How Many Followers Do You Need to Get Paid on TikTok? [2025]

Here’s the Truth Up Front

Charli D’Amelio supposedly earns $100,000+ for a single TikTok. Wild, right? But forget the headline. The real story: you don’t need to be Charli, or even anywhere close, to start turning content into cash. TikTok’s payout machine is a lot more accessible - and a lot more nuanced - than most creators think.

You want the exact number? You want to know the loopholes, the workarounds, and the stuff TikTok doesn’t shout about? Good. Because this is the real guide for regular creators who want to get paid, not a flex for the top 0.001%.

Quick Answer: How Many Followers to Get Paid on TikTok?

10,000 followers is your magic number. Hit that, and you can tap into TikTok’s built-in monetization ecosystem—but it’s not just about a single stat. Here’s what the system actually looks for:

1. At least 10,000 followers (not bots, not fake accounts)
2. 100,000 video views in the last 30 days
3. Age 18+
4. U.S.-based account (as of now; more regions are being added)
5. No major policy violations
6. Payment details on file

Meet those, and you unlock TikTok’s Creativity Program (formerly the Creator Fund), which is how TikTok now pays out cash to its creators.

TikTok’s Creativity Program: The New Way to Get Paid

TikTok’s Creativity Program isn’t just a rebrand—it’s the platform’s answer to complaints that the old Creator Fund paid peanuts. The new deal? More transparency, stricter entry, and—if you’re good—real payouts.

1. The Real Criteria

2. 10,000 authentic followers
3. 100,000+ video views (past 30 days)
4. Age 18+
5. U.S., UK, France, or Germany residency
6. Clean account history

This is not a rumor or backdoor. These are the official hurdles. If you’re not meeting them, you’re not getting paid by TikTok itself, no matter how viral your content goes.

How to Apply

1. Already on Creator Fund?
   Open TikTok, tap your profile, hit the menu, go to Creator Tools > Creator Fund > Dashboard, and tap “Switch” to join the Creativity Program.
2. Not in the Fund?
   Profile > Menu > Creator Tools > Creativity Program > Apply. Wait up to three days for approval.

What’s Changed vs. The Old Creator Fund?

1. Longer videos: You now need to create content over 1 minute long for most payouts. TikTok is rewarding depth, not just viral 7-second trends.
2. Bigger potential earnings: TikTok says payouts can be 20x higher than the old fund—actual numbers vary, but most creators see an increase if their content hits.
3. More countries, rolling out fast: The U.S., UK, France, and Germany first, more coming soon.

Real Numbers: What Do Creators Actually Earn?

Let’s cut through the “influencer income” hype. Most creators who just qualify for the Creativity Program (10k followers, 100k views/month) report early payouts ranging from $10–$40 per million qualified views. If you’re hitting millions of views regularly, it can add up, but it won’t pay Manhattan rent on its own.

Top creators? They use TikTok as a springboard—payouts, brand deals, merch, courses, and more (we’ll cover these below). The ones who win big are the ones who build a brand, not just a follower count.

Understanding TikTok’s Other Monetization Tools

1. Creator Next:
Think of this as your dashboard for every way you can make money on TikTok—beyond just the Creativity Program.

What’s inside:

1. Creator Marketplace:
   Where brands find creators for partnerships and paid campaigns.
2. Video Gifts & Live Gifts:
   Fans send virtual gifts (bought with real money) that you can cash out.
3. Tips:
   Fans can send you cash, straight up.
4. Creator Fund (retiring):
   Replaced by the Creativity Program, but you might still see the name in your dashboard if you haven’t switched.

2. Live Stream Monetization:

1. Go live, interact in real time, collect gifts and donations.
2. Best used if you have an engaged audience that wants to connect directly.

3. Brand Deals (the real moneymaker):

You don’t need a million followers. Micro-influencers (10k–50k) are getting brand deals daily, especially in niche markets.

4. Affiliate Links & Product Placement:

1. Use TikTok to showcase or review products.
2. Drop affiliate links in your bio (or drive followers to IG/YouTube with affiliate links there).

5. E-Commerce (TikTok Shop):

Sell directly in the app (still rolling out, but huge in Asia and expanding globally).

FAQs: Everything Creators Ask About Getting Paid on TikTok

Q: Can you make money on TikTok with less than 10,000 followers?
A: Technically, yes - but not from TikTok itself. If you’re a niche creator (think: knitting, chess, or weird trivia), you can land brand deals, affiliate sales, and even tips from superfans before you ever hit 10k. But the official, platform-backed payout requires 10k followers and 100k views/month.

Q: How is TikTok’s Creativity Program different from the Creator Fund?
A: More countries, bigger payouts, longer content required. The new program rewards creators who can keep viewers hooked for more than a minute.

Q: Is it easier to get paid as a U.S. creator?
A: Right now, yes. Most new monetization features hit the U.S. first, but expect global rollout soon.

Q: Can you buy followers or views to qualify faster?
A: Don’t do it. TikTok’s detection is brutal—fake numbers will get your account shadowbanned or banned outright.

Q: How do payouts actually work?
A: Once approved, your dashboard shows earnings. Link a payout method (PayPal, bank, etc.), and cash out when you hit the threshold.

Q: Are all views equal?
A: No. Only “qualified” views from certain countries and on eligible content count toward payouts. Recycled/low-quality videos don’t earn as much.

Q: How do I keep growing after 10k?
A: Post consistently, analyze what actually performs (not just what you like), and engage in trends without losing your voice. Collab, cross-promote, and start building off-platform (IG, YT, email list) to own your audience.

The TikTok Growth Roadmap: From Zero to Paid

1. Get Your First 1,000 Followers

1. Pick a niche: Comedy, fitness, advice—pick something you’d make content about for free.
2. Post daily (or at least 4-5x/week) and test formats.
3. Use trending sounds—but always put your own twist.
4. Interact: Reply to comments, duet, and stitch other creators.

2. The Push to 10,000

1. Analyze your analytics: Double down on what gets real engagement.
2. Go live once a week to connect with fans (and unlock live gifts).
3. Start DMing and collabing with creators just above your tier.
4. Optimize your profile for conversion: Clear value prop, strong CTA, easy contact.

3. Hit 100,000+ Monthly Views

1. Quality over quantity: Post less often if it means better videos.
2. Experiment with longer content (60–120 seconds)—TikTok wants watch time.
3. Master hooks: The first 3 seconds decide if you get scrolled or watched.
4. Repurpose old hits: Update and remix your best content for a new cycle.

Beyond TikTok: Monetize Like a Pro

TikTok payouts are nice, but the best creators build multiple revenue streams:

1. Launch an online course or workshop:
Share your expertise—whether it’s dancing, editing, storytelling, or something niche. Platforms like Teachable, Podia, or even private Zoom classes can bring in real income.

2. Sell branded merch:
T-shirts, stickers, hats. Use print-on-demand services so you never touch inventory.

3. Affiliate marketing:
Review gear, books, or tools. Drop affiliate links and get paid on every sale.

4. Run paid virtual events:
Host meetups, behind-the-scenes tours, or special Q&As. Charge for access via Eventbrite, Patreon, or TikTok’s own tools as they roll out.

5. Sponsored posts and collaborations:
Brands will approach you as you grow—don’t wait. Reach out yourself with a media kit, and work only with brands that fit your audience.

6. Crowdfunding:
Patreon, Ko-fi, Kickstarter. Give super fans exclusive content or perks for monthly support.

7. Podcast or newsletter:
Own your audience—if TikTok disappeared tomorrow, you’d still have a way to connect (and monetize).

Creator Insights: How People Are Really Making Money

1. @christopherclaflin: Points out that TikTok’s priorities have shifted: they want mature, sticky content, not just endless viral hits. Understand where the platform is going, not just where it’s been.
2. @claireliz_: Micro-influencers are seeing real payouts with the Creativity Program. She documents her earnings and strategy to help others break in.

Emerging trend: Brands are targeting micro and nano-influencers (5,000–50,000 followers) for sponsored deals. Engagement is often more valuable than raw follower numbers.

Advanced Monetization Moves

1. Niche down, then scale out:
   Start focused—build a cult following in a micro-niche, then branch out to adjacent topics once you own the space.
2. Bundle your content:
   Offer a downloadable “vault” of your best work (templates, guides, presets) for sale.
3. Cross-platform:
   Use TikTok to push to YouTube (longer content = ad revenue) and Instagram (brands love multi-platform reach).
4. Monetize analytics:
   Teach other creators what you’re learning. Meta—making content about how to make content—is big business.

Pro Tips: Getting Paid Without Losing Your Mind

1. Don’t chase every trend: Trends get you views, but brand and depth get you paid.
2. Protect your community: Engage with your real fans. Moderate trolls ruthlessly.
3. Know your worth: Don’t undersell for the first brand deal. Hold out for partnerships that actually make sense.
4. Reinvest: Upgrade your gear, learn new skills, outsource editing—treat it like a business, not a hobby.

The Final Word: Numbers Matter, But Value Wins

Yes, you need 10,000 followers (plus 100k monthly views) to unlock TikTok’s official payout. But real money comes from combining platform payouts, brand deals, and audience engagement. Followers are the key to the door - not the prize at the end.

TikTok is the launchpad. You are the business.
Keep building. Keep experimenting. Never wait for the platform to hand you everything.

Want the latest TikTok growth hacks, monetization breakdowns, or behind-the-scenes insights from real creators? Drop a comment and let’s make it happen.