How to Earn Money from TikTok (2025 Update) – 6 Proven Ways
6 Ways to Make Money on TikTok
TikTok has quickly become more than just a platform for entertainment. For many creators, it’s now a full-time career. From sponsored collaborations to selling products, there are multiple ways you can generate income if you use the platform smartly.
In this guide, I’ll share 6 proven ways to make money on TikTok in 2025 — along with real examples and expert tips.
1. Join the TikTok Creator Fund
TikTok pays eligible creators for their video views and engagement. To qualify, you need:
- Minimum 10,000 followers
- 100,000 video views in the last 30 days
- Age 18+ and based in an eligible country
Expert Tip: Payments from the Creator Fund can be inconsistent. Use it as a bonus, not your only income stream.
2. Sell Your Own Merchandise
Creators with loyal fans often earn more by launching simple products like:
- T-shirts & hoodies
- Mugs & tote bags
- Stickers or custom digital products
Example: Unxpectd, a small clothing brand, started selling student-designed apparel via TikTok and scaled into a successful business.
First-Hand Insight: I’ve seen small Pakistani creators start with just a few shirt designs and make steady sales using local print-on-demand services.
3. Monetize Live Streams with Virtual Gifts
TikTok Live allows viewers to send gifts (which can be converted into real money).
Tips for success:
- Go live when your followers are most active
- Engage actively with comments
- Use hashtags to attract new viewers
Example: Habits 365, a youth-run apparel brand, built a loyal community by regularly going live and sharing behind-the-scenes content.
4. Collaborate with Brands through TikTok Creator Marketplace
This is TikTok’s official platform for connecting creators with brands.
- Brands search for influencers that fit their campaigns
- Creators get sponsorship deals without the hassle of cold-pitching
If you’re in Pakistan and not yet on the marketplace, you can still DM brands directly or use platforms like Shopify Collabs.
5. Run TikTok Ads to Boost Reach
With TikTok Ads Manager, creators can promote products, grow followers, and even integrate campaigns directly with Shopify.
Example: Luxe Collective, a UK-based fashion reseller, grew faster on TikTok than on Instagram by using creative in-feed ads.
6. Collect Tips & Crowdfunding from Fans
Not every monetization method requires huge followers. You can also earn via:
- Tipeee, Ko-fi, Buy Me a Coffee → Direct fan tips
- Patreon → Exclusive content for paid subscribers
- Crowdfunding platforms → For creative projects
- Even if you have just 1,000 loyal followers, you can start collecting small but consistent donations.
Who Makes the Most Money on TikTok?
| Creator | Followers (M) | Earnings per Post |
|---|---|---|
| Charli D’Amelio | 147.6M | $105,770 |
| Khabane Lame | 150.2M | $92,270 |
| Bella Poarch | 91.1M | $66,829 |
| Addison Rae | 88.7M | $65,194 |
| Will Smith | 72.1M | $53,741 |
Do You Get Paid Just for Uploading Videos?
No. TikTok doesn’t pay directly for uploads. However, the Creator Fund, brand deals, and live gifts can provide income.
Final Thoughts
Earning money on TikTok isn’t just for celebrities. Even small creators can succeed with the right mix of:
- Authentic content
- Audience engagement
- Multiple income streams
As someone who has researched social media monetization for years, I’ve seen that consistency + creativity = long-term income. Start small, stay authentic, and scale your presence step by step.
Author: Fahad Ali
Founder of Today Update PK, content writer and analyst with 8+ years of experience. I specialize in decoding government programs, digital platforms, and online earning methods — helping people turn opportunities into real income.
