TikTok, the popular social media platform known for its short-form videos, has quickly become a powerhouse in culture, politics, and fashion. Despite being less than 10 years old, TikTok boasts an impressive user base, with an estimated 113 million users in the US alone as of 2025. With a sizable Gen Z audience and millions of motivated shoppers, TikTok has become a go-to platform for creators and marketers looking to build an audience and sell products.
If you’re looking to leverage TikTok’s massive user base to make money, there are 13 strategies used by the platform’s top creators and marketers. From selling merch to offering subscriptions, there are numerous ways to monetize your TikTok presence.
Join the TikTok Creator Rewards Program: This program is for creators who produce original videos longer than one minute. By creating engaging content, you can earn boosted rewards based on the originality and popularity of your videos.
Sell Merch: Whether you make dance videos or offer reading recommendations, selling merch is a great way to connect with your fans and generate revenue. With a variety of print-on-demand companies available, you can customize products to match your channel’s vibe.
Go Live for Virtual Gifts: TikTok’s LIVE Gifting feature allows followers to send virtual gifts that can be redeemed for payment. Engaging with users live can help build valuable relationships with your fans and generate interest in your products.
Partner with Affiliates on Creator Marketplace: The Creator Marketplace connects brands with creators for sponsored content collaborations. Brands looking to run affiliate marketing campaigns can browse the marketplace for creators open to collaboration.
Open a TikTok Shop: TikTok Shop is a tool for in-app shopping, allowing users with business accounts to create shoppable videos and livestreams. You can sell your own products or promote products from affiliate partners through TikTok Shop.
Create In-Feed Ads: If you’re willing to spend to expand the reach of your content, consider creating in-feed ads with TikTok’s ads manager. Paid ads can help ensure your videos reach audiences most interested in your products or services.
Crowdfund Projects: Crowdfunding is an accessible donation method that can take many forms. You can use TikTok to rally your followers for startup funds for specific projects by setting up a funding goal and hosting live fundraising events.
Collect Tips: Tipping platforms allow viewers to thank you with small donations for your content. Whether through TikTok gifts or external tipping platforms like Tipeee or Buy Me a Coffee, collecting tips is a simple way to accept donations from your fans.
Offer On- and Off-Platform Subscriptions: Subscriptions turn one-time viewers into long-term supporters. You can offer subscriptions on TikTok for perks like badges, subscriber-only livestreams, and exclusive access to videos. Alternatively, you can promote subscriptions on external platforms like Patreon.
Provide Exclusive Content with TikTok Series: With TikTok Series, you can put up to 80 videos behind a paywall, allowing viewers to directly compensate you to access them. Series videos can be as long as 20 minutes, allowing you to dive deep into your channel’s subject matter.
Grow and Sell TikTok Accounts: If you have a knack for building engaging profiles and growing audiences, you can start a business as a channel seller by growing TikTok accounts and selling them to businesses or influencers looking for a head start.
Give Personalized Shout-Outs: Shout-outs are a fun way to connect with your audience and can be monetized by offering personalized messages for a fee. Platforms like Cameo have popularized this concept, allowing influencers to offer personalized messages to their fans.
Refer New TikTok Users: Active TikTok users can refer new users to the app in return for TikTok Rewards, virtual points earned by persuading people to join TikTok, interact with videos, and create content. Rewards can be converted into cash or redeemed for coupons and other rewards.
To effectively monetize your TikTok presence, it’s essential to understand your audience and create engaging content that resonates with them. By utilizing a combination of these strategies and staying true to your brand, you can tap into TikTok’s massive user base and generate revenue while building a loyal following. Remember, always prioritize creating valuable content for your audience, as authenticity and relevance are key to success on TikTok.
