President Donald Trump’s recent executive order has extended the timeline for TikTok to determine its future in the United States. The order comes after the Supreme Court upheld a law requiring ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, to sell the app by January 19th, or face a ban in the country. Despite ByteDance failing to sell the app by the deadline, Trump’s executive order signed the following day has delayed the enforcement of the ban for 75 days. This decision was made as China indicated a willingness to negotiate a deal to keep TikTok operational in the U.S.
While TikTok users can once again access the app, it remains unavailable for download on Apple and Google app stores. U.S. regulators and ByteDance may still negotiate a compromise or sale, or further intervention by Trump could shape the app’s future. In the midst of this uncertainty, many are wondering how TikTokers make money and how they can transition from viewers to creators.
One of the most common ways TikTokers make money is by marketing their businesses and attracting new clients. Keira Jones, a California-based TikToker who also manages and advises brands on the platform, highlights that TikTok is an incredible way to drive traffic to other channels such as websites, email lists, or YouTube channels. For example, Orlando-based TikToker Connie Rietdyk has leveraged her expertise in website design and search engine optimization to attract paying clients through her TikTok posts.
In addition to marketing businesses, TikTokers can also earn money through sponsorships. Brands are often willing to pay content creators who can connect them to their target audience. By creating niche content that resonates with a specific audience, TikTokers can attract sponsorships from companies looking to tap into that market. The Creator Marketplace on TikTok provides a platform for content creators to connect with brands and negotiate paid deals.
Another way for TikTokers to monetize their content is through TikTok’s Creator Rewards Program. This program allows users with at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 video views in the last 30 days to earn rewards for publishing longer videos featuring high-quality content. The program offers a higher average gross revenue for qualified video views, giving creators the potential to collect higher rewards.
TikTokers can also earn money through gifting, where viewers can send gifts to creators during live sessions. These gifts contribute to a creator’s diamond count, which can be redeemed for rewards such as money or virtual items. Additionally, TikTok Shop enables creators and businesses to directly sell products to viewers through livestreams, shoppable videos, and in-app shops.
To succeed in making money on TikTok, creators should find their niche, be authentic, serve their audience, and set small goals. By using multiple strategies such as sponsorships, the Creator Rewards Program, gifting, and TikTok Shop, TikTokers can create a potentially profitable platform for themselves. Ultimately, TikTok is a platform that values authenticity and connection with the audience, making it essential for creators to stay true to themselves while engaging with their followers.