn through other avenues, like brand deals or audience support.

TikTok Pays You Directly

This is the most straightforward form of monetization. TikTok itself can reward you through programs like the Creator Fund, gifts during TikTok Live Studio, or bonus schemes. To qualify, you generally need to:

Once you meet these requirements, TikTok pays you based on video performance, engagement, and watch time.

TikTok Helps You Earn Elsewhere

Even if TikTok doesn’t pay you directly, it can still be a powerful earning platform. Here, TikTok acts as a launchpad, connecting you with brands, sponsors, and your audience.

You can monetize through:

TikTok Pays You vs TikTok Helps You Earn

In short, making money on TikTok doesn’t just mean direct payments. Even if you aren’t in an eligible country or don’t meet the minimum follower requirements yet, you can still earn by building your audience, showcasing your creativity, and connecting with brands.

How to Make Money on TikTok as a Beginner

Before you start thinking about earnings, it’s crucial to lay a strong foundation.

If you want to learn how to make money on TikTok, the key is to focus on what comes before the money. That means understanding your niche, being consistent, and choosing the right content formats that resonate with your audience.

Find Your Niche

Your niche is your secret weapon. Picking a topic you’re passionate about not only keeps you motivated but also helps you stand out in a crowded TikTok space. Whether it’s fitness, tech, fashion, or cooking, your niche defines your audience and your content strategy.

Consistency is Key

Posting regularly signals both your audience and TikTok’s algorithm that your content is reliable. Consistency helps build trust, keeps followers engaged, and increases your chances of being featured on more feeds.

Choose the Right Content Format

Short, punchy, and visually engaging videos perform best. Focus on creating content that’s easy to watch, entertaining, and informative. Don’t forget your hooks. The first 2–3 seconds can make or break viewer retention.

Groove on the Latest TikTok Trends with Social Champ!

Search for the latest ongoing trends with Social Champ’s Content Suggestion Feature & top the Tokchart.

Free 14-Day Trial

14 Proven Strategies to Make Money on TikTok in 2026

TikTok offers many chances to make money from what you love, making it an attractive playground for potential earnings.

As you explore this captivating realm, you’ll find two ways to achieve financial success: either become a TikTokpreneur and turn TikTok into your business or rise as a TikTok luminary and show others how to get paid on TikTok.

Let’s uncover the secrets of making money on TikTok in 2026.

TikTok Features (Direct Platform Earnings)

1. TikTok’s Creator Fund: Empowerment From the TikTok Universe

   Become a beacon of creativity, as TikTok’s Creator Fund rewards engaging content creators. The more engagement your videos receive, the more you can make money on TikTok. To unlock this opportunity, achieve at least 100K video views in the last 30 days.

2. Live Gifting: Embracing Support from Fans

   When you go live on TikTok, your followers can send you gifts, which can be converted into cash. Create engaging live streams to attract a large audience and receive gifts as tokens of appreciation.

3. Song Serenades: Boost Your Influence and Prosperity

   Improve your videos by adding catchy background songs that connect with your TikTok audience. Famous musicians understand the importance of collaborating with popular creators like you.

   They’ll pay you to use their music in your videos, knowing that doing so will boost their downloads, concert ticket sales, and merchandise. One of the best music promotions on TikTok is known as Nope and Yup. Check out the inspiration.

   @mancity

   New kit. Same socks 🧦 #mancity #football #soccer #grealish @jackgrealish

   ♬ Nope Nope Nope Nope Nope Yep – JohnDees

   Brand Income (Sponsored Opportunities)

   Method	Needs Followers	Time to First Dollar	Best For
   Sponsored Posts	5K+	1–2 weeks	Niche content creators
   Brand Ambassadorship	10K+	1 month	Long-term collaborations
   Affiliate Marketing	1K+	1–2 weeks	Product-focused creators
   UGC / Consultation Services	1K+	1–2 weeks	Storytelling and business-focused creators
   Influencer Collaboration	1K+	1–2 weeks	Expanding reach through peer networks

4. Sponsored Collaborations: Brands and You, Dynamic Allies

   Brands want your influence in sponsored content collaborations.

   You don’t have to be a huge TikTok influencer to get brand collaboration.

   Even smaller influencers with engaged communities can get paid on TikTok by partnering with brands.

   If you have over 100,000 followers and 100,000 video likes in the last 28 days, proactively reach out to brands or join the TikTok Creator Marketplace.

   Take inspiration from Charlie D’Amelio and Takis collaboration

   @charlidamelio you’ll never find me without @Takis. show us your favorite #takis combo #takispartner ♬ original sound – charli d’amelio

5. Brand Ambassadorship: Partner with Companies

   As a brand ambassador, team up with companies for long-term collaborations. Create a set number of videos per cycle and receive payment and free products. The better your content performs, the more rewarding your brand ambassador role becomes.

   One of the best examples of a brand ambassador on TikTok was the one between D’Amelio and Dunkin.

   @dunkin @charlidamelio 17th bday means a present for you!! 😎🎁 Stay tuned. #charlidunkinremix #dunkin ♬ original sound – Dunkin’

6. Affiliate Stardom: Earning Passively

   Engage in affiliate marketing to earn money on TikTok without needing your products. Connect your audience with other products and get paid on TikTok by receiving a percentage of each sale.

   Add your affiliate link to your profile or redirect traffic to your social media accounts, where you can place more links. Increase interaction by providing coupon codes and URLs in your video descriptions.

   Observe the dynamic affiliate marketing collaboration between Amazon and Rachel Meaders.

   @rachel_meaders Using this all summer long!☀️ Link is in my bio to shop!💕 #amazon #amazonfinds #summerhacks #summermusthaves #sunscreen #amazonmusthaves ♬ original sound – Rachel Meaders

7. Consultation Services: Guiding Businesses to TikTok Success

   With brands joining TikTok, become a TikTok expert and advise businesses on content creation and influencer partnerships. Help them navigate the platform and understand the TikTok audience.

   Lizza Prigozhina, known as the ‘Queen of New York real estate’, has turned her skills into a thriving business, earning from creating videos on TikTok.

   @thekimteam Magnificent apartment spanning 2,345 sq ft for $4,500,000 🔥 #thekimteam #nycrealestate #manhattan #luxuryhomes #luxuryrealestate #newyork ♬ NANANA COLA IAN ASHER EDIT Out Now On SoundCloud – Ian Asher

8. The Influencer Nexus: Expanding Reach through Collaboration

   Collaborate with other influencers to promote each other’s TikTok accounts or products. Partnering with influencers can bring valuable exposure to your content and create a mutually beneficial relationship.

   @spencerx #ad #doritos_partner // What came first, 🔼 or @doritos ? Duet me & catch more 🗣🔥🎶 at the @mtv #VMAs ♬ original sound – Spencer X

   Selling (Your Own Products)

   Method	Needs Followers	Time to First Dollar	Best For
   TikTok Shop	1K+	Instant	E-commerce creators
   Merch / Physical Products	1K+	1–2 weeks	Personal brand owners
   Digital Products / Courses	500+	1–2 weeks	Educators, coaches, consultants
   TikTok Ads for Product Promotion	500+	1–2 weeks	Online stores / small businesses

9. TikTok Shopping Extravaganza: Direct E-commerce Triumph

   Discover the wonder of TikTok Shopping, where businesses can sell products directly on the platform. There is no need to send followers to external stores; instead, showcase your products on TikTok.

   Add tags to your captivating content, encouraging viewers to explore your store. Feel free to mention your products to your audience while balancing promotion with charm.

   

   Discover one of the finest TikTok shops and gather inspiration to create your store.

10. Exclusive Access: Offering Special Content

    Reward your followers with premium content on platforms like Patreon. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses, exclusive material, SWAG, personal time, live chats, and community access. Ensure your exclusive content is valuable to keep your supporters happy.

11. Growth Consultations: Shedding Light on Paths to Success

    Offer consultation services to businesses on TikTok marketing strategies, guiding them to maximize growth and reach. As a TikTok expert, share insights on creating content and collaborating with influencers to boost their presence on the platform.

    In TikTok’s mysterious world, there’s endless potential for financial success. Embrace your creativity, passion, and uniqueness, and let TikTok guide you to money-making opportunities.

12. TikTok Ads: Accelerate Sales With Creativity

    Supercharge your website or online store with TikTok ads to elevate your growth. Use in-feed image ads to showcase your products and TopView ads for a full-screen experience.

    Both can drive sales and help you earn money on TikTok. Utilize TikTok as a top-of-funnel resource to gather sign-ups for your email lists or SMS campaigns, creating a revenue-generating ecosystem.

    Gain inspiration for crafting your debut TikTok ad by watching engaging video ads from the prestigious Byoma brand.

    @byoma @jaeldorotan shows us her PM routine using BYOMA🫧🫶🧪 Shop BYOMA for the most effective and affordable skincare! Available at @target🎯 #byoma #affordableskincare #ceramides #skintok #targetmusthaves #nighttimeroutine ♬ original sound – byoma

    Audience Income (Monetize Fans Directly)

    Method	Needs Followers	Time to First Dollar	Best For
    Subscriptions / Premium Access	1K+	Instant	Dedicated fanbase
    Tips / Donations	500+	Instant	Engaging personalities
    Crowdfunding	500+	1–2 weeks	Project-focused creators

13. Appreciation Gestures: An Ethereal Thank You

    Invite your followers to support your account by offering tips. Platforms like Venmo, Buy Me a Coffee, or Tipeee can facilitate the tipping process. Let your audience express their appreciation for your content and support you in your creative endeavors.

14. Crowdfunding Endeavors: Fulfilling Dreams with Fan Support

    Use crowdfunding to bring your visions to life. Start campaigns related to your TikTok content to rally support from the TikTok community for a cause or project that resonates with your audience.

Can You Make Money on TikTok Without Followers?

Yes! Not every income method needs a huge following. Affiliate marketing, digital products, TikTok Shop, and even live gifting can work with smaller, engaged audiences.

The key is creating consistent, high-quality content and using TikTok as a launchpad for your monetization.

Can You Make Money on TikTok Without Showing Your Face?

Absolutely! Many successful creators operate faceless accounts using animations, screen recordings, tutorials, or voiceovers. TikTok values engagement and creativity, so you don’t need to be on camera to earn.

Focus on the value your content brings and the ways it can generate income, whether through brand deals, TikTok features, or selling products.

Featured Article: How to Go Live on TikTok

How to Get Paid on TikTok

So, you’ve created content, grown your audience, and want to know how to get paid on TikTok.

Payments don’t magically appear. They follow clear processes depending on the income source. Broadly, there are two flows: direct payouts from TikTok itself and external payments from brands, affiliates, or TikTok Shop.

TikTok Payouts: Direct Payments From the Platform

TikTok can pay you directly for your engagement, creativity, or live interactions. The most common methods include the Creator Fund, LIVE gifts, and bonus rewards.

⚠️ Note: TikTok payouts are region-dependent. Make sure you’re eligible and have set up your bank account correctly to receive funds.

External Payments: Brands, Affiliates, and TikTok Shop

Not all income comes directly from TikTok. Many creators earn via brands, affiliates, or their own products. These payments are handled externally, usually via contracts or e-commerce systems.

In short, understanding how to get paid on TikTok means knowing which bucket your income falls into.

Direct payouts are automated but region-specific, while brand and product payments give more flexibility, but you’ll need proper setup and agreements to receive them.

How Much Money Can You Make on TikTok in 2026

Are you curious about how much you can actually earn on TikTok?

Let’s set the record straight: it’s not a get-rich-overnight scheme. Earnings depend on your strategy, audience size, and the type of income stream you pursue. In 2026, you can think of your revenue in three main buckets: platform payouts, brand deals, and product-based income.

Platform Payouts

This includes direct TikTok earnings like the Creator Fund , LIVE gifts, and creator bonuses. These payouts are small but consistent, and grow with engagement.

Brand Deals

Brand collaborations can be far more lucrative but require a strong, engaged audience. Earnings vary widely depending on your niche and follower count.

Product-Based Income

Selling your own merchandise, digital products, or using TikTok Shop can produce direct revenue that grows with your audience and marketing efforts.

TikTok remains a powerful platform with over 1.9 billion monthly active users worldwide, making it one of the top social media apps in 2026.

While you won’t get rich overnight, understanding the different income streams and tracking your TikTok stats can help you grow revenue steadily.

Featured Article: Content Creator: How to Become a Well-Paid One

How Many Followers Do You Need to Make Money on TikTok

You may wonder, how many likes on TikTok to get paid?

There is no rigid reliance on a specific number of likes to earn income on the platform. Instead, TikTok’s compensation system hinges on a holistic engagement rate that encompasses likes, views, comments, and shares.

The foundation of your TikTok earnings lies in your video’s engagement rate. The more likes your video accumulates, the higher your overall engagement rate will soar, leading to greater monetary rewards.

However, it’s important to note that likes alone do not singularly dictate TikTok’s payment structure. The platform considers other vital engagement metrics, such as comments and shares, contributing to your potential earnings:

These metrics are crucial indicators of your content’s popularity and audience engagement.

As an aspiring TikTok creator, your journey to financial prosperity lies in fostering an exceptional engagement rate and harmonizing likes, views, comments, and shares.

While there isn’t a specific threshold of likes set for monetary compensation, nurturing a dedicated follower base and engaging a community will undoubtedly bolster your chances of qualifying for TikTok’s Creator Fund.

Your TikTok earnings depend on how engaged your audience is with your videos. As your profile grows with a significant following and abundant likes, the Creator Fund will unlock its rewards. That also allows you to reach your actual earning potential on TikTok.

How to Choose the Right TikTok Monetization Strategy

Figuring out how to make money on TikTok isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your best strategy depends on three main factors: your audience size, your skills, and the time you’re willing to invest. Some methods pay quickly but require a lot of effort upfront, while others are slower to grow but offer more stable long-term income.

Here’s a simple way to decide what works for you:

Quick Flow to Pick Your Strategy

• If you want fast income → Try TikTok Shop, affiliate marketing, or brand collaborations.
• If you want long-term income → Build a consistent content strategy, join the Creator Fund, explore LIVE gifts, and consider subscriptions or premium content.

By evaluating these factors, you can choose the monetization strategy that fits your strengths, goals, and lifestyle, making your TikTok journey smarter and more profitable.

What Stops Creators From Making Money on TikTok

Even with great content, many creators struggle to earn. Understanding the common pitfalls can save you time and frustration. Here’s what usually holds people back and how to fix it.

Mistake 1: Monetizing Too Early

Many creators try to make money before building an engaged audience. Without engagement, even the best strategies won’t convert.

The Fix: Focus first on consistent posting, finding your niche, and growing genuine engagement. Monetization will follow naturally.

Mistake 2: No Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)

Your audience may love your videos, but if you don’t tell them what to do next, they won’t buy, subscribe, or support you.

The Fix: Add a CTA in your video, description, or bio. Encourage likes, shares, clicks, or purchases.

Mistake 3: Trend-Chasing Only

Jumping on every trend can get views, but it rarely builds sustainable revenue or loyal followers.

The Fix: Blend trends with your unique content style and niche. Consistency builds a loyal audience that converts.

Mistake 4: No Clear Offer

Without a product, service, or method to earn, your audience can’t support you. Many creators rely solely on views.

The Fix: Define your monetization path, whether it’s brand deals, TikTok Shop, affiliate links, subscriptions, or paid content.

How to Scale and Manage TikTok Income Consistently

Making money on TikTok is exciting, but the real challenge comes when you want to scale your income consistently.

Posting sporadically might bring a few dollars here and there, but building a reliable revenue stream requires planning, strategy, and smart workflows.

By focusing on batching, content calendars, and repurposing your content, you can maintain a consistent presence without burning out and keep those earnings steady.

Batch Your Content for Efficiency

Creating multiple videos in one session can save time and reduce stress. Batching allows you to focus on quality content without the daily scramble.

Once you’ve recorded a batch, you can edit, schedule, and publish at the optimal times to reach your audience.

Use Content Calendars to Stay Organized

A content calendar helps you plan your posts around trends, campaigns, and monetization goals.

You’ll know exactly what to post, when to post, and how each video fits into your income strategy. This approach ensures that your TikTok efforts are aligned with your growth and revenue targets.

Repurpose Content Across Platforms

Don’t let your hard work go to waste. Videos that perform well on TikTok can be adapted for Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or other platforms.

Repurposing extends your reach, strengthens your brand, and creates more opportunities for income without doubling the effort.

Workflows for Consistency Without Burnout

Consistency is key to earning on TikTok, but it doesn’t have to mean constant stress. Using a TikTok scheduler like Social Champ can help you:

A consistent workflow ensures that your content reaches the audience regularly, boosting engagement and keeping revenue streams active.

6 Valuable Tips to Make Money on TikTok

Now that we have discussed all the essentials related to making money on TikTok, let’s shine a spotlight on the valuable tips for earning extra bucks through the platform.

1. Look to Your Favorite Creators for Guidance

   Look up to your favorite creators for guidance and learn from their success. Analyze what makes them stand out and engage their audience. Take inspiration from their techniques, editing styles, and storytelling methods. Adapt their strategies to suit your own personality and content niche.

   By improving your content based on successful examples, you’ll likely see more views and followers, bringing you closer to meeting the requirements to get paid on TikTok.

2. Don’t Ditch Your Regular Content

   While trying out new trends is essential, remember to keep producing content your audience loves. Consistency in delivering your niche content keeps your followers engaged and encourages interactions with your videos.

   The more views and likes your regular content gets, the better your chances of qualifying for TikTok’s Creator Fund and other opportunities to get paid for views.

   Take inspiration from Zach King 

   @zachking

   How they used to make movies w/ @Gal Gadot

   ♬ original sound – Zach King

3. Post at the Right Time

   Timing matters on TikTok. Know your audience’s habits and identify peak hours when they are most active.

   Posting during these times increases the likelihood of your videos reaching a larger audience and gaining more views and likes. Consistent engagement during peak hours can lead to a surge in followers.

   It is essential to become eligible to get paid on TikTok for views and other monetization programs.

4. Don’t Give Up

   Creating a thriving TikTok presence and earning money requires time and effort. Don’t let challenges or slow progress discourage you. Keep making valuable content, connecting with your audience, and adjusting to the platform’s updates.

   Being persistent and staying positive is essential in TikTok’s ever-changing landscape. Stay dedicated to your goals, and as your views and followers increase, so will your chances of getting paid for views and other opportunities on TikTok.

   Remember, persistence is the key to turning your TikTok passion into a profitable venture.

   One of the best examples is MrBeast.

   @mrbeast

   I still can’t believe she actually traded cars with me 💀 #car #tesla #trading

   ♬ original sound – MrBeast

5. Be Authentic

   Being genuine is essential for TikTok’s success. Embrace your uniqueness and show your true self in your content.

   TikTok audiences love authentic creators who stay true to themselves. You’ll build a loyal following that connects with your style and personality by being genuine.

   As your videos gain more views, likes, and shares, your authenticity will attract brand partnerships and opportunities to earn money.

6. Be Transparent

   Being honest and transparent is essential for building trust with your audience. When you work with partners or create sponsored content, be transparent about your collaborations.

   Always disclose any promotional material to stay authentic and credible. Being open with your followers will nurture a loyal community that respects your integrity.

   Brands also appreciate transparency. If you’re transparent, it increases the likelihood that they will reach out about potential paid collaborations. Establishing trust through transparency enhances your opportunities to get paid for views and other engagements.

Conclusion

Alright, let’s pull it all together.

Making money on TikTok isn’t magic. It’s a mix of creativity, strategy, and consistency.

Whether you’re cashing in through the Creator Fund, landing brand deals, selling your own products, or getting tips from fans, there’s a way for every creator to earn.

Followers help, but engagement and smart content choices matter more. Focus on building your niche, posting consistently, and trying out different monetization methods.

Keep learning, stay authentic, and use tools like Social Champ to stay on top. Now go create, experiment, and watch your TikTok passion turn into real income!

FAQs – How to Make Money on TikTok