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TikTok has become the go-to platform for creators looking to grow quickly, thanks to its powerful algorithm that can take you from unknown to viral overnight. For many, it’s the perfect platform to turn creativity into a career.
To help make this possible and engage new talents, TikTok launched the Creator Fund in 2020—a step toward helping creators make money from their content.
But over time, many creators grew frustrated, finding that even viral videos didn’t bring in the earnings they expected for all their effort.
In response, TikTok introduced a new monetization tool in beta—the TikTok Creativity Program—designed to pay creators based on video views. The program left its beta state in March of 2024, and officially became the Creator Rewards Program.
Creators have reported earnings up to 20 times higher than those from the previous Creator Fund, with some receiving between $4.00 to $8.00 per 1,000 views.
From eligibility requirements to application steps, this guide covers everything you need to know to maximize your earnings and grow your influence on TikTok.
The TikTok Creator Rewards Program is a new way for creators to earn money by producing original videos.
It’s designed to boost creators’ earning potential while inspiring more engaging and captivating storytelling on the platform.
This program rewards you for content that keeps viewers interested, especially longer videos that are at least one minute.
According to TikTok, since the introduction of longer videos in 2022, the TikTok community now spends 50% of their time on the platform watching videos that are longer than one minute.
Additionally, the Creator Rewards Program includes an improved dashboard that offers you deeper insights and tools to boost your content strategy.
With new analytics, this dashboard allows you to view estimated rewards, qualified views, and eligibility. Each video has its own dedicated page showing RPM (Revenue Per Mille) and view trends, along with insights that clarify how your content drives earnings.
After launching the TikTok Creativity Program in Beta, TikTok gathered valuable feedback from creators, which helped shape the current rewards formula in the official Creator Rewards Program.
By focusing on originality, play duration, audience engagement, and search relevance, TikTok’s formula allows you to gain rewards based on how effectively your videos connect with and captivate audiences.
Let’s explore these four metrics:
Originality values content that reflects your unique style and ideas. TikTok rewards videos that show fresh perspectives, creativity, and an authentic connection to your audience. This encourages creators to stand out with content that feels genuine and relatable.
If you’re known for your unique, relatable humor, you might post a comedic skit that highlights everyday struggles with a personal twist, making your content stand out and connect authentically with viewers.
Play duration looks at how long viewers stay engaged with your video, rewarding content that holds attention from start to finish. High completion rates signal that the content is clear and compelling.
For instance, you could share a 2-minute video of a recent trip, using storytelling to keep viewers watching until the end, from departure to the most memorable experiences of the journey.
Engagement measures how viewers interact with your content through likes, comments, and shares. Videos that spark conversations and interaction are rewarded, as they show a strong connection with your audience.
For example, you could share a unique makeup tip in a tutorial, sparking curiosity and leading viewers to flood the comments with questions about the product or suggest their own alternatives, creating an active and engaging conversation around the video.
Search relevance aligns content with popular search trends, increasing discoverability. By making videos on trending topics, creators can reach wider audiences, helping their content gain visibility and relevance on the platform.
For instance, you could make a video on “quick home workouts,” aligning with a trending search topic, so people looking for accessible fitness routines are more likely to find and watch your content.
Check if you meet TikTok’s initial requirements like follower count, content quality, and engagement level to qualify for the Creator Rewards Program.
Once eligible, sign up through TikTok, agree to the terms, and activate your account within the rewards system.
Focus on originality and engagement to produce high-quality videos that keep viewers watching.
Earn rewards based on video performance, with metrics like play duration, engagement, and originality.
Use TikTok’s dashboard to monitor earnings, video eligibility, and key metrics.
To be able to join the TikTok Creator Rewards Program, you need to meet specific requirements:
Note: If you're currently part of the Creator Fund, you can switch to the Creator Rewards program but once you do, you won’t be able to return to the Creator Fund.
Want to start earning with the TikTok Creator Rewards Program? Just follow these easy steps to get started:
Start by launching the TikTok app and navigating to your profile.
Tap the menu icon in the top-right corner and select "Creator Tools".
Scroll through the Creator Tools section until you find "Creator Rewards Program"
Click “Apply” to start the application process. TikTok will review your profile to ensure you meet their criteria. The approval process generally takes 1 to 3 business days.
Once approved, you’re ready to start creating under the Creator Rewards Program’s guidelines.
The TikTok Creator Rewards Program offers creators a way to earn money, but it’s essential to understand how the payment structure works to set realistic expectations.
Unlike a flat rate per view, this program uses RPM (Revenue Per Mille), which measures earnings per 1,000 qualified views. Based on TikTokers’ experiences, 1,000 qualified views typically pay between $0.40 to $1 USD.
But what are qualified views? They’re views where someone watches your video for at least 5 seconds.
This distinction means that only a portion of total views actually counts toward earnings, depending on how long viewers stick around.
While some TikTok stars might suggest you can earn around $1,000 per million views, this isn’t necessarily the case. For instance, influencer Alex Christian put the program to the test. In a recent video, he demonstrated how he created a new TikTok account from scratch, uploading faceless, AI-generated content.
After 30 days, he claimed to have achieved over 21 million views but earned only $3,000, underscoring how RPM and qualified views are critical factors in actual earnings.
Only views on videos created after joining the Creator Rewards Program are eligible for earnings. If older videos go viral, those views won’t qualify for payment, which can be a disappointment if you rely on past viral content.
The TikTok Creator Rewards Program only pays for “qualified views”. If your videos have a 50% retention rate past 5 seconds, only half of your total views will count as qualified views, which directly impacts your earnings.
Earnings are also influenced by where your audience is located. U.S.-based views generally bring in higher RPM than views from other regions, so creators with a primarily U.S. audience may see higher earnings.
RPM can vary widely by niche. For example, finance-related content typically has a higher RPM due to advertiser interest, while niches like animal-related content often yield a lower RPM. Your content type can significantly impact your potential earnings.
To maximize earnings on TikTok, focusing on niches with high Revenue Per Mille (RPM) is essential. Here are five viral niches that can enhance your monetization potential:
1. AI Motivation: This niche combines AI technology with motivational content, sharing quotes or advice through AI-generated voices or visuals.
2. Reddit Stories: Narrating popular Reddit posts, like relationship dramas or moral dilemmas, draws viewers in with real-life intrigue. Using text-to-speech or animated avatars makes these stories more fun and relatable, keeping audiences hooked until the end, which helps boost RPM.
3. Games: Interactive games that invite viewers to “play in the comments” are super engaging. These might include quizzes or riddles, with AI adding a creative twist. People love participating, which keeps them on the video longer and often brings them back for more.
4. Random Facts: This niche delivers quick, interesting facts on a variety of topics, from historical events to fun trivia. Random Facts videos are highly engaging, as they provide bite-sized knowledge that can be surprising or educational.
5. Conspiracy Theories: Exploring mysterious or controversial topics in short, engaging videos keeps viewers curious and watching until the end. The “what if” factor in these videos draws a loyal, fascinated audience, making it a solid choice for high engagement and RPM.
The Creator Rewards Program is TikTok's new and improved version of the former Creator Fund, designed to offer creators a more rewarding and transparent way to earn.
Unlike the Creator Fund, which had a fixed pool of money that was shared among eligible creators and often resulted in lower earnings, the Creator Rewards Program uses a formula that considers video quality, engagement, and watch time, allowing for potentially higher rewards per view.
This program also introduces new content requirements, such as a minimum video length of one minute, and encourages creators to focus on originality. Additionally, it’s available in more regions and provides more detailed analytics, making it easier for creators to track their performance and optimize their content strategy.
The table below highlights these main differences between the two programs:
If you're looking to maximize your earnings on TikTok, there are plenty of options to do so. Here are some effective ways to turn your creativity into income:
Collaborating with brands is one of the most popular ways to earn money on TikTok. Many companies are eager to partner with creators to reach new audiences, and you can earn by promoting products or services in your videos.
To learn how to secure sponsorships, check out our guide: How to Get Brand Partnerships on TikTok.
Hosting TikTok LIVE sessions allows your audience to engage with you in real-time, creating a more personal connection. During these sessions, viewers can send you virtual gifts, which can be converted into real money. By regularly hosting engaging lives, you can build a loyal fan base willing to support your content.
Affiliate marketing is a great way to earn commissions by recommending products you love. You can share affiliate links in your videos or bio, earning a percentage of each sale made through your unique link.
For more income ideas, don’t miss our article: 10 Ways Influencers Can Make Money On TikTok.
If you have a strong personal brand, selling your own products or branded merchandise can be a profitable option. Whether it’s clothing, accessories, or digital products, TikTok can help you reach fans who want to support you. Promoting your merchandise in videos and linking to your shop can drive direct sales, giving you another revenue stream.
As a TikTok Shop affiliate, you can add products to your videos and earn a commission when viewers make purchases.
Learn how to get started in our guide: How To Become A TikTok Shop Affiliate.
TikTok’s Creator Marketplace connects brands directly with influencers, providing a streamlined way to find paid collaborations. As a member, you can access campaigns from companies specifically seeking creators for sponsored content.
The TikTok Creator Rewards Program provides a powerful way for creators to earn money through engaging, original content. With higher earning potential, detailed analytics, and expanded regional availability, TikTok has made it easier than ever to turn creativity into a career. By understanding the program's key metrics and exploring additional monetization options, you can maximize your income and grow your influence. Whether through brand partnerships, TikTok Shop, or affiliate marketing, there are endless opportunities to thrive on TikTok.
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