Brief Description:
This article covers the best ways to make money on TikTok even if you don’t have millions of followers. It explores realistic monetization methods like affiliate marketing, selling digital products, running a small business, and working as a TikTok manager. Whether you’re just starting or already have a small following, these strategies can help you generate income without being an internet celebrity.
Introduction: Can You Really Make Money on TikTok Without Going Viral?
When people think of making money on TikTok, they often imagine huge influencers with millions of followers. But the truth is—you don’t need to be famous to earn money on the platform.
TikTok has evolved beyond just viral dance videos and lip-sync trends. It’s now a powerful business and marketing tool where even small creators can make a full-time income. The key is to use TikTok strategically to earn money in creative ways.
So, how can normal people make money on TikTok? Let’s explore the best ways to monetize your account—even if you have a small audience!
1. Join the TikTok Creator Fund (But Don’t Rely on It)
TikTok’s Creator Fund is one of the first ways most people try to make money on the platform.
✔ How it works: TikTok pays creators based on views, engagement, and video watch time.
✔ Who qualifies: You need at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 video views in the last 30 days to apply.
✔ How much can you earn? TikTok pays around $0.02 to $0.04 per 1,000 views.
💡 Why It’s Not Enough: While it’s nice to get paid for views, it’s not the best way to make money unless you go viral often. A better strategy is to use TikTok to sell products, promote services, or build your brand.
2. Affiliate Marketing – Get Paid to Recommend Products
If you don’t have your own product or service, affiliate marketing is an easy way to make money on TikTok.
✔ How it works: You promote products from companies like Amazon, Walmart, or Shopify, and earn a commission when someone buys through your link.
✔ How to do it:
- Find an affiliate program (Amazon Associates, ClickBank, ShareASale, etc.).
- Get a unique referral link for a product.
- Post TikTok videos reviewing or recommending the product.
- Put the affiliate link in your bio or a Linktree page.
💰 Example: If you make a TikTok about “Best Budget Cameras for Beginners”, you can include Amazon affiliate links to those cameras. Every time someone buys through your link, you earn a commission.
📌 Pro Tip: Focus on trendy or evergreen products in a specific niche, like tech gadgets, beauty products, or home essentials.
3. Sell Digital Products (Ebooks, Templates, Printables)
Selling digital products is one of the best passive income strategies on TikTok.
✔ Why? There’s no inventory, no shipping, and once created, digital products sell over and over again.
✔ What to sell?
- Ebooks (“How to Start a Side Hustle”)
- Canva templates (Social media graphics, planners, resumes)
- Printables (Budget planners, meal prep guides, workout trackers)
✔ How to do it?
- Create your digital product using Canva, Google Docs, or Adobe.
- Upload it to Etsy, Gumroad, or Shopify.
- Make TikTok videos showcasing how your product helps people.
- Link your store in your bio and drive traffic with your content.
📌 Pro Tip: Use TikTok trends to showcase your product. Example: If you sell a meal planner printable, create videos about “Meal Prepping Hacks for Busy People” and mention your planner.
4. Start a TikTok Dropshipping Store
Dropshipping is an e-commerce business where you sell products without keeping inventory. You just promote items, and suppliers handle shipping.
✔ How it works:
- Find trending products on AliExpress, Zendrop, or CJ Dropshipping.
- Set up a Shopify or WooCommerce store.
- Create TikTok videos showcasing the product.
- When someone buys, your supplier ships it directly to the customer.
💰 Example: If pet accessories are trending, you could create a store selling unique dog toys or pet grooming tools and use TikTok videos to promote them.
📌 Pro Tip: Test products before scaling. Use TikTok ads or organic videos to see what gets engagement before spending too much.
5. Offer TikTok Management Services
Brands and small businesses are desperate for TikTok help but don’t have time to post consistently. If you understand how TikTok works, you can get paid to manage TikTok accounts for businesses.
✔ Services you can offer:
- Create and edit short-form videos.
- Research trending sounds and hashtags.
- Grow and engage with their audience.
- Run TikTok ads.
💰 Earnings: Many TikTok managers charge $500–$2,000 per month per client.
📌 How to start:
- Offer free or low-cost services to a small business first.
- Showcase before-and-after growth stats on your TikTok.
- List your services on Fiverr, Upwork, or your own website.
6. Go Live and Earn TikTok Gifts
TikTok Live Gifts allow viewers to send virtual gifts (which can be converted into real money) when you go live.
✔ Who can do this? You need 1,000+ followers to go live on TikTok.
✔ Best topics for Live Streams:
- Q&A sessions (answer audience questions).
- Live tutorials (teach a skill like Photoshop, cooking, or fitness).
- Behind the scenes (show your daily routine, business, or hobby).
📌 Pro Tip: The more entertaining or helpful your Live, the more people will send gifts.
7. Promote Your Own Business or Freelance Services
If you’re a freelancer, coach, or business owner, TikTok can be a free marketing tool to get clients.
✔ Services you can promote on TikTok:
- Graphic design, video editing, or copywriting.
- Personal training, life coaching, or consulting.
- Handmade products (jewelry, candles, art).
📌 How to do it?
- Create value-based content (e.g., “3 Canva Hacks for Beginners”).
- Add a CTA (Call to Action) like “DM me for design work” or “Link in bio to book a call.”
💰 Example: A freelance copywriter could post “Common Grammar Mistakes That Make You Look Unprofessional” and offer writing services in their bio.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need Millions of Followers to Make Money on TikTok!
Making money on TikTok without being famous is possible if you use the right strategies. Instead of relying on the Creator Fund, focus on affiliate marketing, selling digital products, dropshipping, freelancing, or TikTok services.
🚀 Ready to start? Choose one method and take action today—you might be one viral video away from making your first TikTok paycheck!
