How much money do TikTokers make? If you’ve ever scrolled through the app and wondered how these creators afford luxury vacations or fancy cars, you’re not alone. 

TikTok isn’t just an app for silly dances and lip-syncing; it’s become a legitimate money-making platform. 

From big-time influencers with millions of followers to smaller creators with niche audiences, TikTokers can make serious cash – but how much they make depends on a few key factors.

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty and explore how creators turn their TikTok fame into real money.

How Much Money do TikTokers Make

TikTokers don’t get paid just because their videos go viral. Unlike YouTube, TikTok doesn’t automatically pay creators for ad views. 

Instead, TikTokers rely on several income streams to make money. 

These include TikTok’s Creator Fund, brand deals, live gifts, and more.

1. TikTok Creator Fund: How It Works

The TikTok Creator Fund is one of the first ways many TikTok influencers earn money on the platform. 

TikTok pays creators based on how well their videos perform.

Here’s the breakdown:

• TikTok pays 2 to 4 cents per 1,000 views.
• A video with 1 million views might earn a TikTok influencer $20 to $40.
• The payout depends on factors like the creator’s location, engagement rates, and the type of TikTok content they produce.

For example, someone with a high-engagement audience in the U.S. will likely earn more per 1,000 views than someone in a less lucrative TikTok Creator Marketplace. 

However, many TikTokers complain that the Creator Fund doesn’t pay much – so it’s usually just one part of a creator’s income.

2. Brand Deals and Sponsorships: The Big Bucks

Brand deals are where TikTokers make the most money. Companies pay influencers to promote their products in TikTok videos. 

These deals can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands per post, depending on the creator’s following and engagement.

Here’s an estimate:

• Nano influencers (1,000–10,000 followers): $50–$300 per post.
• Micro influencers (10,000–100,000 followers): $300–$1,500 per post.
• Macro influencers (100,000–1 million followers): $1,500–$10,000 per post.
• Mega influencers (1 million+ followers): $10,000+ per post.

For example, Charli D’Amelio, one of TikTok’s biggest stars, reportedly earns $100,000–$150,000 per sponsored post (Forbes, 2023).

Why are brands willing to pay so much? 

TikTok’s algorithm promotes authentic content, and viewers trust influencers’ recommendations. 

A well-placed product in a viral TikTok can sell out in hours.

3. Live Gifts and Tips

TikTokers can also make money when they go live. Viewers send virtual gifts, which creators can exchange for real money.

• Virtual gifts cost viewers anywhere from $0.50 to $50, depending on the gift type.
• TikTok takes a significant cut (around 50%), so creators only keep half of the gift value.

For example:

• If a TikTok influencer earns $100 in virtual gifts during a live session, they’ll only pocket $50 after TikTok’s cut.

While it’s not as lucrative as brand deals, live gifts can add up, especially for creators who regularly engage with their followers.

4. Selling Merchandise

Some TikTokers make money by selling their own merchandise, such as T-shirts, hoodies, or mugs. 

This works well for creators with loyal fanbases.

A creator with 50,000 engaged followers could sell:

• 100 shirts at $25 each, earning $2,500.
• After production and shipping costs, they might keep $1,500–$2,000 in profit.

Platforms like Shopify or Teespring make it easy for creators to design and sell products directly to their audience.

5. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing allows TikTokers to earn a commission for every sale they generate with the TikTok’s Creativity Program Beta. 

Creators share affiliate links in their bios or video captions, and they get paid every time someone buys a product through their affiliate link.

• Commissions typically range from 5% to 20% of the product price.
• For example, if a TikToker promotes a $100 product with a 10% commission rate, they’ll earn $10 per sale.

6. Launching Courses or Paid Content

Creators with expertise in specific areas (e.g., fitness, cooking, or social media growth) often sell online courses or produce high-quality content.

• A TikToker with 100,000 followers could sell a $50 course to just 200 fans, making $10,000.
• Platforms like Patreon or Ko-fi allow creators to charge for exclusive content.

Factors That Affect TikTok Earnings on Your TikTok Account

When it comes to making money on TikTok, it’s not just about how many followers you have. 

Several factors influence how much you can earn, and understanding them can help you maximize your income. 

Let’s break these factors down so you can see why some creators earn more than others, even if they have fewer followers.

Engagement Rates: The True Measure of Success for TikTok Videos

Having a million followers might sound impressive, but if those followers aren’t engaging with your content, it’s not going to pay off. 

Engagement rates – likes, comments, shares, and overall interaction – matter far more than follower count.

Think about it: if a creator with 100,000 followers has a 10% engagement rate, their audience is much more valuable than someone with a million followers and only 1% engagement. 

Brands look for creators who can drive action, whether it’s buying a product, downloading an app, or simply watching a video. 

Engagement shows loyalty, and loyal followers are more likely to take action.

So, if you’re aiming to make money on TikTok, don’t just chase followers. Focus on creating content that people can’t help but interact with. 

Whether it’s asking a question, starting a trend, or posting relatable skits, keeping your audience involved is key.

Location: Where You Live Matters More Than You Think

It might sound unfair, but where you live plays a big role in how much you can earn on TikTok. 

Creators in countries like the United States, Canada, or the UK tend to earn more because brands in these markets are willing to pay higher rates.

TikTok also pays differently through its TikTok Creator Fund depending on your location. 

For instance, someone in the U.S. might earn twice as much as a creator in a smaller market for the same number of views. 

This difference is due to ad budgets and purchasing power in different regions.

If you’re not in a high-paying region, it doesn’t mean you can’t succeed. It just means you might need to diversify your income streams or focus on reaching a global audience. 

Many creators overcome this by targeting international trends or appealing to brands that market globally.

Niche: Why It’s Better to Go Deep Than Broad

Your niche can make or break your earnings on TikTok. 

Certain niches naturally attract higher-paying opportunities, while others are less profitable. 

For example, beauty, fitness, technology, and fashion are all highly sought-after categories because brands in these industries have large advertising budgets.

If you’re creating content in a niche with lots of advertisers, you can charge more for sponsorships and brand deals. 

On the other hand, if your content is more general or doesn’t fit a specific category, it might be harder to attract lucrative partnerships.

But here’s the good news: even smaller niches can pay off if you build a loyal, targeted audience. 

A creator focused on sustainable living might not have millions of followers, but they can still attract eco-conscious brands willing to pay a premium for authentic content. 

The key is to find a niche you’re passionate about and consistently produce quality content that resonates with your audience.

Consistency: The Power of Showing Up

Consistency isn’t just a nice-to-have on TikTok – it’s essential. 

Creators who post regularly and engage with their audience earn more for a simple reason: the more active you are, the more chances you have to go viral and secure brand deals.

Think of it like this: TikTok rewards creators who keep their followers entertained. If you’re only posting once a month, the algorithm is less likely to promote your content. 

But if you’re uploading high-quality videos multiple times a week, TikTok is more likely to push your content to new viewers.

Consistency also builds trust with your audience. If your followers know they can count on you for regular updates, they’re more likely to engage with your posts. 

This, in turn, boosts your chances of landing sponsorships and other monetization opportunities.

Tips for Aspiring TikTokers

If you’re dreaming of turning TikTok into a source of income, it’s not just about uploading random videos and hoping one goes viral. 

Success on TikTok requires strategy, creativity, and consistency. 

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, these tips will help you build your audience and boost your earning potential.

Boost Your Growth With SidesMedia

One of the best ways to jumpstart your TikTok journey is to get a little help. 

We at SidesMedia offer real, high-quality TikTok views to give your videos the exposure they deserve. 

Let’s face it, TikTok is competitive. A video with a higher view count is more likely to catch people’s attention, and the algorithm rewards content that looks popular.

Buying views from SidesMedia doesn’t just increase your numbers – it increases your chances of going viral. 

With trusted services that focus on real engagement, we can help you stand out and get noticed by new audiences. 

If you’re serious about growing your TikTok account, this is a smart first step.

Focus on Engagement Over Views

While views matter, engagement is what truly drives success on TikTok. 

Likes, comments, shares, and saves show that people aren’t just watching your content but actively enjoying it. This is what brands care about most.

To boost engagement:

• Ask questions in your captions or videos. For example, “What’s your favorite TikTok trend right now?”
• Create content that encourages duets or stitches, which naturally get people involved.
• Respond to comments to keep conversations going. Followers love when TikTok creators interact with them.

The more people engage with your content, the more TikTok will push it out to others. It’s a cycle that can lead to more views and, eventually, more money.

Find and Stick to Your Niche

TikTok is full of creators, so how do you stand out? 

The answer is to build a niche. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, focus on a specific topic or interest you’re passionate about.

For example:

• If you love cooking, share quick and creative recipes.
• If you’re into fitness, post short workouts or tips for staying healthy.
• If you’re funny, create skits or relatable humor that fits your personality.

Brands prefer niche creators because they know their audiences are highly targeted and engaged. 

A TikToker who’s all about skincare is much more valuable to a beauty brand than a general lifestyle creator with the same number of followers.

Diversify Your Income Streams

If you want to make serious money on TikTok, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Relying solely on the Creator Fund or one-off brand deals isn’t sustainable. 

The top TikTokers combine multiple revenue streams to maximize their earnings.

Here are a few ways to diversify:

• Partner with brands for sponsorships.
• Use affiliate marketing to earn commissions from product sales.
• Sell your own merchandise or digital products.
• Go live regularly to receive gifts and tips from your followers.

By spreading out your income sources, you’ll have a more stable and consistent flow of money, even if one area slows down.

Conclusion

So, how much money do TikTokers make? The answer varies widely, from a few dollars per month for smaller creators to millions for the biggest names. 

While the TikTok app offers plenty of opportunities, making a full-time income takes a lot of work, consistency, and creativity.

In my opinion, TikTok is a great platform to explore if you’re passionate about creating content. Just remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. 

Focus on building an audience first, and the money will follow. 

Who knows? Your next post could be the one that changes everything.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do TikTokers with 1 million followers make?

TikTokers with 1 million followers can make anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 per post, depending on their engagement rate and niche. 

Creators in highly profitable niches like beauty, fitness, or tech can charge more because their audience is more valuable to brands.

For example, if a creator with 1 million followers has an engaged audience that interacts with their content regularly, they can command top dollar for sponsored posts. 

If you’re struggling to grow to that level, using a service like SidesMedia to boost your views and visibility can give you the edge you need.

Remember, followers are only part of the equation. Engagement rates, quality content, and diverse income streams also determine how much a TikToker earns.

How much do you get paid on TikTok?

TikTok pays creators through its Creator Fund, but the earnings are relatively low. 

On average, TikTokers earn 2 to 4 cents per 1,000 views. This means a video with 1 million views could earn $20 to $40.

While this might sound disappointing, TikTok’s real money comes from brand deals, affiliate marketing, and live gifts. 

A creator can earn thousands from a single sponsorship if they know how to leverage their audience.

If you’re just starting out and struggling to get noticed, SidesMedia can help by increasing your views and giving your videos the visibility they deserve. 

More views can attract more followers and open doors to bigger opportunities.

Who is the highest paid on TikTok?

The highest-paid TikToker is Charli D’Amelio, who earned an estimated $17.5 million in 2022 (Forbes). 

Her income comes from brand deals, her own product lines, and other ventures outside TikTok, like her family’s reality show and partnerships with major companies like Dunkin’ and Morphe.

Other top earners include Addison Rae, who made $8.5 million, and Bella Poarch, who earned around $5 million. 

These creators have leveraged their TikTok fame to build multi-platform careers, but their success started with consistently creating engaging content that resonated with viewers.

How much do 100k followers on TikTok make?

TikTokers with 100,000 followers typically earn $200 to $1,000 per sponsored post, depending on their engagement and niche. 

Micro-influencers in targeted niches often have higher engagement rates, which makes their smaller audience more valuable to brands.

For creators in this range, monetizing effectively means diversifying income streams. 

In addition to sponsorships, they can make money through live gifts, affiliate marketing, and even selling their own products or services.

If you’re close to reaching this milestone but struggling with growth, SidesMedia can help you gain traction by boosting your views and engagement. 

A higher number of views and interactions increases your chances of landing partnerships and earning more.