TikTok is a bit like a party where everyone wants to be seen, loved, and… paid. If you’re here, it’s because you’ve already asked yourself: How do some creators manage to turn their videos into a real business? Spoiler alert: it’s not just a matter of luck. There are concrete methods to monetize your content, and I’ll tell you everything in this article.
Does TikTok really pay you for your videos?
Yes… but not that much. The TikTok Creator Fund, set up to reward viral videos, is often criticized for its ridiculous payments. We’re talking about a few cents per 1,000 views, which means that with 1 million views, you can barely afford a pizza.
Fortunately, TikTok is not just about this fund. There are several other much more lucrative ways to make a living on the platform, and some creators make thousands of euros per month without necessarily racking up views.
The best ways to make money on TikTok
1. The Creator Fund (Honestly, not great)
The TikTok Creator Fund allows you to earn a small passive income based on the views of your videos. To access it, you must:
- Have at least 10,000 followers
- Accumulate 100,000 views on your videos in the last 30 days
- Be at least 18 years old
- Publish content compliant with TikTok’s rules
But let’s be clear: the amount per view is very low. Many creators complain of earning just a few euros per month, even with millions of views.
2. The TikTok Creator Program (The real gem)
Recently, TikTok has introduced a new monetization program that is much more interesting: the Creator Program (also known as Creator Rewards). Unlike the Creator Fund, this program better rewards videos with high audience retention.
💡 Tip: The longer your audience stays on your video, the more money you make. If you create engaging videos, with suspense or revelations at the end, it’s a win!
3. TikTok LIVE Subscriptions
If you have an engaged community, TikTok LIVE subscriptions can be an excellent way to generate income. Here’s how it works:
- Your subscribers can pay a monthly subscription to access exclusive content during your live streams
- You can offer gifts and VIP advantages to subscribers (badges, special interactions, etc.)
- The more interesting and interactive your live stream is, the more likely your subscribers are to stay loyal
💰 Some creators earn several thousands of euros per month solely from their loyal subscribers during live streams.
4. Brand Partnerships
If you have a loyal audience, brands will be willing to pay you to promote their products. We’re not talking about simple product placements, but strategic collaborations where you can negotiate deals for thousands of euros.
💡 Good tip: Sign up on platforms like TikTok Creator Marketplace or Neads to connect with brands without having to prospect yourself.
5. Sell Your Own Products or Services
Why limit yourself to sponsors when you can sell your own products? Some creators use TikTok Shop to sell physical items (t-shirts, cosmetics, accessories…). Others monetize their skills by selling courses, coaching, or ebooks.
6. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is earning a commission on sales of a product you recommend. If you create content around a specific niche (fitness, tech, beauty…), you can integrate affiliate links in your bio or video descriptions.
Example: if you make a video about the latest trendy smartphone, include a link to Amazon or another store. For each purchase through your link, you earn a percentage of the sales.
How Much Can You Really Earn on TikTok?
It depends on your strategy and your audience. Here’s a summary table of potential earnings based on the chosen monetization model:
| Monetization Method | Potential Earnings (per month) |
|---|---|
| TikTok Creator Fund | €10 – €500 |
| Creator Program | €500 – €10,000+ |
| LIVE Subscriptions | €100 – €5,000+ |
| Brand Partnerships | €1,000 – €50,000+ |
| Product Sales | Variable (€100 – €50,000+) |
| Affiliate Marketing | €50 – €5,000+ |
As you can see, the Creator Fund is not the best option. If you really want to make a living from TikTok, you need to combine multiple sources of income.
How to Maximize Your Earnings on TikTok
To not rely solely on one monetization method, here are some tips to optimize your earnings:
✅ Create engaging content: Videos that keep the audience longer are better rewarded
✅ Interact with your audience: The more you respond to comments and engage in discussions, the more your videos are boosted by the algorithm
✅ Exploit trends: Use trendy music and formats to maximize your visibility
✅ Don’t rely solely on the Creator Fund: Diversify your income sources (affiliate marketing, sales, subscriptions)
Do you want to succeed on TikTok in 2025? It’s not just about posting videos and hoping for a miracle. The creators who make money are those who treat their account like a real business.
If this article helped you, feel free to share it with your fellow creators or check out my other guides on social media monetization.
