TikTok has become one of the world’s most powerful platforms, with over a billion active users and a creator economy that’s redefining how people earn a living. Every day, new voices go viral, trends spark overnight, and short videos evolve into long-term careers.
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to make real money on TikTok, you’re not alone. For aspiring creators, the earning potential ranges from a few extra dollars a month to full-time income—and in some rare cases, millions. Knowing where most creators actually fall on that scale can help set realistic goals.
In this Remitly guide, we’ll break down how TikTokers make money, share real examples of what different types of creators earn, and explain the key factors that influence their income. You’ll also find practice steps to start building your own presence and explore whether TikTok could be a meaningful income stream for you.
TikTok’s multiple revenue streams explained
Most TikTokers don’t earn from just one source. Instead, they piece together income from several different streams—both on and off the app. This kind of diversification is key to building financial stability and making the most of an engaged audience.
TikTok Creator Fund
The TikTok Creator Fund was one of the app’s first efforts to pay creators directly for their content. While TikTok has started shifting toward newer monetization models, the Fund still offers a helpful benchmark for what early earnings can look like.
Payouts typically ranged from $0.02 USD to $0.04 per 1,000 views—meaning a video with a million views might earn between $20 USD and $40. Actual earnings depended on factors like video engagement, region, and whether the content met TikTok’s guidelines.
To qualify, creators needed at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 video views over the past 30 days. It wasn’t a huge income source for most, but for many, it was a starting point.
Brand partnerships and sponsored posts
For many creators, brand deals are where the real money is. Companies pay influencers to promote their products or services, and those rates can vary a lot—based on follower count, engagement, niche, and reputation.
- Micro-influencers might earn a few hundred dollars per post.
- Mid-tier creators often charge several thousand.
- Top creators can make $10,000 USD or more for a single collaboration.
These partnerships come in different forms: one-time posts, multi-video campaigns, or even long-term ambassadorships. As a creator’s audience grows—and their influence strengthens—brands are often willing to pay more for access to that reach.
TikTok Live gifts
When creators go live on TikTok, viewers can send virtual gifts as a show of support. These gifts have real monetary value—creators can convert them into actual earnings, though TikTok takes a percentage.
Earnings from live streams vary widely:
- Smaller creators might earn a few dollars per session.
- Popular streamers with loyal audiences can earn hundreds—or even thousands—during special events or viral moments.
While not every live will bring in big income, consistent streaming and audience engagement can add up over time.
TikTok Shop and affiliate marketing
TikTok Shop gives creators a built-in way to promote and sell products directly on the platform. Through affiliate marketing, creators earn a commission when someone makes a purchase via their video or livestream links.
Commission rates vary by brand and product category, but creators in niches like beauty, home décor, lifestyle, and tech often see higher conversions. If you’re regularly recommending products your audience already trusts, this can be a strong source of passive income—even for smaller accounts.
Merchandise and external sales
Many TikTokers also branch out beyond the app by building income streams elsewhere.
Common side hustles include:
- Selling branded merchandise
- Launching digital products (like templates, eBooks, or presets)
- Starting paid communities on platforms like Patreon or Discord
- Growing on YouTube or Instagram to expand reach and revenue
These external ventures help creators diversify their income and avoid relying too heavily on TikTok alone—especially important as algorithms and platform rules evolve.
Real TikTok earnings: what creators actually make
TikTok earnings vary widely depending on factors such as follower count, engagement, and niche. Here’s a general idea of what creators at different levels might earn:
- Micro-influencers (10K–100K followers): Often earn between $100 USD and $1,000 per month, mostly through brand deals or affiliate links.
- Mid-tier creators (100K–500K followers): Can bring in several thousand dollars monthly from sponsorships, live gifts, and product promotions.
- Top creators (1M+ followers): May earn $10,000+ USD per post, with annual incomes in the millions if they have strong brand partnerships and external ventures.
Big names like Charli D’Amelio (reportedly earning $17.5M USD annually) and Addison Rae ($8.5M) show what’s possible at the highest level—but those cases are rare. Most creators earn much less, and even those with large followings often combine several income streams to reach full-time earnings.
Compared to platforms like YouTube or Instagram, TikTok may offer faster growth, but lower payouts per view. That makes diversifying income essential for long-term success.
Key factors that determine how much TikTokers make
Not all TikTok creators earn the same—even with similar follower counts. These key factors can influence how much you actually make on the platform:
Follower count
The more followers you have, the more earning opportunities tend to open up—especially for brand deals and affiliate marketing. But it’s only one part of the equation.
Engagement rate
Brands care more about how engaged your audience is—likes, comments, shares—than your raw follower number. A smaller, active audience can be more valuable than a large but passive one.
Your niche
Some niches attract higher-paying deals than others. Creators focused on finance, tech, fitness, or beauty often see more brand interest than those in general entertainment, because their content aligns with products people are ready to buy.
Where you live
Your location affects how much you can earn—especially from programs like the Creator Fund. For example, creators in countries like the US or the UK often earn more per view than those in regions with lower advertiser demand.
Consistency
Posting regularly helps grow your audience and stay visible to the algorithm. It’s not just what you post—but how often.
Breaking down TikTok creator fund payments
Many creators joined the Creator Fund hoping it would lead to steady income—but the reality often fell short. To qualify, you needed:
- 10,000 followers
- 100,000 video views in the past 30 days
- Full compliance with TikTok’s community and content guidelines
These thresholds made the program feel accessible, especially for up-and-coming creators. But earnings were based on a vague formula that considered factors like video views, engagement, region, and broader platform trends.
Because the payment pool didn’t grow alongside the number of eligible users—and the payout model lacked transparency—many creators found their earnings surprisingly low. A video might rack up views, but bring in just a few dollars.
Payments also differed by region. Creators in countries with stronger advertising markets tended to earn more. Here’s a rough comparison of estimated payouts for one million views:
| Country | Estimated earnings (1M views) | Notes |
| United States | $20–$40 USD | Higher advertiser demand boosts earnings |
| United Kingdom | $15–$35 USD | Slightly lower, but still competitive |
| Brazil | $5–$15 USD | Lower advertising market means smaller payouts |
These geographic disparities caused frustration—especially for creators whose content performed well but earned far less due to location.
In response to this feedback, TikTok has begun phasing out the Creator Fund in favor of new programs that reward longer, high-quality videos. The goal: make TikTok more competitive with platforms like YouTube, where creators typically earn more for long-form content.
Brand partnerships: where the real money is
For many creators, brand deals are the most profitable and consistent source of income. Sponsored post rates vary, but here’s a rough range:
- Smaller creators (under 10K followers): around $100 USD per post
- Mid-tier creators: can earn $1,000–$5,000 USD per post
- Top creators (500K+ followers): often charge $10,000+ USD, depending on engagement
The most common types of partnerships include:
- Product gifting: Free products in exchange for content—usually unpaid
- Paid posts: Flat-rate sponsorships to feature a product or service
- Long-term partnerships: Brand ambassadorships with recurring income and multi-post campaigns
If you’re hoping to land more brand deals, focus on:
- Sharpening your niche and content style
- Keeping a professional email in your bio
- Highlighting your most successful videos
- Maintaining a clear, consistent presence across platforms
When brands look for new creators, they’re not just looking at follower count—they’re looking at fit, content quality, and audience trust.
Start your TikTok monetization journey
Earning money on TikTok isn’t just for viral stars. Whether you’re aiming to supplement your income or build a full-time creator career, there are multiple paths to explore.
Here’s where to start:
- Learn the platform: Study what works in your niche and stay current with trends.
- Post consistently: Regular, high-quality content builds trust and engagement.
- Experiment with income streams: Try affiliate links, live gifts, brand outreach, or even your own merch.
- Track your growth: Use analytics tools to measure what’s resonating and adjust as you go.
Like any income stream, TikTok monetization takes time and effort—but it also offers creative freedom and flexibility. And with new features like TikTok Shop and evolving creator reward programs, the earning potential continues to grow.
If you’re ready to begin, take the first step by setting up your TikTok profile for success—and exploring more Remitly guides on side hustles, online income, and building financial confidence as an immigrant.
FAQs
How much do TikTokers make per view?
TikTok’s Creator Fund typically paid $0.02 to $0.04 USD per 1,000 views, though rates varied by region and engagement. Other monetization methods—like brand deals or affiliate marketing—can offer higher per-view value, depending on your niche and audience.
How many followers do you need to start making money on TikTok?
To join the Creator Fund, you need at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 views in the past 30 days. However, many creators start earning through brand partnerships and affiliate links with as few as 1,000–5,000 followers if they have strong engagement.
Do TikTokers get paid for likes or comments?
No. TikTok doesn’t directly pay for likes or comments. However, higher engagement boosts your visibility—and that can lead to more views, better brand deals, and stronger earnings overall.
How much do TikTok live streamers make from gifts?
Live streamers can earn a share of the value of virtual gifts sent by viewers. Payouts vary, but popular streamers sometimes earn hundreds of dollars per session, especially during themed events or viral moments.
Can you make a living as a TikTok creator?
Yes, but it often requires combining income from several sources—like sponsorships, product sales, and affiliate links. Full-time creators typically invest heavily in content quality, audience engagement, and platform strategy.