How Many TikTok Followers Do You Need To Make Money? (2025)

With over 78% of Gen Z using TikTok monthly, TikTok has taken the social media landscape by storm, emerging as a powerful platform for creators and brands alike. With its rapid growth, many individuals are eager to explore how to capitalize on their content and creativity.

The big question on everyone’s mind is: How many TikTok followers do you need to make money? While having a large audience is advantageous, TikTok offers multiple monetization options that allow creators with even a modest following to generate income.

There are various ways to earn, from the Creator Rewards Program and brand partnerships to livestream gifts and sponsored content.

In this article, I discuss TikTok followers threshold and strategies that can help you start monetizing your TikTok presence.

Understanding the TikTok Platform

TikTok is a social media platform for short-form videos. It allows users to create, share, and discover content in a fun and engaging way.

The platform thrives on trends, challenges, and viral content. By leveraging its algorithm, you can reach a broader audience based on your interests and engagement.

Key components of TikTok include:

• User Engagement: Engagement is crucial. Likes, comments, shares, and follows amplify your reach.
• Creator Fund: You can earn money through the TikTok Creator Fund once you meet eligibility criteria.
• Live Streaming: This feature allows you to connect with your audience in real time and earn gifts that can be converted to cash.

Engagement strategies include creating relatable content, participating in challenges, and utilizing trending sounds. As you grow your presence, focus on building a community that engages with your content.

Monetization Methods on TikTok

Exploring monetization methods on TikTok can unlock creators’ revenue opportunities. Several strategies allow you to capitalize on your content and audience engagement.

Below are essential techniques that can enhance your earnings on the platform:

Sponsored Content

Sponsored content is a primary way to earn money on TikTok. Brands pay creators to promote their products or services through engaging videos.

To get started, build a loyal following and a recognizable style. Reach out to brands or join influencer marketing platforms connecting creators with companies.

66.9% of content creators say they earn the most income from sponsored posts and brand deals.

When creating sponsored content, maintain authenticity. Your audience appreciates genuine recommendations. Disclose partnerships in your posts to comply with advertising regulations.

This approach can yield significant income, especially if you collaborate with well-known brands.

TikTok Creator Rewards Program

According to TikTok, the Creator Rewards Program (formerly known as the Creativity Program Beta) is designed to reward creators for making “high-quality, original content that is over a minute long.”

In a press release, TikTok also said that thanks to the Creator Rewards, creator earnings have jumped 250% from September 2023 to March 2024, and that the number of creators making $50,000 a month has nearly doubled.

The TikTok Creator Rewards Program allows eligible creators to earn money based on the performance of their videos. You need 10,000 authentic followers and 100,000 views in the last 30 days to qualify.

You must also be 18 or older, have a personal account in good standing, and reside in eligible countries such as the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Brazil, Japan or Korea.

Once accepted, you receive payments based on factors like engagement and views.

To qualify for TikTok Creator Rewards, eligible creators need to post longer videos of over one minute. TikTok actively encourages creators to produce even longer content, allowing videos up to 10 minutes directly from the app and horizontal videos up to 30 minutes when uploaded via the TikTok website.

Livestream Gifting

Livestream gifting enables your followers to send virtual gifts during your live streams, which can later be converted into real money. You can convert virtual gifts earned during TikTok lives into Diamonds, with each Diamond typically paying out at around 5 cents. 

To maximize earnings, engage actively with your audience during streams. Make your content entertaining and interactive to encourage gifting.

TikTok Live gifts typically have little impact. While they range in value from $0.01 to $562.48, most stickers are only worth a few cents.

TikTok awards a percentage of the gifts received. Successful live streams can significantly enhance your earnings, creating a direct connection with your fans.

For example, Jakey Boehm, an Australian creator who livestreams on TikTok while he sleeps, told Business Insider that he earned $34,000 from TikTok Live monthly.

TikTok Effect Creator Rewards Program

Launched in May 2023, TikTok’s Effect Creator Rewards program provides augmented-reality creators with earnings for effects featured in at least 500,000 videos. Initially backed by a $6 million fund, this program was open to creators aged 18 and over in the U.S., U.K., France, Italy, Spain, and Germany.

In October, TikTok expanded the program, reducing the qualifying threshold to 200,000 videos and making it accessible to creators in additional regions. This broadened opportunities for AR creators to monetize their work.

TikTok’s Creator Marketplace

The TikTok Creator Marketplace is a platform connecting brands with creators for collaborations. It simplifies finding sponsorship deals and negotiating contracts.

You can showcase your profile and pitch your ideas directly to brands. This platform helps streamline relationships and often leads to higher-paying opportunities.

Make sure your profile reflects your niche and audience engagement. Being active in the Marketplace increases your visibility and chances of securing lucrative partnerships.

TikTok Shop Affiliate Program

The TikTok Shop Affiliate Program allows you to earn income by creating videos with shoppable tags, enabling you to earn commissions from sales generated through your content. You can tag products in your videos or during live streams, earning a percentage based on successful conversions.

Requirements for joining the Shop Affiliate Program vary by country. According to TikTok, creators in the U.S. need a minimum of 5,000 followers.

In the U.K., creators qualify with at least 1,000 followers and 50 video views within the past 28 days.

According to Business Insider, beauty and shopping content creator Jeneen Sahtout, earned close to $6,000 in commissions in April 2023 by driving around $40,000 in product sales.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services through unique referral links. When your audience purchases through these links, you earn a commission.

Join affiliate programs related to your content niche. Share your links in your bio or video descriptions. Create engaging content that effectively highlights the products.

This method can provide passive income and is scalable, as you can simultaneously promote multiple products from different brands.

Brand Partnerships

Brand partnerships often lead to long-term collaborations that benefit both parties. You can create innovative content that seamlessly integrates their products by working alongside brands.

Focus on building relationships with brands that align with your values and style. More extended partnerships typically yield higher compensation compared to one-off collaborations.

Successful brand partnerships can bolster your reputation and expand your audience through co-marketing efforts.

Merchandise Sales

Selling merchandise allows you to leverage your brand for additional income. This can include items like clothing, accessories, or digital products.

Set up an online store and promote your merchandise in your videos. Use engaging content to showcase how your audience can benefit from your products.

Merchandise sales provide income and enhance your connection with fans; they feel more involved in supporting your brand.

Cross Promotion on Other Social Media

Utilizing other social media platforms for cross-promotion can significantly enhance your earnings on TikTok. Expanding your presence can drive traffic to your TikTok profile and other income streams.

Share snippets of your TikTok content on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube. Encourage followers on those platforms to engage with your TikTok videos.

This strategy increases your visibility and can lead to more sponsorship and affiliate opportunities and higher engagement across all platforms.

Other Factors Influencing TikTok Earning Potential

Your earning potential on TikTok is influenced by several critical factors beyond just the number of followers.

Engaging Content

Creating engaging content is essential for attracting and retaining followers. High-quality, entertaining videos are more likely to be shared, which increases your reach. Consider enhancing your videos with popular trends, soundtracks, and innovative editing techniques.

Also, strive for authenticity. Viewers appreciate genuine creators, which can lead to higher engagement.

State your personality and show what makes you unique. Post consistently to maintain visibility in your audience’s feed and keep them coming back for more.

Content Niche

The niche you choose can significantly affect your earnings on TikTok. Specific niches like beauty, fashion, and fitness tend to attract more sponsorships and brand deals due to high audience interest.

Research trends within your niche to produce content that appeals to your target demographic.

For example, educational niches may lead to informative brand partnerships. A targeted approach helps you connect with brands looking for specific audiences, potentially increasing your earning opportunities.

Engagement Rates

Engagement rates are a critical metric for your earning potential. Platforms often prioritize content with higher engagement, which includes likes, shares, and comments. A higher engagement rate indicates that your audience is invested in your content.

For example, some TikTok accounts with 5,000 followers may achieve higher engagement rates than those with 50,000. This means that the smaller account may connect better with its audience.

If you maintain an engagement rate of around 2% or higher, your chances of attracting brand deals significantly improve as companies look for creators who can effectively connect with their audience.

Take the time to research and analyze who your followers are and when they’re likely to be online. This data will help you decide the best time to post on TikTok.

Take note of each post’s engagement and use this data to refine your posting schedule. If you see a pattern emerging, adjust your future posts accordingly to maximize engagement on each post.

To foster an engaged TikTok community, consider these strategies:

• Ask Questions: Encourage viewers to comment by asking open-ended questions about your content.
• Respond to Comments: Show your followers you value their input by replying to comments promptly.
• Create Challenges: Initiate challenges that invite participation, enhancing interaction.

When your audience engages deeply, it boosts your visibility on the platform, which can attract brands for partnerships. This interaction demonstrates an active community, making you more appealing for monetization opportunities.

Audience Demographics

Understanding your audience demographics is vital when maximizing your earnings on TikTok. Brands often seek specific age groups, gender distributions, and interests when selecting influencers for collaborations.

If your followers primarily consist of a sought-after demographic, you may command higher rates for sponsorships. Use TikTok analytics to gain insights into your audience’s age, location, and preferences.

Tailoring your content to this demographic can also improve audience retention and engagement, enhancing your earning potential.

Case Studies of Successful TikTok Creators

Many TikTok creators have effectively monetized their accounts, illustrating various paths to success based on follower counts and strategic content creation.

Nano-influencers (1,000 – 10,000 followers) may have smaller followings, but their audiences are often highly engaged. Brands recognize this loyalty and trust, making nano-influencers effective for grassroots marketing. At this level, creators can join the TikTok Creator Rewards Program.

Micro-influencers (10,000 – 50,000 followers)often serve highly targeted audiences, making them valuable for brands looking to engage niche communities.

An example is Jalyn Baiden, who has 26.8k followers and said in an interview with Business Insider that she charges around $1000 per sponsored post.

Jalyn Baiden makes over $26,000 in less than a year from sponsorships, commissioned content for brands, and affiliate marketing.

Paulina Perez, a mid-tier influencer with over 152,000 followers on TikTok has said that she charges between $1250 and $1750 for a sponsored post on TikTok.

Mega-influencers (1,000,000+) have massive reach and are frequently considered celebrities in their own right. Their content spans different niches and is often backed by extensive marketing and brand partnership opportunities.

Jenny Martinez is a mega influencer with over 3.7 million followers on TikTok. Jenny’s TikTok features easy, relatable family recipes that resonate with parents, beginners, and busy professionals.

Jenny collaborates with brands in the food and kitchenware industries. She regularly posts sponsored content for appliances, meal kit subscriptions, and specialty ingredients, giving viewers valuable product recommendations.

An example of a mega-celebrity influencer is Charli D’Amelio, with 155.7 million followers.

Charli’s rise on TikTok began with dance trends, but she expanded her brand to encompass lifestyle, beauty, and fashion. Her relatability and dancing talent resonated with teens and Gen Z.

She charges over $100,000 per sponsored post and has sponsored posts for such brands as Prada, Sony, Chipotle, Revlon, Hollister, Dunkin’ Donuts, EOS Skincare and many more.

Building and Growing Your TikTok Presence

Each element plays a crucial role in attracting followers and enhancing your reach.

Content Strategy

Creating high-quality, engaging content is essential for your TikTok growth. Start by determining your niche based on your interests and strengths. This could be anything from cooking to fitness or comedy.

Tailor your content to resonate with your target audience and convey a clear message. Use a mix of video formats, such as tutorials, challenges, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, to keep your feed diverse.

Incorporate storytelling that captures attention within the first few seconds. Remember, the first three seconds are critical for viewer retention. Engaging and authentic content encourages users to interact with and share your videos.

Consistency

Consistency is key when it comes to TikTok. Establish a posting schedule that works for you and stick to it.

Aim for at least 3-5 posts per week to maintain visibility. Regular uploads keep your audience engaged and signal to the algorithm that you’re an active content creator. Consider using a content calendar to plan your videos in advance.

This way, you can align your posts with trends, holidays, or upcoming events relevant to your niche. Make sure to interact with comments on your videos consistently to strengthen your connection with followers and encourage them to return.

Trends

Participating in current trends, challenges, and viral content can significantly boost your follower count. Trends often dictate what content receives high engagement on TikTok.

Keep an eye on the “For You” page and trending sounds or challenges, and jump on them quickly. Create your unique take on these trends to stand out. Use established formats, adapt them to your style, and add your spin.

Engaging in trending content shows that you’re in tune with the platform and its community, making your profile appealing to potential followers.

Hashtags

Using effective hashtags can enhance your video’s reach and visibility. While it’s tempting to use popular hashtags, consider using a blend of trending and niche-specific tags for optimal results.

Research popular hashtags within your niche to attract your target audience. Limit your hashtags to about 5 to 10 relevant ones per post for maximum impact without overwhelming viewers.

You can also create a unique branded hashtag for your content, encouraging users to engage further with your posts. Remember, good hashtag strategy helps categorize your content and makes it discoverable to users interested in your niche.

Collaborations

Collaborating with other TikTok creators can expand your reach significantly. Partnering with users who have similar or complementary audiences exposes you to their followers while providing fresh content for both parties.

Identify creators who align with your niche and propose a collaboration idea that benefits both. These can include duets, challenges, or shoutouts. Engage with their content before reaching out to establish a rapport.

Collaborations foster community growth and can yield new insights and creative approaches for your own content.

Understanding TikTok Analytics

Utilizing TikTok analytics allows you to assess and improve your content strategy effectively. Monitor key metrics such as views, likes, shares, and follower growth to gauge what works and what doesn’t.

Pay attention to the demographics of your audience, including their activity times. This information can help you tailor your content to better suit your viewers. Regularly revisiting your analytics ensures you adapt your content strategy and refine your approach based on real-time data.

Leverage insights from successful posts to replicate your best-performing videos and engage your audience effectively.

Final Thoughts

Building a following on TikTok is essential for monetization, but it’s not the only factor. You should aim for at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 video views in the past 30 days to qualify for direct TikTok payout opportunities.

Engagement is key. Your audience’s interaction with your content, such as likes, comments, and shares, can significantly impact your earning potential.

Consider the following:

• Engagement Rate: A higher engagement rate often translates to better monetization opportunities.
• Content Quality: Focus on creating high-quality, entertaining videos that resonate with your audience.
• Authenticity: Genuine connections with your viewers can lead to deeper loyalty and increased earnings.

While the follower count is important, don’t overlook the value of engaging content. Utilize features like live streaming to further boost your income. Successful creators often earn substantial amounts from gifts received during live sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does TikTok creators with over 1 million followers make?

TikTok creators with 1 million followers or more can expect to make an average of $1,500 per post for branded content. 

What are the potential earnings for an account with 10,000 followers on TikTok?

An account with 10,000 followers can potentially earn through the Creator Rewards Program and brand collaborations. Payments from the Creator Rewards Program may range based on views, while brand deals can give you $25 – $150 per post depending on your niche and engagement rates.

What does TikTok pay for 1 million views?

TikTok payouts for 1 million views can range from $20 to $40, depending on engagement and participation in the Creator Rewards Program. The earning potential also can grow with effective branding and audience engagement strategies.

How many views do you need on TikTok to start generating revenue?

To start generating revenue through the Creator Rewards Program, you typically need to achieve 100,000 views within the last 30 days, along with the required follower count of at least 10,000.

At what follower threshold can a TikTok user participate in live streams?

You can participate in TikTok live streams once you reach 1,000 followers. This allows you to engage with your audience in real-time and receive virtual gifts during your broadcasts.