How to Make Money on TikTok: A Step-by-Step Guide [2025]

TikTok’s a total blast with over a billion users, turning silly dance videos and quick tutorials into legit cash for creators. But sorting out how to make money on TikTok can feel like solving a mystery, with so many options and pesky requirements. How do you turn your clips into a paycheck? This guide’s got your back with super fun ways to cash in and easy steps to kick off your hustle. Let’s make your TikTok game absolutely pop!

Part 1: What Are the Different Ways to Make Money on TikTok?

TikTok’s packed with ways to turn your content into cash, whether you’re a gamer, chef, or meme master. Here’s the lowdown on the top methods to stack those coins.

Creator Fund: If you’ve got 10,000 followers and 100,000 video views in the last 30 days, TikTok’s Creator Fund pays per view, about $0.02–$0.04 per 1,000. I joined at 12,000 followers, and it’s a sweet side gig, though it’s more pocket change than a jackpot.

Brand Sponsorships: Team up with brands to promote their stuff in your videos. Engagement—likes, comments, shares—matters more than raw follower count. My friend scored a $500 deal with a local brand at 5,000 followers just by owning her fitness niche with killer content.

Selling Your Own Products/Merch: Use TikTok Shop or a bio link to sell your own gear, like custom tees or digital guides. A buddy of mine sells handmade candles through TikTok Shop, and her sales blew up after a viral video. It’s perfect for turning fans into buyers.

Affiliate Marketing: Share affiliate links in your bio or videos to earn a cut per sale. Pick products your audience vibes with, like beauty or tech gear. I dropped a skincare link in a makeup tutorial and made $20 per sale—small posts, big bucks over time!

Live Gifts/Tips: Go live with 1,000 followers and let viewers send virtual gifts, like digital hearts, that convert to cash. My cousin’s live dance streams pull in $50–$100 a month from fans tossing gifts. It’s all about engaging your crowd to keep ‘em generous.

Each method’s got its vibe—Creator Fund for steady cash, sponsorships for big payouts, or merch for creative hustlers. I started with affiliate links and saw money in weeks, but mixing methods keeps the cash flowing. Pick what fits your style and audience!

Part 2: Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Paid on TikTok

Wanna turn your TikTok vibes into a cash machine? Here’s the step-by-step scoop to get you earning in no time!

Step 1: Switch to a Creator or Business Account

Go to “Settings and Privacy” > “Manage Account” > “Switch to Business Account” to unlock analytics and brand tools. I flipped to a Creator account, and the insights showed which videos were popping off, helping me zero in on what worked.

Step 2: Grow a Niche Crew

Post 3–5 times a week in your niche—think cooking, fitness, or dance—using trending sounds and hashtags like #ForYou or #DIY. My snack recipe clips blew up when I stuck to a theme. Consistency builds a loyal fanbase that’s ready to engage!

Step 3: Join the Creator Fund or Affiliate Networks

Got 10,000 followers and 100,000 views in 30 days? Apply for the Creator Fund in “Creator Tools” > “TikTok Creator Fund.” Or join affiliate networks like Amazon Associates. I hit the Fund at 15,000 followers—approval took a week, and the cash started rolling!

Step 4: Go Live for Tips

With 1,000 followers, hit the “+” button, choose “Live,” and chat with fans through Q&As or performances to score gifts. I went live strumming my guitar, and fans tossed gifts worth $30 in an hour—talking with them keeps the tips flowing!

Step 5: Drop High-Quality Content

Film in 1080p with good lighting and clear audio. Post in the evenings when most folks are scrolling. My $20 ring light doubled my engagement! Toss in calls-to-action like “Check my bio for merch!” to push affiliate links or sales.

Step 6: Collaborate and Network

Duet or collab with creators in your niche to tap their audience. I dueted a popular chef, and it brought 600 new followers! Reach out to brands for sponsorships once your engagement’s solid. Networking’s like making friends while boosting your cash flow.

Step 7: Track and Tweak with Analytics

heck TikTok Analytics in your Creator account to see which videos perform best. I found my evening posts got more views, so I leaned into that time slot. Tweak content based on what your audience loves to keep them hooked and grow your earnings.

Step 8: Explore TikTok Shop

Set up a TikTok Shop in “Creator Tools” to sell products directly. Add a product link in your bio for non-Shop users. My friend’s candle shop took off after linking it in her bio—her viral video turned viewers into buyers overnight!

Part 3: Recommended AI Tool — Toolsmart AI TikTok Downloader

Wanna take your TikTok hustle to the next level? Toolsmart’s Free TikTok Video Downloader is your secret weapon, letting you snag public TikTok videos in HD without watermarks. It’s perfect for saving your own clips to repurpose or studying viral content to make your videos pop on other platforms.

This tool’s a lifesaver for creators looking to repost their TikToks on Instagram or YouTube (or analyze top creators’ content with permission). I saved my viral dance clip to edit for Reels, and it tripled my Instagram reach—such a game-changer for cross-platform hustling!

Key Features:

• Downloads in 720p or 1080p with no watermarks for clean playback.

• No signup or app needed, works on phones, laptops, or tablets.

• Saves in MP4 for easy editing and sharing across platforms.

Pros:

• Free, fast, and no annoying ads or signup hassles.

• Super simple interface, perfect for beginners.

Cons:

• Only grabs public videos, no private clips.

• No batch downloads in the free version.

How to Use:

Step 1: Find a public TikTok video and copy its URL via “Share.”

Step 2: Visit Free TikTok Video Downloader (No Watermark) website.

Step 3: Paste the URL in the input box.

Step 4: Pick quality (720p or 1080p) and click “Download.”

Step 5: Save the video to your device for editing or sharing.

I used Toolsmart to download a trending makeup tutorial, studied its edits, and made my own version that popped off. It was crazy fast, no watermarks, and worked like a charm on my phone. Just get permission before sharing someone else’s video to keep it legit!

Part 4: FAQs

Q1: How many followers do I need to make money on TikTok?

You need 10,000 followers and 100,000 views in 30 days for the Creator Fund. I hit this and started earning small payouts—every view adds up!

2: Do I need to be verified to earn on TikTok?

Nope, verification’s not required. Engagement and consistent content are what count. My unverified account made cash through affiliates with solid engagement.

Q3: Can I make money without showing my face?

Totally! Use voiceovers, animations, or stock footage. A creator I follow uses cartoon edits and still banks affiliate money with creative videos.

Q4: How much does the Creator Fund pay?

It’s about $0.02–$0.04 per 1,000 views. My friend with 50,000 followers pulls in $100 a month—it’s a start, not a fortune.

Q5: Can I repost downloaded TikTok videos without permission?

No way, always ask the creator first. I used Toolsmart to save my own video for YouTube, but reposting others’ content without permission can get messy.

Q6: What’s the best time to post for more views?

Evenings (7–10 PM) work best for most audiences, but check your analytics. I shifted to 8 PM posts, and my views spiked like crazy!

Summary

Making money on TikTok is a blast with options like the Creator Fund, sponsorships, merch, affiliate marketing, and live gifts. Switch to a Creator account, post niche content consistently, and use analytics to grow. Toolsmart’s Free TikTok Video Downloader is a total gem, letting you save public videos in HD to study trends or repurpose content, no watermarks or signup needed. Get your TikTok hustle shining and start cashing in!