With over a billion users, TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms globally. For creators, this also means a huge opportunity to earn money through the platform. Once you reach 10,000 followers on TikTok, you may be eligible for various monetization options through the platform’s Creator Fund and other methods. Here’s a guide on how to start making money online with TikTok’s 10k Followers Program.
1. Understand the TikTok Creator Fund
The TikTok Creator Fund is one of the platform’s main ways to reward content creators financially. Here’s how it works:
Eligibility: To join the Creator Fund, you need at least 10,000 followers, 100,000 video views in the last 30 days, and must be 18 or older. You also need to be in a country where the Creator Fund is available.
How Earnings Are Calculated: TikTok pays based on several factors including views, engagement, and the general reach of your content.
Income Potential: While it varies, creators typically earn a few cents per 1,000 views. It might not seem like much, but with viral content, earnings can add up quickly.
How to Apply: Once you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply through your TikTok account settings. Go to Creator Tools > TikTok Creator Fund to get started.
2. Partner With Brands for Sponsorships
Sponsorship deals can be more lucrative than the Creator Fund, especially if you build a strong and engaged following. With 10,000 followers, you’re already at a level where brands may start to see value in working with you.
Identify Brands that Fit Your Niche: Reach out to companies or brands that align with your content. If you post lifestyle, fashion, or tech videos, look for brands that target the same audience.
Create a Media Kit: A media kit is a short document that showcases your follower count, engagement rate, and previous brand collaborations, which you can send to potential sponsors.
Charge Based on Engagement and Audience Fit: Brands often value engagement over follower count alone, so use your engagement metrics to justify your rates. Earnings from sponsored posts typically range from $100 to $1,000+ per post, depending on the brand and your audience engagement.
3. Promote Affiliate Products
Affiliate marketing is a great way to make money by promoting products you love. When someone buys a product through your link, you earn a commission.
Sign Up for Affiliate Programs: Many companies, including Amazon, ClickBank, and others, have affiliate programs. You’ll receive a unique referral link to share with your audience.
Add Links in Bio or Use Link Services: Since TikTok doesn’t allow clickable links in video descriptions, you can put them in your bio or use a link service like Linktree to share multiple links.
Create Relevant Content: Make videos that showcase or review affiliate products. For example, if you’re an influencer in beauty, you could create makeup tutorials using affiliate-linked products.
4. Sell Merchandise
Once you reach 10,000 followers, you have an audience large enough to consider launching your own merchandise.
Use Print-on-Demand Services: Services like Teespring, Printify, or Merchbar allow you to design and sell products without upfront costs. They handle printing, shipping, and customer service.
Promote Your Merchandise: Make videos that showcase your products, explaining the inspiration behind them, and encourage followers to check them out. You can use TikTok’s Shopping integration to make it easy for viewers to purchase directly through the app.
5. Go Live and Earn Through TikTok Gifts
Once you hit 10,000 followers, you can go live on TikTok. During live streams, your followers can send you virtual gifts, which can be converted into money.
Engage with Your Followers: To maximize earnings, host Q&A sessions, tutorials, or just casual chats with your followers to increase engagement.
Convert Gifts into Cash: Virtual gifts sent during live streams can be redeemed for cash. The more gifts you receive, the more you can earn.
6. Create and Sell Exclusive Content
As your audience grows, you can create exclusive content or paid subscription services:
Use Platforms like Patreon: Patreon allows you to create membership tiers where fans can pay monthly for exclusive content like behind-the-scenes videos, tutorials, or shoutouts.
Leverage TikTok’s Paid Subscriptions: TikTok has introduced paid subscriptions for some creators, allowing fans to pay monthly for access to special content and live interactions. Check if you’re eligible, as TikTok is gradually rolling out this feature.
7. Offer Coaching or Online Courses
If you have expertise in a specific area, you can monetize by offering coaching services or online courses.
Identify Your Niche and Audience Needs: For example, if you’re known for skincare tips, offer one-on-one skincare consultations.
Create Online Courses or eBooks: Platforms like Teachable or Gumroad allow you to create and sell online courses or eBooks on topics relevant to your followers.
Final Tips for Maximizing Earnings on TikTok
Stay Consistent: Consistency in posting content is key to building and maintaining engagement with your audience.
Engage with Your Followers: Responding to comments and connecting with your audience will build a loyal following, making them more likely to support you financially.
Diversify Your Income Streams: Relying on one income source can be limiting. Combining the Creator Fund, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and merchandise can increase your earnings significantly.
By leveraging the above strategies, TikTok’s 10k Followers Program can open doors to multiple revenue streams. All it takes is consistent, engaging content and a dedication to connecting with your followers. With time and creativity, the income potential is limitless.
