Hey there! So you want to make money on TikTok? I get it. TikTok has become one of the best platforms for creators to earn real income in 2025. But here’s the thing – you need to know the requirements first. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything about TikTok monetization requirements. I’ll keep it simple and easy to understand. Let’s get started.
What Is TikTok Monetization?
TikTok monetization means earning money from your content on the platform. Simple as that.
When you create videos that people watch and engage with, TikTok pays you. But you can’t just start earning right away. You need to meet certain requirements first.
Think of it like getting a job. You need to qualify before you can earn.
Why Understanding TikTok Monetization Requirements Is Important
Here’s why you need to know these requirements before you start.
First, it saves you time. You won’t waste months creating content only to find out you don’t qualify.
Second, it helps you set realistic goals. You’ll know exactly what numbers you need to hit.
Third, it keeps you from getting disappointed. Many creators give up because they don’t understand the process.
I’ve seen too many people quit just before they were about to qualify. Don’t be that person.
Different Ways to Monetize on TikTok in 2025
TikTok offers several ways to make money. Each one has different requirements. Let me break them down for you.
1. TikTok Creator Fund / Creativity Program
This is the main way TikTok pays creators directly. You get paid based on your video views.
The Creativity Program replaced the old Creator Fund. It pays much better than before.
You can earn between $0.40 to $1.00 per 1,000 views. Sometimes even more if your content performs really well.
2. TikTok LIVE Gifts & Diamonds
When you go live, your viewers can send you virtual gifts. These gifts turn into real money.
You receive diamonds that you can cash out. It’s like getting tips from your audience.
This is great for creators who like interacting with their fans in real time.
3. TikTok Pulse (Ad Revenue Sharing)
TikTok Pulse lets you earn money from ads shown next to your videos.
Your content appears alongside ads from brands. You get a share of that ad revenue.
This works best if you create trending content that gets a lot of engagement.
4. TikTok Creator Marketplace (Brand Collaborations)
This is where brands find creators for partnerships.
Companies pay you to create content featuring their products. It’s basically sponsored content.
The pay here can be really good, especially if you have an engaged audience.
5. Affiliate & Product Selling (TikTok Shop)
You can sell products directly through TikTok Shop. Or promote other people’s products and earn commissions.
This is my favorite option because you have more control over your earnings.
Many creators make their biggest income through TikTok Shop.
TikTok Monetization Requirements (Platform-Wide Eligibility Criteria)
Now let’s talk about the basic requirements you need to meet. These apply to most monetization features.
Age Requirements
You need to be at least 18 years old to monetize on TikTok.
Some features like LIVE gifts require you to be 18. Others might allow 16 and above, but having full access means being 18 or older.
This is non-negotiable. TikTok checks your age, so be honest.
Follower Count Requirements
Different programs need different follower counts.
For most monetization features, you need at least 1,000 followers. But the Creator Rewards Program needs 10,000 followers.
Building followers takes time. Focus on creating good content consistently.
View Count & Engagement Thresholds
Views matter a lot for TikTok monetization.
For the Creator Rewards Program, you need 100,000 video views in the last 30 days. That’s a lot, I know.
But engagement matters too. Comments, shares, and watch time all count.
TikTok looks at how people interact with your content, not just raw numbers.
Country/Region Eligibility
Not all countries can access all monetization features.
The Creator Rewards Program is available in the United States, France, Germany, South Korea, Brazil, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and Japan.
TikTok LIVE and other features are available in more countries. Check TikTok’s official website for your region.
If your country isn’t listed, you can still make money through brand deals and TikTok Shop.
Content Guidelines & Community Standards Compliance
Your account must follow TikTok’s rules. This is super important.
You can’t have any community guideline violations. No copyright strikes. No spam.
Keep your content clean and follow the rules. One violation can disqualify you from monetization.
Monetization Criteria for Each TikTok Program
Each monetization program has specific requirements. Let me break them down one by one.
TikTok Creativity Program Requirements
This is the main program for earning money from views. Here’s what you need:
- At least 10,000 followers
- 100,000 video views in the past 30 days
- Must be 18 years or older
- Videos must be longer than 1 minute
- Account must be in good standing
The one-minute requirement is important. Short videos don’t qualify for this program.
TikTok LIVE Monetization Eligibility
Want to go live and receive gifts? You need:
- At least 1,000 followers
- Must be 18 years or older (16 in some countries for going live, but 18 to receive gifts)
- No community guideline violations
- Active account with regular posts
Going live is one of the fastest ways to start earning on TikTok.
TikTok Pulse Revenue Share Requirements
For ad revenue sharing through Pulse, you need:
- At least 5,000 followers (in most regions)
- Must be 18 years or older
- Content must be brand-safe
- High engagement rates
Your content needs to be advertiser-friendly for this program.
TikTok Creator Marketplace Requirements
To join the marketplace and work with brands:
- At least 10,000 followers
- 100,000 video views in the last 30 days
- Must be 18 years or older
- Professional-looking content
- Good engagement rate
Brands look at your engagement rate more than your follower count.
TikTok Shop & Affiliate Requirements
For selling products or promoting affiliate offers:
- At least 1,000 followers
- Must be 18 years or older
- Located in a country where TikTok Shop is available
- Business account recommended
TikTok Shop is growing fast. It’s a great option even for smaller creators.
How to Apply for TikTok Monetization (Step-by-Step)
Ready to apply? Here’s exactly how to do it.
Step 1: Open your TikTok app and go to your profile.
Step 2: Tap the three lines in the top right corner to open settings.
Step 3: Go to “Creator tools” section.
Step 4: Look for “Monetization” or “Creator Rewards Program.”
Step 5: Check if you meet the requirements. TikTok will show you what you need.
Step 6: If you qualify, tap “Apply” and follow the instructions.
Step 7: Wait for approval. This can take a few days to a few weeks.
Make sure your account information is accurate. Use your real name and valid payment details.
Tips to Fast-Track Your Monetization Approval
Want to get approved faster? Here are my best tips.
Post consistently. Upload at least one video per day. Consistency shows TikTok you’re serious.
Create longer videos. Videos over 1 minute qualify for better monetization programs.
Focus on engagement. Get people to comment, share, and watch your full videos.
Follow trends but add your twist. Don’t just copy. Make trending content your own.
Use relevant hashtags. Help people find your content with the right hashtags.
Keep your account clean. No violations. No spam. No bought followers.
Interact with your audience. Reply to comments. Build a community.
Post at the right times. Figure out when your audience is most active.
Common Reasons TikTok Rejects Monetization Requests (And How to Fix Them)
Getting rejected sucks. But it happens. Here are the main reasons why.
Reason 1: Not enough followers or views
Fix: Keep creating content. Focus on quality over quantity. Engage with your niche community.
Reason 2: Community guideline violations
Fix: Review TikTok’s guidelines. Delete any problematic content. Wait a few months before reapplying.
Reason 3: Bought followers or fake engagement
Fix: Don’t buy followers. Ever. It always backfires. Focus on growing organically.
Reason 4: Reposted or stolen content
Fix: Create original content only. Don’t repost other people’s videos, even with credit.
Reason 5: Inconsistent posting
Fix: Create a posting schedule and stick to it. Even 3-4 times per week is better than random posting.
Reason 6: Not meeting age requirements
Fix: Wait until you’re 18. There’s no way around this one.
Reason 7: Country restrictions
Fix: Check if your country supports the program. If not, focus on TikTok Shop or brand deals.
TikTok Monetization vs YouTube & Instagram – Which Pays More?
Let’s be real. Everyone wants to know which platform pays best.
TikTok pays between $0.40 to $1.00 per 1,000 views through the Creativity Program. For a video with 1 million views, that’s $400 to $1,000.
YouTube pays between $3 to $5 per 1,000 views on average. A million views could earn $3,000 to $5,000.
Instagram doesn’t have a direct payment program for reels yet. Most income comes from brand deals.
YouTube pays more per view, but TikTok is easier to go viral on. Instagram is great for brand partnerships.
My advice? Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Use multiple platforms.
FAQs: TikTok Monetization Requirements
Can You Monetize TikTok Without 1,000 Followers?
No, most monetization features require at least 1,000 followers. However, you can still make money through TikTok Shop affiliate marketing or by getting brand deals outside the platform. Some creators with fewer followers earn good money from brand partnerships by having high engagement rates.
How Many Views Do You Need to Get Paid on TikTok?
For the Creator Rewards Program, you need 100,000 video views in the last 30 days to qualify. Once you’re in the program, you get paid for every qualified view. Each video needs to be over 1 minute long to count toward your earnings in this program.
Which Countries Support TikTok Monetization?
The Creator Rewards Program is available in the United States, France, Germany, South Korea, Brazil, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and Japan. TikTok LIVE and other features are available in more countries. TikTok Shop availability varies by region. Check TikTok’s official website for the most current list of supported countries.
How Much Does TikTok Pay Per 1,000 Views?
TikTok pays between $0.40 to $1.00 per 1,000 views through the Creator Rewards Program. The old Creator Fund paid less, around $0.02 to $0.04 per 1,000 views. Your actual earnings depend on factors like video length, engagement rate, watch time, and audience demographics.
How Long Does It Take to Get Approved for TikTok Monetization?
Approval typically takes 1 to 3 weeks after you apply. Sometimes it can be faster if your account clearly meets all requirements. TikTok reviews your account to make sure you follow community guidelines and have legitimate engagement. If rejected, you can reapply after 30 days.
Do I Need a Business Account to Monetize on TikTok?
No, you don’t need a business account for most monetization features. However, a business account is recommended for TikTok Shop and accessing analytics. You can switch between personal, creator, and business accounts in your settings. Most creators use the creator account option.
Can I Monetize TikTok Content That Uses Copyrighted Music?
Using copyrighted music doesn’t automatically disqualify you from monetization. However, some songs have commercial use restrictions. For the Creator Rewards Program, it’s safer to use TikTok’s commercial music library or royalty-free music. If you get copyright strikes, it can affect your monetization eligibility.
Final Thoughts: Is TikTok Monetization Worth It?
So, is TikTok monetization worth your time?
Yes, but with realistic expectations.
You won’t get rich overnight. The tiktok monetization requirements are high. You need to work consistently for months before seeing real money.
But if you enjoy creating content and building an audience, it’s definitely worth it. Many creators earn full-time income from TikTok.
The key is to diversify your income. Don’t rely only on the Creator Rewards Program. Use TikTok Shop, brand deals, and LIVE gifts too.
Start building your account now. Meet the requirements. Apply when you qualify.
At AIConnecto, we believe in helping creators succeed on every platform. TikTok monetization is just one piece of the puzzle. Keep learning, keep creating, and the money will follow.
Ready to start your TikTok monetization journey? Focus on creating great content first. Everything else will come.
Good luck!
