TikTok has evolved to be more than just a place for dance challenges, funny skits and memes, it is now one of the platforms for content creators to build a sustainable stream of income. The key isn’t luck, you need to understand the different ways to make money on TikTok and find the path that fits you best.
How to Make Money on TikTok
Here are the best ways to make money on TikTok in 2025
1. TikTok Shop: Selling Made Simple
The TikTok Shop is an in-app store that allows creators and businesses to showcase products via livestreams and a product showcase on their profile. To begin using TikTok Shop as a creator, you need to be at least 18 years old and have at least 5,000 followers, though there are other programmes that offer a lower threshold.
How it works
You add your products to TikTok Shop, feature them in your videos or livestreams, and interested viewers buy instantly without leaving the app. This is specifically for those who have handmade products or a small business and for those who want to learn how to earn money on TikTok without relying on followers alone.
2. Creator Fund, Brand Deals and Live Gifting
These are classic ways creators monetise on TikTok, but they are still very effective in 2025.
The old Creator Fund is now known as the Creator Rewards Program, it rewards high-quality and long-form content (videos over one minute long). To begin using this reward programme, you need to be at least 18 years old and have 10,000 followers. It pays based on video views and engagement.The more engagements your content attracts, the more you can earn. It’s a great opportunity to learn how to make money on TikTok just by doing what you love.It won’t make you rich, but it’s a starting point.
Brand deals, on the other hand, is where you get paid by brands to create content promoting their products or services. The key to success here is authenticity. Companies enjoy working with micro-influencers who have loyal audiences. Look for brands that align with your niche and values. The more engaged your audience is, the more appealing you are to brands, making it easier to make money on TikTok through sponsored posts.
Additionally, going live lets fans send virtual gifts that convert into cash. To receive gifts on your livestreams, you must be 18 years or older. It’s a fantastic way to engage with your most dedicated followers and get paid for your real-time content. If you’re wondering how to make money on TikTok with live streaming, the key is consistency. Build a regular schedule, keep your streams interactive, and you’ll see both engagement and income rise.
3. Affiliate Marketing/TikTok Shop Affiliate
Affiliate marketing is a marketing model in which you promote a merchant’s goods or services and receive a percentage of the sales or web traffic generated as a result. It benefits you by allowing them to earn income simply by promoting products they use and enjoy. You don’t have to create or ship your own products.
The TikTok Shop Affiliate programme has made this a game-changer. Once you’re eligible (typically with at least 5,000 followers), you can access the Affiliate product marketplace, where you can access thousands of products to promote. You create videos showcasing the product, add the link, and earn a commission on every sale. It’s an ideal way for creators to make money on TikTok without the hassle of inventory or shipping. The secret here is to choose products you genuinely like and would use yourself.
4. User-Generated Content (UGC) and Freelancing
User-generated content is original, brand-specific content created by social media users and published on social media or other channels. It is a major trend in 2025, especially in the TikTok space, where brands pay creators to produce TikTok-style videos for their ads.
It’s an important and easy strategy to earn on TikTok because you don’t need followers; your creative skills are all the companies need, and you can earn steady freelance income.
If you’re comfortable filming and editing, you can start freelancing for brands immediately.
5. Dropshipping and External Sales
TikTok isn’t just about in-app sales. Many entrepreneurs leverage it to drive traffic to external websites, like Spotify, and especially for dropshipping businesses. This dropshipping involves you creating captivating videos that showcase trending products and direct viewers (customers) to the link in your bio to purchase. When a customer places an order, a third-party supplier ships the product directly to them. Your job is to create the hype and make the sale.
It’s a bit more work than affiliate marketing; however, it offers a very high profit margin and is a scalable model for those learning how to make money on TikTok as an entrepreneur.
Other TikTok-Based Opportunities
Beyond these methods listed above, there are other creative ways to make money on TikTok; some of them include
- Selling digital products: If you have a skill or expertise, you can sell digital products like e-books, courses, or templates. You can use your videos to provide value and teach other creators.
- Coaching/consulting: With enough expertise in a specific niche, you can use your platform to attract other TikTok creators for one-on-one coaching on how to make money on TikTok.
- Subscription models: You can offer exclusive, behind-the-scenes content on platforms like Patreon for your most loyal fans, providing another stream for how to make money on TikTok.
- Music promotion: Artists can pay you to feature their songs on your page. This requires you to have a large number of loyal subscribers that can view and engage with your post.
Tips for TikTok Success
Knowing how to make money on TikTok is one thing, but doing it requires strategy. Here are practical tips:
- Pick a niche: Be specific about your content. Defined and specific content builds loyal followers, which is crucial for monetising.
- Be consistent:Regular posting boosts algorithm visibility and keeps your audience engaged.
- Engage with your community:Reply to comments, ask questions and duet videos to build community.
- Be authentic: This is a very important tip. Be yourself, be honest, and create content that genuinely excites you. Find a way to balance trends with originality. This builds trust, and trust is what turns followers into customers.
Conclusion
In 2025, the question isn’t if you can earn, how can you earn. TikTok is no longer just that popular entertainment app, it’s now one of the most powerful income platforms online. Whether you’re selling your own products, partnering with brands, or just leveraging your video skills, the opportunities are endless. Find your passion, focus on your audience, and start creating.
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