You’re scrolling through TikTok late at night, laughing at funny videos, double-tapping cool dance clips, and then it hits you: people are actually making money doing this. TikTok has grown into more than just a place for trends and memes; it’s opened doors for creators around the world to earn a living from what they love posting.
At Remitly, we understand how important it is to find new ways to make money, especially when you’re building a life in a new country. That’s why we’ve put this guide together. We’ll walk you through how people turn their TikTok videos into real income, share tips to help you get started, and include a few inspiring stories along the way.
Why TikTok is a goldmine for creators
TikTok might feel like it popped up out of nowhere, but it’s been shaking up the social media world since its launch in 2016. What started as a platform for short, snappy videos has grown into a global stage where anyone, from students sharing life hacks to artists showcasing their talents, can reach millions of people.
Unlike Instagram or YouTube, where growth can feel like a slow climb, TikTok gives you a real shot at being discovered, even if you’re brand new to creating content. Its algorithm is designed to promote videos based on what people love watching, not just who they follow, meaning that one great post could be your ticket to going viral overnight.
But the magic of TikTok isn’t just about numbers, it’s about connection. Whether you’re sharing beauty tips, fitness routines, gaming clips, or something totally niche, there’s a corner of TikTok waiting for you. The platform rewards creativity and authenticity over polished perfection, making it a great place to show up as yourself and find people who genuinely vibe with your content.
Finding your niche
TikTok isn’t just for big, mainstream trends. It’s the home of small communities that truly care about what you’re posting. Love caring for houseplants? Obsessed with DIY crafts or retro gaming? There’s a whole group of people who want to see exactly that.
The more specific your niche, the more likely you are to build a loyal audience who feel like they’ve finally found “their people.” And when that trust builds, opportunities to earn, through brand deals, collaborations, and more, naturally follow.
How TikTok creators make money
TikTok offers multiple ways to earn. But it’s not just about posting cute dances and hoping for the best. Creators are finding strategic ways to turn their TikTok content into real income.
TikTok Creator Fund: The beginner’s ticket
The TikTok Creator Fund is one of the easiest ways to start earning money. If you have at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 video views in the last 30 days, you’re eligible to join.
Once you’re in, TikTok pays you based on how many views and how much engagement your videos get. On average, creators earn around $0.02 to $0.04 per 1,000 views. While it’s not a huge amount initially, if you’re posting regularly and gaining traction, it can add up. Plus, once you’re in the Creator Fund, you’ll be eligible for more opportunities as your content continues to grow.
Pro Tip: The more you post, the better chance you have of making money from the Creator Fund. TikTok rewards consistency, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t see huge payouts right away.
Brand partnerships and sponsorships: Cashing in on your influence
Brands are always looking for influencers to promote their products. This is where things can get exciting. You don’t need millions of followers to land deals. Creators with just 50,000 followers can earn between $500 and $1,000 per sponsored post.
Building relationships with brands can take time, but the key to successful partnerships is authenticity. Brands want to work with creators who not only have a large following but also with a voice that resonates with their audience.
How much you can make varies a lot based on your following and engagement. A creator with 10,000 followers might make $250-500 per sponsored post. But influencers with a larger following, say, 1 million followers, can earn anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000 per sponsored post.
Selling products or services: Turning TikTok into a business
TikTok is an incredible platform for selling your own products or services. Many creators have used TikTok as a launchpad for their own businesses. Whether it’s physical products like clothing or accessories, or digital products like eBooks or courses, TikTok can drive a ton of traffic to your site.
TikTok’s “link in bio” feature and shoppable posts make it easier than ever to promote and sell your products directly. But remember, the more you showcase the value of your products through storytelling, the more your audience will connect with your brand and, ultimately, buy from you.
Live gifting and tips: Engage and earn
Live streaming on TikTok opens up another revenue stream. You can host live sessions, and during those streams, your viewers can send virtual gifts that convert into real money. This is one of the most interactive ways to make money, and it’s a favorite for creators who have a loyal fan base.
But your live streams need to be engaging. Ask questions, take requests, or give sneak peeks into your personal life or behind-the-scenes action. The more personal and interactive you get, the more likely your viewers are to send gifts.
You could host Q&As, product demos, or even just casual hangout sessions to make the most out of live gifting. Fans love supporting creators they feel connected to, so make it worth their while.
Affiliate marketing: Get paid to recommend
Affiliate marketing is another great way to monetize your TikTok content. This method allows you to promote a product and include a unique link or code in your bio. When someone buys using your affiliate link, you earn a commission.
The key to success in affiliate marketing is trust. Your followers will only use your affiliate links if they trust your opinion. Promote products that you genuinely believe in, and avoid promoting too many at once. It’s better to build a reputation around a few reliable products than overwhelm your followers with constant ads.
Factors that influence TikTok earnings
While TikTok offers tons of opportunities to make money, not everyone earns the same amount.
Follower count vs. engagement rates
Having a large following is nice, but it’s the engagement that matters. High engagement means your followers are genuinely interacting with your content, liking, commenting, sharing. And the more your followers engage with your content, the more opportunities you’ll have for monetization. You don’t need millions of followers to start earning; even a small but engaged community can generate income.
The power of your niche
Certain niches, like beauty, fitness, tech, or lifestyle, tend to have higher CPM (Cost Per Mille) because they attract brands that are willing to pay more for exposure. Creators in these niches often get more sponsorship offers, as brands know their audience is valuable.
Geographic impact
Not all regions have the same CPM rates. For example, creators in the US typically earn higher rates than creators in other countries. If your audience is in a high-CPM region, you can expect to earn more per 1,000 views. This is something to keep in mind as you grow your following.
How much money can you make on TikTok?
What makes TikTok exciting is that you don’t need millions of followers to start making money. Brands love TikTok because it feels real and personal, and that means even small creators have opportunities to earn.
Nano creators (1,000–10,000 followers)
If you’re just starting out but have a loyal, engaged audience, you’re already valuable to brands. Many small businesses prefer working with nano creators because they feel authentic and trustworthy. Earnings here might be $50 per post, with the chance to get free products, early access to launches, or small brand collaborations that help you grow.
Micro creators (10,000–50,000 followers)
This is where you can start turning TikTok into a solid side hustle. With a consistent audience, you can land more brand deals and try affiliate marketing links that pay you for sales.
Typical earnings at this level range from $500 to $200 per post, depending on engagement rates and the niche you’re in. Some creators also join TikTok’s Creator Fund or earn extra through live gifting during streams.
Macro creators (50,000–100,000 followers)
Once you hit this level, opportunities expand. Sponsored content deals become more frequent, and brands are willing to pay more because they know your audience trusts you. Many mid-sized creators make anywhere from $2000 to $10,000 per post, with added income from affiliates, live streams, and brand partnerships that can turn one video into a long-term collaboration.
Mega creators (1M+ followers)
This is where TikTok can truly change your life. Big brands compete for your content, and creators often charge anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000 (or more) per sponsored post. Many top-tier influencers launch their own product lines, collaborate with global brands, or even start their own businesses, using TikTok as the foundation.
Tips to maximize TikTok earnings
So, you’ve started posting on TikTok, maybe made a little money, and now you’re thinking, “How do I turn this into something bigger?” The good news is there are real, practical ways to make your content work harder for you, and none of them require selling out or being someone you’re not.
Jump on trends (but make them your own)
TikTok is built on trends, sounds, challenges, filters, you name it. Getting in on what’s popular can give your videos a huge visibility boost.
But here’s the trick: don’t just copy what everyone else is doing. Add your own twist so people remember you, not just the trend. The more eyes on your videos, the more chances you have for brand deals, affiliate clicks, and live gifting.
You don’t need fancy equipment or a professional setup. What really gets people watching and sharing is content that feels relatable, funny, or genuinely helpful. Think of the videos you send to your friends; that’s the kind of content that grows an audience and attracts brands willing to pay for space on your page.
Talk to your audience
TikTok isn’t a one-way street. Reply to comments, collaborate with other creators, ask questions, and make your followers feel like they’re part of the journey.
The stronger your connection with them, the more likely they’ll support you, whether that’s buying through your affiliate links, sending gifts on live streams, or just hyping you up so brands take notice.
Post consistently, even when it’s slow
TikTok’s algorithm loves consistency. Posting regularly keeps you on people’s feeds and increases your odds of a video blowing up. It’s not about perfection, it’s about showing up and building momentum over time.
Making money on TikTok won’t happen overnight. But with creativity, persistence, and a little strategy, it can grow from a fun side hustle to a steady income stream. Whether you’re making a few hundred dollars a month or dreaming of going full-time, there’s room for everyone on TikTok.
And when it’s time to send your hard-earned money back home to support loved ones, Remitly makes it fast, secure, and affordable, so your success goes even further.
FAQ
How much money can a beginner make on TikTok?
Beginners typically make $50–$100 per post from small brand partnerships, affiliate links, or the TikTok Creator Fund. It may not be much at first, but it can grow as your audience does.
What is the TikTok Creator Fund, and how much can I earn?
The TikTok Creator Fund pays creators based on video views. While the pay isn’t massive, with reports estimating around $0.02–$0.04 per 1,000 views, it can add up if you consistently post engaging content.
Can I make money on TikTok with a small following?
Yes. Many creators with as few as 10,000 followers make money through affiliate marketing, brand partnerships, and the Creator Fund. The key is building an engaged community, not just a big follower count.