How Many TikTok Followers to Get Paid in 2024

So, you're wondering how many TikTok followers you need to get paid. The short answer? It’s not about a single magic number.

While TikTok has official programs with clear benchmarks, you can actually start earning way sooner if you're smart about it. For a lot of creators, income has less to do with the follower count and more to do with their niche and how engaged their audience is.

Beyond the Follower Count: How Earning on TikTok Really Works

When people ask about getting paid on TikTok, they're usually thinking about the money that comes directly from the platform itself. But that's just one piece of the puzzle. Your ability to earn isn't some switch that magically flips on at 10,000 followers; it’s a process you can start building from day one.

The truth is, a creator with 2,000 super-engaged followers in a specific niche can often make more money than someone with 50,000 followers who just passively scroll by. It all boils down to knowing the different ways you can monetize and matching your strategy to the audience you have right now.

Think of it like leveling up in a video game—you don't just jump straight to the final boss. You work your way through different stages, and each one unlocks new opportunities.

Different Paths for Different Follower Levels

Monetization isn't a one-size-fits-all deal. Some methods, like selling your own digital products or dropping affiliate links, can work surprisingly well with a small but dedicated group of fans. Others, like landing a big-time brand sponsorship, usually do require a larger audience.

This chart breaks down how your earning potential splits into different paths, depending on whether you have more or less than 10,000 followers.

The main takeaway here is simple: there are ways to earn at every stage. You just have to adjust your strategy as your account grows.

To give you a quick overview, here's a look at the different ways you can make money on the platform.

TikTok Monetization Methods at a Glance

This table summarizes the main monetization channels on TikTok and what you'll generally need to get started with each.

Monetization Method	Typical Follower Requirement	Key Requirements
Creator Rewards Program	10,000+	100,000+ views in the last 30 days, 18+ years old, account in good standing.
TikTok Creator Marketplace	10,000+	Varies by location, but generally requires consistent engagement and a high-quality portfolio.
Brand Deals & Sponsorships	1,000 - 10,000+	Highly engaged audience in a specific niche. Your follower count matters less than your influence.
Affiliate Marketing	1,000+	A loyal community that trusts your recommendations. Need the ability to add links (usually at 1k followers).
Selling Your Own Products	Any	A product or service to sell and a dedicated audience, no matter the size.
Live Gifting	1,000+	Must be 18+ to go LIVE and receive gifts. An engaged audience who wants to support you directly is crucial.

As you can see, the path to earning isn't locked behind a single follower count. Let's dig into the official requirements a bit more.

Understanding Official Monetization Requirements

For TikTok’s own programs, like the Creator Rewards Program, the rules are pretty specific. To even be considered, you need to hit two main targets:

• A minimum of 10,000 followers.
• At least 100,000 video views within the last 30 days.

This is the standard baseline across major countries like the US, UK, and Brazil. It shows that for direct payments, TikTok wants to see that you've already built a bit of an established presence.

Don't get too hung up on follower numbers. The metrics that really matter for making money are your engagement rate and the trust you've built with your community. A loyal audience that actually listens to what you say is far more valuable to brands—and to your own wallet—than a huge, silent one.

This is a critical distinction to make. Hitting those official numbers is a fantastic milestone, but it shouldn't stop you from exploring other ways to earn money right now. Plenty of creators have built entire careers without ever joining an official TikTok program.

If you're looking for a complete overview of all the different strategies, this guide on how to monetize a TikTok account is a great place to start. In the next sections, we’ll break down each of these methods one by one, starting with TikTok’s official programs.

Earning Through TikTok's Creator Rewards Program

If you want to get paid directly by TikTok, the Creator Rewards Program is your golden ticket. This is the platform's official way of sharing its revenue with the creators who make it tick, rewarding them for high-quality, engaging videos. It's a massive upgrade from the old Creator Fund, which was often a source of frustration due to its small and unpredictable payouts.

Think of the Creator Rewards Program as TikTok’s official paycheck system for its best creators. The old fund was like a fixed pizza being split among a huge crowd—everyone got a tiny slice. This new program is different. It’s designed to reward you based on how your videos actually perform, tying your earnings directly to the quality and relevance of your content.

But before you can start cashing in, you need to prove you’ve got what it takes. This is where the magic number—10,000 followers—comes into play. It's the first major hurdle to jump over to join the program.

Understanding the Entry Requirements

TikTok needs to see that you're not just a one-hit wonder. You need a consistent, engaged audience before they'll let you apply. The platform has set some clear, non-negotiable rules to make sure only serious, established creators get in.

Here are the four boxes you absolutely have to tick:

• Follower Count: You need at least 10,000 followers. This is the big one. It shows you've built a real community around your content.
• View Count: You must have racked up at least 100,000 authentic video views in the last 30 days. This proves your content is connecting with people right now.
• Age Requirement: You have to be at least 18 years old. This is a standard legal requirement for financial agreements.
• Content Length: You need to be posting original videos that are longer than one minute. TikTok is pushing for more substantial content, and this is their way of encouraging it.

You have to meet all four of these criteria. No exceptions. If you're short on even one, you won't be able to apply. Once you’ve hit all the benchmarks, you can apply right from the creator tools inside your TikTok app.

How Payouts Actually Work

Here’s where a lot of people get confused: just getting views doesn't guarantee you'll make money. The program pays based on "qualified views," and understanding this is key.

Imagine you own a small coffee shop. A qualified view is like a customer who not only walks in but also sits down, enjoys their coffee, and maybe even buys a pastry. Someone who just peeks through the window and leaves immediately wouldn't count.

On TikTok, a qualified view means someone watched your video for a meaningful amount of time from the "For You" page. They didn't just swipe away after two seconds. Views from your profile page, search results, or external websites often don't count toward your earnings.

This entire system is built to reward content that genuinely grabs and holds a viewer's attention. Your total earnings are based on your RPM (Revenue Per Mille), which is simply how much you earn for every 1,000 qualified views. This rate isn't set in stone; it can change based on a few things:

• Audience Location: Views from places with big ad markets, like the US or the UK, usually pay a higher RPM.
• Watch Time: Videos that keep people watching all the way to the end signal high quality and are often rewarded with a better RPM.
• Engagement: A flood of likes, comments, and shares can give your video's value a nice boost.

As you start earning, the money will show up in your creator dashboard. There’s a minimum payout threshold, usually around $10, so you'll need to earn at least that much before you can transfer it to your PayPal or bank account. Payouts are typically processed once a month, giving you a regular income stream as long as your content keeps hitting the mark. For more tips on building a profitable profile, you can find valuable insights on the MonetizedProfiles blog about social media growth.

How to Land Your First Brand Deal

While TikTok's built-in monetization tools are a great starting point, the real money is in brand partnerships. This is where you graduate from earning a few cents per thousand views to landing serious paychecks for a single video. And the best part? There are no official follower counts you need to hit to get started.

You don't need a massive, million-follower account to get a brand's attention. In fact, many companies are now hunting for micro-influencers—creators with as few as 5,000 to 10,000 followers who have a super-engaged community. Why? Because a smaller, niche audience is often way more valuable than a huge, general one.

Think about it this way: a brand selling premium vegan baking supplies would get much more bang for their buck partnering with a creator who has 15,000 dedicated vegan foodie followers. That audience trusts the creator's recommendations and is primed to buy. It's a much smarter investment than paying a lifestyle influencer with 150,000 followers who might only have a casual interest in baking.

Finding Brand Partnership Opportunities

So, where do these deals come from? You have two main paths you can take, and which one you choose often depends on how big your account is.

1. TikTok Creator Marketplace: This is the official playground where TikTok connects creators with brands. It’s like a professional matchmaking service. Once you cross 10,000 followers and meet the other criteria, you can join and let brands find you directly.

2. Direct Outreach (Pitching): This is the hustle-and-grind method that works for creators of all sizes, and it’s especially powerful if you have under 10,000 followers. You'll be the one reaching out to brands you already use and love—the ones you know your audience will love, too. A well-crafted, personal pitch can open doors you didn't think were possible.

No matter which route you take, you need to present yourself as a professional partner, not just another fan. That's where a media kit comes in.

Crafting Your Media Kit

Think of a media kit as your creator resume. It’s a simple document (usually a slick PDF) that shows off who you are, what your content is about, and the value you bring to the table. This is your secret weapon for making a fantastic first impression.

Your media kit should be clean, easy to read, and hit all the right points.

• About You: A quick bio that explains your personal brand and content niche. What makes you, you?
• Audience Demographics: Who's watching your stuff? Pull key stats from your analytics, like age, gender, and top countries. Brands need to know if your audience is their target customer.
• Key Metrics: Your follower count is just one piece of the puzzle. Showcase your engagement rate, average video views, and monthly reach. High engagement is your biggest selling point.
• Past Collaborations: If you've worked with brands before, show it off! Include screenshots or links to your best work.
• Services & Rates: Be clear about what you offer (e.g., one dedicated TikTok, a three-video series) and list your starting rates. It shows you’re a pro who is ready to do business.

A polished media kit signals to brands that you get it—you understand the business of content creation. It immediately separates you from the hobbyists and positions you as a professional partner they can trust with their marketing dollars.

Setting Your Rates and Negotiating

Figuring out how much to charge can feel like the scariest part, but it doesn't have to be. There's no magic formula, but a good place to start is by looking at your engagement rate, average views, and what the brand is asking for. A common starting point for micro-influencers is $100 to $250 per video, but this can climb much higher depending on your niche and performance.

The money you can make on TikTok really depends on your follower count, video views, and engagement metrics like likes, shares, and comments. For official programs, you're looking at an average of $0.02 to $0.04 per 1,000 views. But with brand deals, you're in the driver's seat, setting your own value way beyond those numbers.

When a brand finally reaches out, don't be afraid to negotiate. Their first offer is rarely their best and final. Be confident in the value you provide and be ready to explain why you're worth what you're asking. While brand deals are an amazing goal, don't forget about other income streams like affiliate marketing. You might want to check out our guide on choosing the right affiliate programs to add even more revenue to your creator business.

Making Money with Fewer Than 10,000 Followers

That 10,000 follower count often feels like the magic number, the gatekeeper to making any real money on TikTok. But here’s something most people miss: you can start earning long before you ever hit that milestone. The trick is to stop obsessing over the follower count and start focusing on building a real community.

A small but super-engaged audience is often more valuable than a massive, passive one. These methods don't depend on a check from TikTok; they turn your platform into a marketing engine that drives real sales. Honestly, a creator with 2,000 dedicated fans who hang on their every word can often earn more than an account with 50,000 followers who barely pay attention.

Unlocking Affiliate Marketing Income

One of the easiest ways to start earning is with affiliate marketing. Picture yourself as a trusted friend who just found an amazing new product. When you recommend it and someone buys it through your unique link, the brand gives you a small cut. It’s a thank you for sending a customer their way, and it costs the buyer nothing extra.

This works so well for smaller creators because it’s all about trust, not reach. If your followers know you give honest opinions on skincare, tech, or whatever your niche is, they're far more likely to check out what you recommend.

To get started, you'll need the "link in bio" feature, which TikTok typically gives you once you hit 1,000 followers. After that, it's pretty straightforward:

• Join the Right Programs: Start with big networks like Amazon Associates or look for brands in your niche that run their own affiliate programs.
• Create Authentic Content: Don't just make a video that screams "buy this!" Weave the product into helpful, fun, or educational content. Show how it solves a problem.
• Point People to Your Link: Make a clear call to action, telling viewers they can find the product through the link in your bio. Always be upfront about it being an affiliate link—people appreciate the transparency.

Selling Your Own Products and Services

Another fantastic route is selling your own stuff. This puts you in the driver's seat, turning your TikTok profile into the front door of your own business. You don't need any specific follower count for this—you just need something to sell and people who want to buy it.

This is perfect if you have a skill to teach or a passion you can turn into a product. The sky's the limit here.

A loyal community, no matter how small, is already your customer base. When they trust your content, they’re way more likely to buy your products because they’ve already bought into you.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Digital Products: E-books, video courses, and templates are great because you create them once and can sell them forever. A fitness coach could sell a workout plan, or a video editor could sell their custom presets.
• Merchandise: Thanks to print-on-demand services, you can sell t-shirts, mugs, or hats with your branding without ever touching inventory. This is a no-brainer if you have a strong personal brand or inside jokes with your audience.
• Coaching or Services: If you're an expert in something, offer your skills directly. This could be anything from one-on-one coaching to freelance writing or design services.

Think about it this way: a creator with just 2,000 followers who shares gluten-free baking recipes has built a dedicated little community. They bundle their top 20 recipes into a digital e-book and sell it for $15. If only 5% of their audience buys it, that’s 100 sales. And that’s $1,500 right there, proving you don't need a massive audience to earn a real income.

If grinding from zero feels too slow, some creators look for a head start. You can find options like purchasing a pre-existing monetized TikTok account to skip the initial growth phase and get straight to earning.

Your Checklist for Monetization Readiness

Knowing the magic number of followers you need to get paid is just the starting point. Being actually ready to make money is a whole different ballgame.

Think of your TikTok profile as a new shop on a busy street. Just because you've unlocked the door doesn't mean customers will rush in. You need to have a clear sign out front, interesting products on the shelves, and a welcoming vibe. This checklist will help you get your "shop" in order.

Optimize Your Profile Foundation

Your profile is your digital handshake. It’s the very first thing a potential follower or brand partner sees, and you only get a few seconds to make a good impression. If it’s confusing or unprofessional, they'll scroll right on by.

Here's how to make it a firm one:

• A Clear and Catchy Bio: Quickly tell people who you are, what you post about, and what's in it for them. Think of it as your elevator pitch.
• A Professional Profile Picture: Use a clear, high-quality photo of your face or a logo that represents your brand. No blurry vacation pics, please.
• A Strategic Link in Bio: As soon as you hit 1,000 followers, TikTok lets you add a clickable link. Don't waste it! Use a tool like Linktree to create a simple landing page with links to your other socials, affiliate products, or website.

Build a Consistent Content Strategy

Throwing random videos at the wall and hoping one sticks is a recipe for slow growth. You need a game plan. A focused content strategy shows followers you're the go-to person for a specific topic, whether that’s vegan recipes or DIY home repair.

This is how you attract followers who are genuinely interested in what you do—the kind of people who will eventually buy what you recommend.

Consistency is currency on TikTok. When your audience knows what to expect from you and when to expect it, they're far more likely to stick around. It tells them (and the algorithm) that you’re a serious creator worth paying attention to.

Pick your lane and stay in it. If you’re the expert on sustainable fashion, don’t suddenly start posting about cryptocurrency. Decide on a realistic posting schedule—maybe three times a week—and stick to it.

Create an Active Engagement Engine

Let’s be real: passive viewers don’t pay the bills. An engaged community does. Your job is to turn people who just watch your videos into true fans who comment, share, and feel connected to you.

It's all about making it a two-way street.

1. Respond to Comments: It’s so simple, but so many creators skip it. When someone takes the time to comment, write back! It makes them feel seen and encourages more people to join the conversation.
2. Use Video Replies: See an interesting question in your comments? Turn your answer into a whole new video. It's an awesome way to generate fresh content while giving your community a shout-out.
3. Ask Questions in Your Videos: Don't just talk at your audience. End your videos with a question that gets them talking in the comments. This is a direct signal to the algorithm that your content is sparking conversation.

If you're looking for more deep dives into TikTok growth tactics, check out Branditok's blog.

Ensure Your Account Is Brand Safe

Finally, you have to play by the rules. Getting a Community Guidelines violation can get your account suspended or shadowbanned, which instantly kills your ability to earn money.

Brand safety is all about creating content that advertisers feel comfortable being associated with. This means avoiding controversial topics, respecting copyright rules for music and sounds, and just generally keeping your corner of the internet positive and professional.

Brands are looking for low-risk partners. By keeping your content clean and your account in good standing, you make yourself an easy and obvious choice for a sponsorship deal.

Common Questions About Getting Paid on TikTok

Even with a clear plan, you probably still have a few questions buzzing around your head. It's totally normal. Getting paid on TikTok has its own set of rules and quirks that aren't always spelled out. This section is here to give you straight answers to the most common questions creators ask.

Think of it as your personal cheat sheet. We'll cut through the noise and tackle the big three questions to clear up any confusion about pay rates, age limits, and which account type you actually need.

How Much Does TikTok Actually Pay Per 1,000 Views?

Ah, the million-dollar question. The honest answer? It's not a single, clean number. TikTok’s payout rate isn't set in stone; it moves and changes based on a few key factors within the Creator Rewards Program.

You might have heard about the old Creator Fund, which was known for its pretty low payouts—often just $0.02 to $0.04 per 1,000 views. While that gives us a bit of history, the new system is a whole different ballgame, designed to reward high-quality content much better.

Today, your earnings are based on something called RPM (Revenue Per Mille), which is how much you make for every 1,000 qualified views. And this RPM can swing wildly.

Here’s what goes into that calculation:

• Video Performance: How long are people watching? Are they engaging? High watch times and lots of likes/comments tell TikTok your content is valuable, which can boost your RPM.
• Audience Location: A view from the United States or Western Europe is often worth more than a view from other regions simply because the ad markets are stronger there.
• Your Niche: Some topics are just more advertiser-friendly. A finance or tech channel might see a higher RPM than a general comedy channel, for example.

The real game-changer is shifting your focus from just getting views to creating videos people genuinely watch from start to finish. A video with 100,000 super-engaged, qualified views will almost always out-earn one with 500,000 quick, forgettable views.

Can You Get Paid if You Are Under 18?

For any of TikTok's official programs, the short answer is no. To join the Creator Rewards Program or receive things like LIVE Gifts, you have to be 18 years of age or older. This isn't just a TikTok rule; it's a legal requirement for the financial contracts involved.

The same goes for most brand deals. Companies need to sign legally binding agreements, and they almost always require creators to be adults.

But that doesn't mean you're out of luck if you're younger. You can't cash in just yet, but you can use this time to build an unstoppable foundation for when you can.

Here’s what to focus on:

• Build Your Tribe: Concentrate on growing a loyal community that loves what you do. By the time you turn 18, you could already have an audience that qualifies you for monetization on day one.
• Master Your Craft: This is your training ground. Experiment with new formats, get better at editing, and really learn what makes your audience tick.
• Own Your Niche: Become the go-to person for a specific topic. This will make you incredibly attractive to brands once you're old enough to work with them.

If you treat these years as your runway, you’ll be ready for takeoff the moment you meet the age requirement.

Do You Need a Special Account to Get Paid?

Yes and no. You don't need a secret, gold-plated account, but you absolutely need to be using the right type of account for your goals. TikTok offers a couple of different options, and picking the right one is crucial for getting paid.

Let's break them down.

1. Personal or Creator Account: This is the one you want. To join the Creator Rewards Program, you need a standard personal account, which you can easily switch to a "Creator Account" in your settings. This unlocks all the good stuff: analytics, special tools, and, most importantly, access to TikTok's own monetization features.

2. Business Account: A Business Account is built for companies selling their own products or services on the platform. They get features like ad tools and the ability to list a business email, but here's the catch: they are not eligible for the Creator Rewards Program. This is a huge deal. If your main goal is to earn money from your video views, a Business Account will completely block you.

The choice is pretty simple. If you're a creator who wants to earn money from your content, stick with a Creator Account. If you're a brand using TikTok for marketing, a Business Account makes more sense. You can switch between them in your settings, but just be aware of what you're giving up or gaining each time.

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