How to Make Money on TikTok: A Realistic Breakdown
TikTok has become more than just an entertainment app—it’s now a place where creators can earn real income. But how much can you actually make, and what are the main ways to earn? Let’s break it down clearly so you can see what’s realistic depending on your level of engagement and following.
Main Ways to Make Money on TikTok
1. TikTok Live Gifts & Diamonds
- Viewers purchase coins with real money.
- They send creators virtual gifts (roses, lions, TikTok Universe, etc.) during a livestream.
- TikTok converts these gifts into Diamonds, which creators can cash out.
- 1 Diamond ≈ $0.005 (half a cent).
- TikTok keeps about 50% of the gift value.
???? Example: A viewer buys 1,000 coins (~$12.99) and sends them to a creator. The creator ends up with about $2.50 cash after TikTok’s cut.
2. TikTok Live Subscriptions
- Fans can subscribe for ~$4.99/month.
- Creators get a portion of this fee.
- Subscribers receive perks like badges, emojis, and exclusive chat access.
3. Brand Deals & Sponsorships
- Companies pay creators to promote products during TikToks or Lives.
- Deals can range from free products to thousands of dollars depending on follower count.
4. TikTok Shop & Affiliate Marketing
- Creators earn a commission when fans buy products through their TikTok Shop links.
- Popular in niches like beauty, fitness, and lifestyle.
5. Cross-Platform Monetization
- Many creators drive traffic from TikTok to other platforms like Patreon, YouTube memberships, or merch stores to supplement income.
Average TikTok Creator Earnings
TikTok earnings vary widely by follower count, niche, and engagement. Here’s what creators realistically make:
| Creator Tier | Typical Monthly Earnings (All Streams) | Livestream Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Small (10K–50K followers) | $150–$1,650 | $5–$200 per stream |
| Mid-Level (100K–500K) | $1,000–$5,000+ | $100+ per live |
| High-Tier (500K–1M) | $5,000–$50,000+ | $1,000s possible |
| Mega (1M+ followers) | $50K–$80K+ per month | High—exclusive deals |
???? The median TikTok creator earns about $15K–$25K per year ($1.3K–$2.1K/month). About half of all creators earn less than $15K annually.
Real-Life Examples
- Jakey Boehm (Sleepfluencer): Streams himself sleeping with gifts triggering room effects. Earns ~$50,000/month just from TikTok Live.
- Spencer Pratt: Reported ~$20,000 per live.
- Pinky Doll: Makes $2,000–$3,000 per livestream.
- Kai Cenat: Known to pull in over $5,000 for one-hour streams.
These are exceptions—most creators earn on the lower end until they build a very loyal fanbase.
Key Takeaways
- TikTok Live gifts are the main direct income source, but TikTok takes a large cut.
- Subscriptions and brand deals can add steady income streams.
- Average creators (under 100K followers) often make a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars per month.
- Top creators or those with unique concepts (like sleep streaming) can make tens of thousands per month.
Final Thought
If you’re looking to earn on TikTok, don’t expect overnight riches. It usually starts as side income and grows with consistent content, audience engagement, and creative monetization strategies. Those who succeed treat it less like a hobby and more like a business—mixing livestreams, brand partnerships, affiliate sales, and multiple income streams.
