How to make money as a TikTok creator (fast and easy)

TikTok has and is still taking the world by storm, with millions of users scrolling on their feeds daily. It’s undoubtedly a highly entertaining platform, so making money on it would be awesome, right? 

That’s why we’ve put together this article, where we’ll cover how to do just that. 

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to earn money through TikTok, but all the options can make choosing a strategy challenging.

Here, we'll discuss the best ways to make money on TikTok and clearly outline the pros and cons to help you decide which is best for you.

PS: We think the first option is worth an extra diligent read :)

#1. Earn through Parasition (the easiest way)

By far the easiest way to make money as a TikTok creator (if you ask us) is by becoming a creator at Parasition. It’s straightforward, and you can begin earning in no time. 

How it works

When you become a creator for Parasition, we simply assign you content videos that you then produce and post on your TikTok account. You’re paid directly after producing the content.

This can, for example, be a video with an assigned song in the background. We pride ourselves on working with top-of-the-line brands, so your content is bound to be interesting, engaging and fun to make.

The pay varies depending on many factors, but considering how fast it usually takes to create a video, we would say it’s highly competitive. 

Other strong selling points are (in addition to your pay) chances to win prizes, opportunities to attend exciting events and being a part of a great community. Since we’re guiding you in the content production, there’s also plenty of opportunity to improve and grow!

Pros 

• Consistent pay (potential for high amounts as well).

• Anyone can join (no matter how small your account is).

• Get invited to events (such as concerts).

• Chances to win prizes.

• Work with some of the world’s best brands (like Universal Music).

• Join a fast-growing community.

• Clear guidance provided - no confusion and opportunities to improve. 

What you need to succeed at Parasition

So, are you interested in becoming a creator at Parasition? Well, you’re in luck, as there’s very little you need to succeed. All we ask for is a great attitude and a good work ethic, and then we’re confident that success is within reach. Simply put, we want to work with you as long as you’re ambitious :) 

#2. Making money from views (Creativity Program) 

TikTok's Creativity Program, formerly known as the Creator Fund, is one of the most straightforward ways to earn money on the platform. By simply posting engaging videos and amassing views, you can start earning directly from TikTok. The Creativity Program is designed to reward creators based on the number of views their videos receive.

How it works

Once you're eligible to participate in the Creativity Program, TikTok will pay you a small amount for every 1,000 views your videos get. The requirements are:

• The creator must be over 18 years of age. 

• The creator must have over 10,000 followers.

• The creator must have over 100,000 (valid) views in the last 90 years.

• The creator must be located in one of the following 7 countries: the US, the UK, France, Germany, Brazil, Japan or South Korea. 

• The creator must have a personal account (business accounts are not allowed). 

• The creator must abide by all of TikTok’s guidelines.

The amount you will be paid varies, but simply put, the more views your content gets, the more you earn. Historically, TikTok has paid around $20-$40 per 1 million views a creator gets. So if you want to earn a lot through the Creativity Program, you need some serious views. Here you can read more about what you need to do to create TikToks that go viral.

Pros

• Guaranteed earnings (given you get views). 

• No need for sponsorships.

• Automated payouts.

• No poor incentives that your audience may dislike. 

• Earnings scale as your account grows. 

• Easily combined with other earning strategies. 

Cons

• Relatively low pay - you need substantial views before you see a large paycheck. 

• Geographical restrictions (only the previously mentioned 7 countries).

• Threshold for joining can be difficult to reach at the start of a TikTok career. 

• Fluctuating payments (varies depending on view count). 

Tips for success

Focus on creating content that resonates with your audience. Trends, challenges, and relatable content tend to perform well. Keep an eye on what’s trending, but don't just copy - add your unique twist. Consistency is key, so post regularly and engage with your audience to keep them coming back for more.

#3. Participating in affiliate programs

Affiliate marketing is a powerful way to make money on TikTok, especially if you’re good at promoting products in a smooth and natural way. By joining affiliate programs, you can earn a commission every time someone makes a purchase through your unique affiliate link. Some affiliate programs can be very generous, with commissions reaching over 20%. 

How it works

You sign up for an affiliate program with a brand or platform like Amazon, ShareASale, or CJ Affiliate. You can also reach out to companies directly and ask to promote their products (this opens up more higher-paying opportunities). 

You'll receive a unique link to share with your followers. Whenever someone clicks on that link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission. And that’s how simple it is!

For example, if you promote a $1000 product where you get a 10% commission, and you sell 10 products through your content, you’ve just made a thousand bucks. 

Pros

• Very high earning potential (there’s no upper limit).

• Extremely scalable as you grow your account.

• Flexibility in choosing products (you can pick ones that suit your niche). 

• Easy to start (many companies will give links to almost anyone). 

• Possibility for “passive” income.

Cons

• Risk of losing your audience’s trust.

• Very variable income.

• Earnings depend on the product (if the product sucks, no one will purchase it). 

Tips for success 

Choose products that align with your content and that your audience will genuinely be interested in, as they’ll otherwise probably just ignore your videos. Authenticity is crucial here - followers only trust sincere recommendations, so promote products you actually believe in. Create demonstration videos or reviews of the product you’re selling, to make your promotions more effective.

#4. Build and sell TikTok accounts

If you're skilled at growing TikTok accounts (which is a different skill set than making money directly), you can make money by building and then selling them. This can be particularly lucrative if you can develop niche accounts with highly engaged followers, as they can be worth very significant amounts. 

How it works

You start by creating a new TikTok account, focusing on a specific niche like travel, fitness, or beauty. Once you’ve built up a significant following of high-quality followers, you can sell the account to a brand or individual who wants to tap into that audience.

Pros 

• Straightforward (build an account, sell it, get paid). 

• High profit potential (great accounts are worth a lot).

• Anonymous potential (they usually aren’t connected to your personal identity).

• Easy to pivot.

• Tons of flexibility in content creation.

• You can assess the market before starting.

Cons

• Time-consuming.

• No payment before the project is “finished.” 

• Uncertainty regarding value.

• Finding a buyer can be challenging.

Tips for success

Focus on a niche where there's demand but not oversaturation (for example, landscaping might be easier than travel). Grow your account by posting high-quality content, engaging with followers, and leveraging trends. Once the account reaches a desirable follower count, list it for sale on platforms like FameSwap or directly approach potential buyers. 

#5. Sell your products

If you have a product to sell - whether it's physical or digital - TikTok can be a great platform to promote it. The platform's short-form video format allows you to create engaging and compelling content that can drive sales, and here there’s absolutely no limit to what you can earn. 

How it works 

You can promote your own products in your videos and direct followers to your online store or website. TikTok also offers a feature called TikTok Shopping, which integrates with platforms like Shopify to make selling even easier.

It’s also possible to have your own TikTok shop, where you sell directly on the TikTok platform. This might not work for all types of products, but it’s definitely worth looking into, considering it shortens the buyer journey. 

Pros

• You control the products you advertise.

• Possibility for very high earnings.

• Full creative freedom.

• Exclusive offerings (you decide if you want to run a sale). 

Cons

• Time-consuming (you need to manage the product, deal with logistics, etc.).

• Initial investments (if you’re doing traditional e-commerce). 

• Risk of unhappy customers (they might want to make returns).

• Harder to pivot. 

• Selling globally can be challenging. 

Tips for success 

Use TikTok to demonstrate the value of your products. Create tutorial videos, unboxing videos, or show your products in action. Engage with your audience by responding to comments and encouraging them to check out your products. You can also use TikTok ads to reach a broader audience, however, this further increases the initial investment.

#6. Promote songs

Music is a huge part of TikTok's appeal, and artists are always looking for ways to get their tracks noticed. As a TikTok creator, you can partner with musicians to promote their songs in your videos. 

How it works

Musicians or record labels will pay you to use their songs in your videos. The goal is to create a trend or challenge that can go viral, driving streams and downloads of the song. You can either reach out to a label directly or, if you’re just starting out, reach out to smaller artists. 

Pros 

• Tap into a growing market.

• Reliable income (if you have a good contract).

• Fun and engaging content (basically infinite creative freedom).

• High chance of going viral.

• Straightforward - no products to manage.

• Opportunity to build a relationship with the music industry.

Cons

• Getting your first client can be challenging.

• Can be hard to find songs that suit your content.

• Risk of over-promotion. 

Tips for success

Choose songs that fit naturally with your content style. The more organic the promotion feels, the better it will perform. Collaborate with the artist or label to develop a concept that aligns with their vision and your brand.

#7. Become an ambassador for a brand

Brand ambassadorships are a fantastic way to earn money consistently on TikTok. As a brand ambassador, you’ll represent a company or product and create content around it on an ongoing basis.

How it works

Brands often look for influencers who align with their image to promote their products over a longer period. This might involve creating a series of videos, participating in events, or regularly featuring the product in your content. You’ll often get paid for a certain amount of videos. The amount fully depends on your following and view count.

Pros

• Possibility of consistent and high earnings.

• Working with great brands can strengthen your own. 

• Perks and benefits (free products are often a part of the deal).

Cons

• Brand ambassadorships often come with an ongoing obligation to produce content.

• Risk of losing followers (if you’re too salesy). 

• Need for strong content planning (mix regular content with the paid).

• Niche limitations.

• Only possible for more established creators.

Tips for success

To attract brand deals, make sure your content is professional and aligns with the types of brands you want to work with. Reach out to brands directly or join influencer marketing platforms like AspireIQ or Influence.co to find opportunities. 

Be selective about the brands you partner with - it's important that their values match yours and that your audience will find the partnership credible.

#8. Start a Patreon

If you have a dedicated fanbase, starting a Patreon can be a great way to earn money while offering exclusive content to your most loyal followers. Patreon allows fans to support you with monthly subscriptions in exchange for perks.

How it works

Set up a Patreon account and create different membership tiers with various perks. This could include behind-the-scenes content, early access to videos, exclusive live streams, or even personalized shoutouts. Sometimes, you don’t even need to offer anything special, but this isn’t a strategy we recommend.

Pros 

• Full control of your content (creative freedom).

• Can give you more engaged fans.

• Very scalable.

• Possibility of high and reliable income.

Cons

• Dependent on your fans’ generosity.

• Only possible for larger creators and those with good missions or very strong fans.

• Need to provide value (to your patreons).

• Hard to balance free and paid content.

Tips for success

Promote your Patreon regularly on TikTok and explain what benefits your patrons will receive. Make sure the content you offer on Patreon is unique and valuable, giving followers a reason to subscribe. Keep your patrons engaged by consistently delivering on your promises and interacting with them.

Most importantly, think about why your followers would support you. If you don’t have a good mission or valid reasons, people most likely won’t subscribe no matter your special offerings.

#9. Create videos for clients

If you're skilled at creating TikTok videos, you can offer your services to brands and businesses that want user-generated content (UGC), to tap into the lucrative TikTok market. Often, the company might lack the skills to create the content themselves.

How it works

Offer to create TikTok videos for brands as a freelance service. You can charge per video, per campaign, or on a retainer basis, depending on the client's needs. Generally, these videos will be used for the company’s own marketing efforts, and you might not even need to post it on your personal account.

Pros 

• Projects can be very high-paying.

• Low risk of damaging your own brand (if you don’t post the content). 

• Scalable (if you’re good, you’ll get more clients).

• Plenty of flexibility as a freelance creator.

• Possibility of building a strong portfolio.

Cons

• Projects can be low-paying when starting out.

• Finding high-quality clients on your own can be challenging.

• Client expectations can be high.

• Workload and income can be inconsistent.

Tips for success

Build a portfolio of your best TikTok videos to showcase your skills to potential clients. Network with brands in your niche or reach out to them directly with a proposal. Deliver high-quality, on-trend content that helps the brand achieve its goals on TikTok.

#10. Receive donations (or tips)

TikTok has a feature that allows followers to send you virtual gifts during live streams, which can be converted into real money. This is a great way to earn money directly from your fans.

How it works

During your live streams, viewers can purchase coins and use them to send you gifts like roses, hearts, or other virtual items. You can then convert these gifts into Diamonds, which can be cashed out for real money.

Pros 

• If you have supportive fans, donations can be very lucrative.

• Can increase your followers’ engagement. 

• Full control of your content.

• A great supplement to other strategies.

Cons

• Income based on your followers’ generosity.

• Inconsistent and very unpredictable earnings.

• Asking for donations can damage your brand (perceived begging).

• Live content is a necessity.

Tips for success

Engage with your audience during live streams to encourage donations. Express gratitude when someone sends you a gift, and consider offering shoutouts or small rewards to incentivize more tips. Regular live streaming can help you build a stronger connection with your audience, leading to more donations.

#11. Publishing sponsored posts 

Sponsored posts are one of the most lucrative ways to make money on TikTok. Brands pay creators to feature their products or services in a video, tapping into their audience for exposure.

How it works

Brands will approach you (or you can reach out to them) to create a video featuring their product. The brand usually provides guidelines on how to present the product, but creative control often remains with the creator.

Pros 

• High earning potential (for bigger accounts).

• Work with top brands.

• Possibility for repeat income.

Cons

• Can be bad for trust and authenticity in your personal brand.

• Need for balancing sponsored and regular content.

• Negotiations and admin can be time-consuming.

• Hard if you’re a new TikTok.

Tips for success

Make sure sponsored content feels natural and aligns with your usual style. Your audience should feel like they’re watching your regular content, not a commercial. Disclose your partnership clearly to maintain transparency and trust with your followers.

#12. Consider not making money on TikTok

Yeah, you read that header right. Sometimes, it’s best to consider leveraging other platforms or side hustles for making money.

Making money on TikTok is 100% possible, but for all of the mentioned alternatives so far, plenty of dedication is required.

Also, generally speaking, you need to be a great creator to become successful. You either need to be high-energy and likeable, or do something completely different than everyone else.

If you’re still enthusiastic about making money on TikTok, you should consider starting out with Parasition, as it’s perhaps the easiest and most straightforward way out there combined with great income potential. 

Summary

Making money on TikTok is undoubtedly possible with plenty of strategies to choose from. You can leverage the Creativity Program, build niche accounts, sell products, promote music, and much, much more. 

However, with that said, it’s not going to be fast and easy in most strategies. If that’s what you’re looking for, we strongly recommend looking into becoming a Parasition creator. When you work with us, you’re guaranteed pay and a consistent workload independent of previous experience or account following.