TikTok has transformed from a platform for dance trends and funny videos into a lucrative income stream for countless users. Whether you have a small but engaged following or a massive audience, there are multiple ways to monetise your presence on TikTok. Let’s dive into how real people are making money using these methods.
1. Run TikTok Ads
TikTok Ads are a game-changer for businesses and content creators alike. Through TikTok’s Ads Manager, you can create targeted campaigns to promote your products, services, or even personal brand. Creators with an entrepreneurial mindset have used this tool to grow their businesses rapidly.
For instance, small business owners selling handmade goods often use TikTok Ads to reach niche audiences. By showcasing engaging, short-form video content, these creators turn views into sales. One jewellery designer reported doubling her revenue in just a month after investing in TikTok Ads to promote her custom pieces.
Even if you’re not selling a product, running ads can direct traffic to affiliate links or other monetisable platforms.
2. Sell Digital Products
TikTok is an excellent platform for selling digital products such as e-books, online courses, or presets. The key is to identify a niche where you can offer value. For example, fitness trainers often create short workout videos on TikTok to attract followers and then sell detailed fitness plans or meal prep guides as digital downloads.
Real success stories include creators in the graphic design niche who sell templates for resumes, social media posts, or digital planners. One designer shared a video of her best-selling Canva templates, earning over $10,000 in passive income in just three months.
Platforms like Gumroad or Etsy make it easy to list your digital products and provide a seamless purchase experience for your audience.
3. Offer Exclusive Content
Exclusive content is another powerful way creators are making money on TikTok. Using platforms like Patreon, Ko-fi, or TikTok’s own subscription service, creators can offer behind-the-scenes videos, personalised shoutouts, or extended tutorials.
For example, a beauty influencer gained a loyal audience by sharing makeup tutorials on TikTok. She then launched a paid subscription for exclusive live Q&A sessions and step-by-step guides, earning a steady monthly income from her most dedicated fans.
This approach works particularly well for creators in niches like cooking, education, or art, where followers are eager to learn more in-depth skills.
4. Collaborate With a Brand
Brand collaborations are one of the most popular ways to earn money on TikTok. As your following grows, brands may approach you to feature their products in your videos. Even smaller creators with engaged audiences (often called micro-influencers) can land partnerships with companies targeting niche demographics.
To attract brands, focus on building a strong, authentic personal brand that resonates with a specific audience. And don’t forget to tag the brands you love – sometimes they’ll notice and reach out!
5. Affiliate Partnerships
Affiliate marketing is a straightforward way to make money on TikTok. By promoting products or services through unique affiliate links, you earn a commission for every sale made through your link. TikTok creators in niches like beauty, tech, and fitness have had great success with this method.
For example, a tech reviewer creates short, snappy videos showcasing gadgets. By linking these products through affiliate programmes like Amazon Associates or ShareASale, they generate income from viewers who purchase the items.
Even without a massive following, creators with engaging content and effective calls to action can see significant results. The key is transparency – always disclose that you’re using affiliate links to maintain trust with your audience.
TikTok is more than just a platform for entertainment; it’s a space where creativity meets opportunity. Whether you’re running ads, selling digital products, offering exclusive content, collaborating with brands, or leveraging affiliate marketing, the potential to earn money is real. The stories of everyday people finding success on TikTok prove that anyone can turn their passion into profit with the right strategy. So, what’s stopping you?