TikTok, the social media platform that took the world by storm, has quickly become a hub for culture, politics, and fashion. Despite being less than a decade old, TikTok boasts nearly 108 million users in the US alone, with a significant Gen Z audience and a growing number of motivated shoppers. If you’re looking to tap into TikTok’s massive user base to build an audience and sell products, here are 13 strategies used by the platform’s top creators and marketers.
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Join the TikTok Creator Rewards Program: TikTok’s Creator Rewards Program is a pathway to earning for creators who produce original videos longer than one minute. By creating engaging content that captures moments like viral sensations, creators can earn boosted rewards based on the originality and popularity of their videos.
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Sell Merch: Whether you make dance videos or offer reading recommendations, all kinds of TikTok creators can make and sell merch for their fans. With a wide variety of print-on-demand companies on the market, creators can customize products like t-shirts, tote bags, hats, and more to match their channel’s vibe.
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Go Live for Virtual Gifts: TikTok’s LIVE Gifting feature allows creators to engage with their audience in real-time and receive virtual gifts that can be redeemed for payment. Going live is a great way to build valuable relationships with fans and showcase products for potential sales.
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Partner with Affiliates on Creator Marketplace: TikTok’s Creator Marketplace connects brands and creators for sponsored content collaborations. Brands looking to run affiliate marketing campaigns can browse the marketplace to find creators open to collaboration, making it easier to set up partnerships.
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Open a TikTok Shop: TikTok’s Shop feature allows users with business accounts to create shoppable videos and livestreams, reducing friction for audiences who want to shop products featured in videos. Integrating with a Shopify store can make it easy to showcase and sell products directly on TikTok.
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Create In-Feed Ads: TikTok’s ads manager allows creators to create in-feed ads that appear in users’ For You feeds. Paid ads can help reach audiences interested in specific products or services, and the ad manager seamlessly integrates with Shopify for tracking performance.
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Crowdfund Projects: Crowdfunding is an accessible donation method that creators can use to fund specific projects. Platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, Fundable, and Crowdcube offer different options for fundraising goals, making it easy to rally followers for support.
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Collect Tips: Tipping platforms allow viewers to donate to creators as a way of showing appreciation for their content. Platforms like TikTok gifts, Tipeee, Buy Me a Coffee, and Ko-fi offer ways for fans to support creators with small donations.
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Offer On- and Off-Platform Subscriptions: Subscriptions turn one-time viewers into long-term supporters by offering perks like badges, subscriber-only livestreams, and exclusive access to content. Platforms like Patreon allow creators to offer membership tiers with exclusive perks for supporters.
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Provide Exclusive Content with TikTok Series: TikTok Series allows creators to put up to 80 videos behind a paywall, directly compensating viewers for access to exclusive content. Series videos can be as long as 20 minutes, allowing creators to dive deep into specific topics.
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Grow and Sell TikTok Accounts: Creators can grow and sell TikTok accounts to businesses or influencers looking for a head start. Marketplaces like Flippa, Fameswap, and PlayerUp offer platforms for buying and selling social media accounts, showcasing metrics like follower count and engagement rates.
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Give Personalized Shout-Outs: Shout-outs are a fun way to connect with the audience and can be monetized by offering personalized messages for a fee. Platforms like Cameo allow influencers to offer personalized messages for a fee, or creators can offer shout-outs directly during livestreams in exchange for virtual gifts.
- 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 mobile top-ups.
Understanding your TikTok audience is crucial when it comes to monetizing your content. With a majority of users under 34 years old and a growing number of millennials joining the platform, knowing your audience demographics can help tailor your content and monetization strategies effectively.
In the creator economy, creators are not just artists but also entrepreneurs, marketers, salespeople, and more. By leveraging TikTok’s various monetization strategies, creators can turn their passion into a sustainable income stream. Remember to prioritize content quality and authenticity, as users appreciate good content over constant advertisements.
In conclusion, TikTok offers a range of opportunities for creators to make money, from the Creator Rewards Program to selling merch, going live for virtual gifts, and more. By understanding your audience, staying authentic, and exploring different monetization strategies, creators can tap into TikTok’s massive user base to build a successful and profitable presence on the platform.
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