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TikTok isn’t just for trends and dances anymore. It’s where everyday people are turning content into income. If you’ve ever scrolled past someone unboxing a product, reviewing a gadget, or even doing a quick tutorial, chances are they’re making money doing it. And so can you.
Whether you’re camera shy or full of personality, there’s a legit path to earning on this app. People like Monet McMichael started with simple beauty videos and are now making six figures.
Even faceless accounts are racking up views and commissions. TikTok in 2025 is still wide open if you move with purpose.
Quick Look: 5 Ways To Make Money On TikTok
- TikTok Creator Fund
- TikTok Affiliate Marketing
- TikTok Shop and Product Reviews
- UGC (User-Generated Content) for Brands
- Driving Traffic to Another Platform
1. TikTok Creator Fund
If you’re consistently getting views and engagement, you can apply to join the Creator Fund. TikTok pays creators based on video performance. You get paid per view. Typically between $0.02 to $0.04 per 1,000 views. For a video that hits a million views, that’s about $20 to $40. It may not sound like much. But post consistently and those views stack up.
You’ll need to be 18 or older, have at least 10,000 followers, and 100,000 video views in the last 30 days. Once accepted, you can start earning from content you were already posting for free.
- Pros: Pays you directly. No product needed. No selling.
- Cons: You need followers and consistent engagement.
- Startup Cost: Free.
- Where To Start: TikTok Creator Tools > Creator Fund.
Start Your TikTok Journey Today!
2. TikTok Affiliate Marketing
This is one of the easiest ways to get started. You promote products and get paid every time someone buys using your custom link. Even faceless creators are making bank here. Take Dylan K, who creates short helpful videos and plugs digital tools in his bio. He’s generated thousands with just a few uploads.
The key is to make content that educates or solves a problem. Use link tools like Stan Store or Beacons to keep all your affiliate offers in one place. Even without a massive following, one viral video can drive hundreds of clicks.
- Pros: No product or inventory needed. Great for beginners.
- Cons: You need to learn how to make compelling videos.
- Startup Cost: $0 to $50 (for a link tool).
- Where To Start: Amazon Associates, Digistore24, ClickBank.
Start Your Affiliate Journey Here!
3. TikTok Shop and Product Reviews
TikTok Shop lets you sell products right inside the app. As a creator, you can earn a commission by reviewing or showcasing items and tagging them in your video. Creators like Monet McMichael built entire careers doing beauty reviews and hauls. Some are reporting $100 to $300 per day just from TikTok Shop.
You can pick products to review, buy trending items yourself, or even apply to get free products from sellers looking for exposure. As long as your content feels real and not salesy, people will buy.
- Pros: Built directly into TikTok. Easy to get started.
- Cons: You need to test products and be consistent.
- Startup Cost: Free to join. Optional cost to buy products.
- Where To Start: Apply to TikTok Shop Creator Center.
4. UGC (User-Generated Content)
This doesn’t require a following. Brands need regular people to make content for their ads. You create short, relatable TikToks that look native to the platform and brands pay you to license them.
Some creators are making $100 to $500 per video without posting anything to their own page. The better your portfolio, the more you can charge. All you need is a phone and a few sample videos showing you can speak clearly, follow a script, and show personality.
- Pros: No need to grow your own account. Work with multiple brands.
- Cons: Need to pitch yourself or join platforms. Quality matters.
- Startup Cost: Free. Just your phone and time.
- Where To Start: JoinBrands, Billo, Fiverr, Upwork.
5. Drive Traffic to Another Platform
TikTok is amazing for grabbing attention. But attention is just the start. Many creators use it to funnel people to another platform where they monetize better. Like YouTube, Etsy, a newsletter, or a Shopify store.
For example, a small TikToker posts Canva tutorials and links out to their Gumroad store selling templates. Another one shares Amazon finds and links to a blog full of affiliate links and ads. TikTok does the traffic. The second platform does the money-making.
- Pros: Great for building long-term income. Higher earning potential.
- Cons: Requires effort to build two platforms.
- Startup Cost: Varies. Blog ($50), YouTube (free), Etsy ($0.20 per listing).
- Where To Start: Use a link hub (Stan Store, Beacons) in your bio. Post consistent value on both platforms.
Final Thoughts: TikTok Is Still Wide Open In 2025
You don’t need a big audience or fancy setup to get started. Most creators who make a full-time income from TikTok began with just their phone and a few ideas. What separates them is consistency and testing.
Pick one path. Try it for 30 days. Improve your content. Learn what your audience clicks with. Then double down. Whether it’s through affiliate links, content for brands, or driving traffic to something else. TikTok is still giving everyday people a shot to build a real income online.
There’s still room. You just have to move with intent.
Start Your TikTok Journey Today!
