TikTok has evolved from a platform for viral dances into a powerful income engine for creators worldwide. Whether you’re in New Zealand, the U.S., the U.K., or Southeast Asia, TikTok offers multiple monetization pathways—from in-app programs to brand deals and e-commerce. This guide breaks down the most effective strategies to help you turn your TikTok presence into a sustainable side hustle or full-time income.

For tips on how to monetize your Instagram, check out this article here.

1. TikTok’s Built-In Monetization Tools

TikTok Creativity Program (Formerly Creator Fund)

TikTok’s Creativity Program rewards creators for longer-form content (videos over one minute). Eligible creators can earn significantly more than with the previous Creator Fund.

Eligibility:

• At least 18 years old
• Minimum of 10,000 followers
• At least 100,000 valid video views in the last 30 days
• Personal account in good standing (business accounts are not accepted)
• Reside in a region where the program is available (e.g., U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Spain, Italy)​

This program is ideal for creators focusing on educational content, storytelling, or tutorials.​

TikTok Pulse

TikTok Pulse is an ad-revenue sharing program where creators earn a 50% split from ads shown in the top 4% of trending videos. While payouts can vary, this program offers a passive income stream for viral content.​

2. Brand Collaborations & Sponsorships

Brand deals remain one of the most lucrative income sources on TikTok. Even micro-influencers can secure partnerships by aligning with brands that match their niche and audience.​

TikTok Creator Marketplace (TCM)

TCM connects creators with brands for sponsored content opportunities. To join, creators typically need:​

• At least 100,000 followers
• Minimum of 100,000 likes in the last 28 days​

Once accepted, creators can collaborate with brands on sponsored content and campaigns, extending their reach on the platform.​

Pitching Directly to Brands

Don’t wait for brands to find you. Reach out proactively with a media kit highlighting your audience demographics, engagement rates, and previous successful collaborations. Platforms like Pearpop also offer opportunities for creators with smaller followings to participate in brand-sponsored challenges.​

3. Affiliate Marketing & TikTok Shop

Affiliate Marketing

Promote products and earn commissions on sales made through your referral links. This strategy works well for creators with a focused niche.

Popular Affiliate Programs:

• Amazon Associates
• ClickBank
• Rakuten Marketing
• TikTok’s own affiliate marketplace​

Best Practices:

• Choose products that align with your content niche.
• Create engaging, informative videos showcasing the product.
• Include clear calls-to-action and place affiliate links in your bio or video descriptions.​

TikTok Shop

TikTok Shop allows creators to sell products directly through the platform, integrating e-commerce with content creation.​

Availability:

TikTok Shop is currently available in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam.​

Features:

• In-feed product tagging
• Live shopping events
• Dedicated shop tabs on profiles​

This feature is particularly beneficial for creators with their own products or those engaging in dropshipping.​

4. Live Streaming & Virtual Gifts

Going live on TikTok offers real-time engagement and monetization opportunities through virtual gifts.​

Eligibility:

• At least 1,000 followers
• Be 18 years or older
• Reside in a region where LIVE Gifts is available​

Monetization:

• Viewers purchase virtual gifts using TikTok coins.
• Creators receive these gifts during live streams.
• Gifts can be converted into diamonds, which are redeemable for real money.​

Live streaming is ideal for Q&A sessions, tutorials, or showcasing products.​

5. Exclusive Content: TikTok Series & Subscriptions

TikTok Series

This feature allows creators to offer a collection of exclusive videos behind a paywall.​

Eligibility:

• At least 10,000 followers
• Minimum of 1,000 video views in the last month​

Features:

• Up to 80 videos per series
• Videos can be up to 20 minutes long​

This is suitable for educational content, in-depth tutorials, or behind-the-scenes footage.​

Subscriptions

Subscriptions (Beta/Region-Specific)

TikTok has begun testing paid subscriptions similar to Twitch or Instagram. This allows creators to offer exclusive perks such as:

• Subscriber-only lives
• Badges
• Custom emojis
• Exclusive content access

This feature is rolling out gradually, with early availability in the U.S., U.K., and some parts of Asia. If you get access, leverage it for recurring monthly income, especially if your audience is highly engaged.

6. User-Generated Content (UGC) & Freelance Creation

What Is UGC?

User-generated content involves creating content for brands to use in their own advertising rather than publishing it on your account. You don’t need a huge following to profit here—just solid video skills and on-brand creativity.

Why it Works:

• Brands pay for authenticity, not reach
• UGC helps companies generate native ads without hiring actors
• It’s a scalable side hustle that doesn’t depend on your personal following

How to Start with UGC:

1. Build a Portfolio – Create a few demo videos to showcase your skills.
2. Use UGC Marketplaces – Sites like Billo, Trend.io, and JoinBrands connect UGC creators with brands.
3. Pitch Directly – Reach out to brands on TikTok or via email with a custom pitch and sample work.
4. Price Your Work – Beginners can charge $100–$250 per video, while advanced creators can charge $500+ depending on deliverables.

You can combine UGC with freelancing services (e.g., scriptwriting, voiceovers, editing) to diversify your income.

Country-Specific Monetization Insights

TikTok’s monetization tools aren’t equally available everywhere. Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect by region:

United States

• Full access to Creator Fund, Creativity Program, TikTok Shop, LIVE Gifts, Subscriptions, and Series.
• High CPM for brand deals.
• Robust affiliate and e-commerce opportunities.

United Kingdom

• Access to TikTok Shop, Creator Fund (until phased out), and UGC demand is growing.
• Brands highly value UK creators for international campaigns.

Southeast Asia (e.g., Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines)

• TikTok Shop is booming—perfect for dropshipping, affiliate marketing, and live selling.
• LIVE Gifts are very popular.
• Lower CPM, but high engagement means great UGC potential.

Australia & New Zealand

• TikTok Creator tools are limited (no Creativity Program or Shop as of early 2025).
• UGC and affiliate marketing offer strong side hustle options.
• Strong potential for international brand work due to English-speaking audience.

Africa

• Monetization tools are slowly rolling out; some countries are still excluded.
• High potential for affiliate marketing and directing traffic to YouTube or Instagram.
• UGC creation for international brands is a growing opportunity.

Canada & Europe

• Access to most monetization features including Series and LIVE Gifts.
• UGC and brand deals are growing fast, especially for creators with cross-platform presence.

Tips for Scaling Your TikTok Income

1. Diversify Revenue Streams

Don’t rely on just one method. Combine brand deals, affiliate links, and digital products.

2. Use Link-in-Bio Tools

Use platforms like Linktree, Beacons, or Koji to promote affiliate products, courses, mailing lists, or services from your bio.

3. Cross-Promote on Other Platforms

Build your Instagram, YouTube, or newsletter to reach brands and audiences that might not see you on TikTok alone.

4. Batch Create Content

To avoid burnout and maintain consistency, film multiple videos in one session and schedule them using TikTok’s scheduling feature or third-party tools.

5. Study Your Analytics

Use TikTok Analytics to determine what resonates with your audience. Double down on formats that drive views and engagement.

6. Stay on Trend

Leverage trending sounds, challenges, and effects—but always give it your unique twist.

7. Join Creator Communities

Online groups (Discord servers, Facebook groups, Reddit threads) offer tips, brand contacts, and support.

Get Started

TikTok offers more monetization options in 2025 than ever before—and you don’t need to be internet famous to take advantage of them. Whether you’re selling your own products, creating for others, or building a paid community, TikTok is a legit launchpad for a side hustle or full-time creative career.

The key is to experiment, adapt, and build relationships—both with your audience and with brands. Choose income streams that align with your personality, skills, and lifestyle. And most importantly, don’t wait until you’re “big enough.” Many of the most successful TikTok entrepreneurs got started with just a few hundred followers and a smart strategy.