TikTok has rapidly transformed from a simple video-sharing app into a global hub for content creation, creativity, and online income. With over a billion active users worldwide, it offers everyday people a chance to share their talents, experiences, and ideas in short-form videos that can quickly go viral.
From lip-syncs and dance routines to educational tips and comedy skits, TikTok has become a dynamic platform where creators of all kinds can thrive. More importantly, it’s no longer just about entertainment — TikTok has grown into a powerful tool for personal branding and income generation.
One of the most common beliefs about TikTok monetization is that success and earnings are tied directly to having a large number of followers. Many assume that unless you have tens or hundreds of thousands of followers, making money on TikTok is impossible.
This assumption often discourages new or smaller creators from even trying to earn from their content. However, this belief overlooks a critical truth: while followers can boost visibility, they are not the only way to generate income on the platform.
In reality, TikTok offers several monetization opportunities that don’t require a massive follower count. With the right approach, strategy, and creativity, you can still build income streams even if you’re just starting out.
Whether through affiliate marketing, brand collaborations, selling products, or directing traffic to other monetized platforms, TikTok provides various tools for creators who know how to use them wisely.
So, the big question is: Can you make money on TikTok without followers? The short answer is yes — but it requires intention, strategy, and a clear understanding of the platform’s strengths. In the sections that follow, we’ll explore exactly how you can turn TikTok into a money-making machine, even if you’re starting from zero.
Ways to Make Money on TikTok Without Followers
a. TikTok Affiliate Marketing
One of the most accessible ways to make money on TikTok — even without a large following — is through affiliate marketing. This strategy involves promoting products or services using a unique affiliate link, and earning a commission each time someone makes a purchase through that link. TikTok’s video-driven nature makes it a perfect place to showcase product benefits, reviews, and usage tips in an engaging, visual format.
TikTok has also expanded its features to support creators interested in monetization. In many regions, users can now add clickable links to their bios, and in some cases, even include links directly in their video descriptions.
This allows viewers to easily find and purchase the products being promoted, which opens up direct earning opportunities — especially when paired with high-interest or problem-solving content.
What makes affiliate marketing especially appealing is that you don’t need a large audience to get started. Affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, ClickBank, and Digistore24 accept creators with little or no social media following. The key lies in crafting compelling videos that capture attention and offer value. For instance, you could create product demonstrations, unboxing videos, comparisons, or “top 5 must-haves” lists. Even short tips and life hacks that feature the product can go viral and drive clicks.
To succeed, focus on creating content that either solves a specific problem or entertains while introducing a product. Use trending sounds, hashtags, and storytelling techniques to increase your video’s reach. Over time, one viral post can lead to a surge in link clicks and conversions — even if you don’t have thousands of followers.
In short, TikTok affiliate marketing is a low-barrier, high-potential income stream. With consistency, creativity, and the right products, anyone can start earning on TikTok — no massive follower count required.
b. TikTok Shop and Product Reviews
TikTok Shop is one of the platform’s newest and most powerful features for creators looking to earn money — even without a large following. In select regions, TikTok now allows new users to register as affiliates for TikTok Shop, enabling them to promote and review products directly within the app.
This opens the door for beginner creators to generate income by simply sharing honest and engaging content about items they’ve tried or recommend.
As a TikTok Shop affiliate, you can browse a marketplace of products available for promotion. Once you choose a product, you’ll receive a unique affiliate link or be able to tag the product directly in your video. When viewers watch your content and purchase the product through your link or tag, you earn a commission — no massive follower count needed.
One effective way to drive sales is through product review videos. These videos can be simple yet powerful. For example, you might show how a product works, highlight its benefits, or compare it to other similar items. Unboxing videos, before-and-after transformations, or even daily usage clips can also build trust and curiosity among viewers.
The key is to make your reviews feel authentic and relatable. You don’t need fancy equipment or a studio setup. A well-lit video filmed with your phone and an honest opinion can be more effective than overly polished content.
TikTok’s algorithm favors engagement, so if your video sparks interest or helps solve a problem, it has the potential to reach thousands — even without a big audience.
In summary, TikTok Shop allows everyday users to monetize their content by promoting real products through authentic reviews. With creativity, consistency, and a focus on value, you can start earning commissions as a product reviewer — even if you’re new to TikTok.
c. Using TikTok to Drive Traffic Elsewhere
One of the smartest ways to earn money on TikTok — even with a small follower count — is by using the platform as a traffic engine to direct viewers to your other monetized platforms. Whether you run a blog, sell a digital product, offer a service, or manage a YouTube channel, TikTok can help you attract the right audience with just one well-crafted video.
The beauty of TikTok lies in its algorithm, which doesn’t prioritize content solely based on follower numbers. This means that even creators with 0 to 100 followers have a real chance of going viral. A single video that resonates with viewers can gain thousands or even millions of views, driving massive attention to your content or offer outside the app.
TikTok allows users to place a clickable link in their bio, which becomes a powerful tool for redirection. You can link to a blog post, online store, YouTube video, digital product (like an eBook or course), or email sign-up page. By strategically crafting videos that spark interest or curiosity around what you offer, you can guide viewers to click your bio link and explore further.
For example, if you sell a digital product, you could create short how-to videos, quick tips, or a behind-the-scenes look at what the product solves. If you’re a blogger, share micro-content from your blog, such as “3 money-saving hacks” or “Top 5 travel tips,” and invite viewers to “read more” via the link in your bio.
Consistency, clear calls-to-action, and content that aligns with your niche are essential. Over time, even a modest TikTok presence can funnel highly targeted traffic to platforms where you monetize more directly — through ad revenue, product sales, or affiliate links.
In short, TikTok is not just a content platform — it’s a traffic powerhouse. With the right strategy, you can turn short videos into long-term income, even without a large following.
d. Offering Services or Freelancing
e. Viral Content Strategy
3. Realistic Expectations
While it’s absolutely possible to make money on TikTok without a large following, it’s important to set realistic expectations. Earning income from a platform like TikTok doesn’t happen overnight, especially if you’re starting from scratch. It requires a combination of effort, creativity, strategy, and most importantly — patience.
Many creators see success stories online and assume they can instantly replicate the same results. However, what those stories often leave out is the behind-the-scenes work: the hours spent learning the platform, testing different content styles, researching trends, and improving video quality. If you want to earn on TikTok, especially without a built-in audience, you’ll need to treat it like any other business or side hustle — something that takes time and consistency to grow.
One of the biggest keys to success is showing up consistently. Posting regularly (even just a few times per week), analyzing what works, and adjusting your approach based on performance is how you gradually improve and gain traction.
With time, your audience will start to grow, and your videos will reach more people. This growth not only increases your chances of going viral but also boosts trust — which is crucial for affiliate marketing, product reviews, or selling services.
Creativity also plays a major role. You’ll need to find unique ways to present your message, stand out in a sea of content, and capture attention quickly. But you don’t need perfection or expensive equipment — just a clear message, value-driven content, and a willingness to keep improving.
In summary, making money on TikTok without followers is realistic, but not instant. With dedication, creativity, and consistency, you can build a strong presence and eventually turn your TikTok efforts into a reliable source of income. Stay focused, be patient, and view every post as a step toward long-term growth
Tips for Beginners
If you’re just starting out on TikTok and hoping to turn it into a source of income, laying the right foundation is essential. Here are some practical tips to help beginners grow faster, gain visibility, and start monetizing effectively — even without a large following.
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Focus on Niche Content
Choose a clear niche that aligns with your skills, interests, or the product/service you want to promote. Whether it’s fashion, tech, personal finance, fitness, or digital marketing, sticking to one niche helps TikTok’s algorithm understand your content and show it to the right audience. It also helps you build a loyal community that knows what to expect from you. -
Engage with Trends
Participating in TikTok trends — including viral sounds, challenges, or formats — can dramatically increase your reach. Just make sure to adapt trends to fit your niche. For example, if you’re in the beauty space, use a trending audio to show a skincare routine or makeup hack. -
Use Hashtags Strategically
Hashtags are a powerful discovery tool. Combine trending hashtags (#foryou, #viral) with niche-specific ones like #TechTips or #BudgetBeauty. This balances broad exposure with targeted visibility, helping your content reach both general and interested audiences. -
Optimize Your Profile
Make your profile look professional and inviting. Use a clear profile picture, write a concise and compelling bio that tells people what your content is about, and include a link in your bio (once available) to drive traffic to your blog, product, or service. -
Be Authentic and Provide Value
Authenticity wins on TikTok. You don’t need to be perfect or overly polished — just be yourself. Share real experiences, helpful tips, or honest product reviews. Value-driven content — whether educational, entertaining, or inspiring — builds trust and keeps people coming back.
By applying these beginner tips, you’ll build a solid foundation that sets you up for long-term success on TikTok — even if you’re starting from zero.
Conclusion
Making money on TikTok without a large follower base is not only possible — it’s happening every day. Thanks to TikTok’s content-first algorithm and wide-reaching features like the TikTok Shop, affiliate links, and the ability to drive traffic off-platform, even new creators have the opportunity to monetize their content with the right strategy.
While it may seem intimidating at first, the key is to take action. Start creating content, test different video styles, and pay attention to what resonates with viewers. Don’t wait until you have thousands of followers — focus instead on providing value, being authentic, and staying consistent.
One well-crafted video can go viral and open the door to affiliate commissions, freelance gigs, or new customers for your digital products and services.
If you’re unsure where to begin, affiliate marketing is a great low-risk starting point. You can promote products you already use and love, or join platforms like Amazon Associates or TikTok Shop to find items worth sharing.
Alternatively, if you have a skill — whether it’s graphic design, writing, coaching, or video editing — use TikTok to showcase your work and attract potential clients.
Success won’t happen overnight, but with creativity, consistency, and patience, you can turn TikTok into a real income stream — even without a massive following. Start small, experiment often, and let the platform work in your favor.
FAQs
How do TikTok pay without followers?
TikTok offers several ways to earn money, and interestingly, some of them don’t require a large following. One of the most common methods is through TikTok’s Creator Fund, but that option usually requires a minimum of 10,000 followers and 100,000 video views in the last 30 days. However, for those without followers, there are still monetization routes worth exploring.
Firstly, affiliate marketing is a practical option. You can join affiliate programs such as Amazon Associates or those on platforms like ShareASale or ClickBank. Even with a brand-new TikTok account, you can create engaging content that highlights useful products and include your affiliate link in your bio or redirect users to a link-in-bio tool like Linktree. Every time someone buys through your link, you earn a commission.
Secondly, selling your own products or services (digital or physical) doesn’t require a follower count to get started. As long as your video content is captivating and includes strong calls-to-action, you can drive traffic to your sales page or website.
Another method is through TikTok LIVE gifts. While TikTok requires at least 1,000 followers to go live, if you gain access through an agency or collaborate with someone, you might be able to get tips or gifts from viewers. These virtual gifts can be exchanged for real money.
Lastly, sponsorships and brand partnerships don’t always rely solely on follower numbers. Some brands look at content quality, engagement, and niche relevance. If your content is unique and goes viral—even without followers—brands might reach out to work with you.
In summary, while TikTok generally emphasizes follower count for some income streams, you can still make money through affiliate links, product sales, or viral content strategies that attract external partnerships.
What is the minimum followers on TikTok to get money?
The minimum number of followers you need to start earning money on TikTok depends on the type of monetization you are pursuing. TikTok offers both platform-based monetization options and external income opportunities, each with its own requirements.
Here’s a breakdown of follower thresholds based on different earning methods:
1. TikTok Creator Fund – 10,000 Followers
To earn money directly from TikTok through the Creator Fund, you need:
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At least 10,000 followers
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100,000 video views in the past 30 days
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Be at least 18 years old
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Reside in a supported country
Once accepted, TikTok pays based on video performance, including views, engagement, and region. While the pay rate is modest (around $0.02–$0.04 per 1,000 views), consistent posting can generate passive income.
2. TikTok LIVE Gifts – 1,000 Followers
Once you hit 1,000 followers, you can unlock TikTok LIVE. Going live allows viewers to send you virtual gifts, which you can later convert to real money. This is one of the quickest ways to begin earning as a small creator.
3. TikTok Creator Marketplace – 10,000+ Followers
The Creator Marketplace is TikTok’s official brand collaboration platform. To join, you typically need:
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10,000+ followers
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100,000+ total video likes
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At least 3 public videos in the last 28 days
Brands can then approach you for paid partnerships, product reviews, or promotional content.
4. No Minimum Follower Count – Affiliate Marketing & Sales
You can make money even with zero followers through affiliate marketing or by selling your own products. If your videos are engaging and reach the For You Page, they can drive traffic and generate revenue regardless of follower count.
Conclusion:
The minimum followers to access TikTok’s direct earning programs range from 1,000 (for live gifts) to 10,000 (for the Creator Fund and brand deals). However, alternative strategies like affiliate marketing or product sales allow you to earn even if you’re just starting out with no followers at all.
How to start earning money on TikTok?
Starting to earn money on TikTok doesn’t require being a celebrity or having millions of followers. What you need is a clear strategy, engaging content, and an understanding of TikTok’s multiple monetization options. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to scale your income, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you start earning:
1. Build a Strong Profile and Niche
Focus on a niche that you enjoy and that has an audience—like fashion, fitness, tech, DIY, education, or comedy. Create a profile with a clear bio, profile photo, and relevant keywords. The more consistent your niche, the easier it is to attract loyal followers and brands.
2. Create High-Quality, Engaging Videos
TikTok rewards creativity and watch time. Start by creating content that educates, entertains, or inspires. Use trending sounds, clever captions, hooks in the first 3 seconds, and calls to action (like “follow for more tips” or “link in bio”).
3. Reach Monetization Thresholds
To earn through TikTok’s built-in systems:
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Creator Fund: Requires 10,000 followers, 100,000 video views in the last 30 days, and age 18+
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LIVE Gifts: Requires 1,000 followers and age 18+
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Creator Marketplace: Allows brand partnerships once you reach 10,000 followers
4. Promote Affiliate Products
Sign up for affiliate programs on Amazon, ClickBank, or Digistore24. Create videos that promote these products, and direct viewers to your affiliate links using a link-in-bio tool. You earn commissions when users purchase through your links.
5. Sell Your Own Products or Services
If you have a digital product (e.g., eBook, online course, presets) or physical goods (e.g., handmade crafts, clothing), you can sell them through TikTok. Use TikTok Shop if it’s available in your region or link to your website/storefront.
6. Reach Out to Brands
Once your videos consistently get views and engagement—even if your follower count is modest—you can pitch yourself to brands for paid collaborations. Platforms like TikTok Creator Marketplace or influencer marketplaces (e.g., Collabstr, Aspire) can help you find partnerships.
7. Repurpose and Cross-Promote Content
Share your TikTok videos on Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook to increase exposure and income potential from other platforms.
Conclusion:
To start earning money on TikTok, focus on building an audience through consistent, quality content and tap into multiple income streams—creator fund, affiliate marketing, product sales, or sponsorships. You don’t need millions of followers—just the right content and a smart plan.
Do you need followers to make money off TikTok?
The short answer is no—you don’t need followers to start making money on TikTok, but having followers can certainly open more doors and increase your earning potential. TikTok’s unique algorithm gives even brand-new accounts a chance to go viral, which means your content—not your follower count—is the most important factor in early monetization efforts.
Let’s break down how you can earn without followers and when followers actually become necessary:
Ways to Make Money Without Followers:
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Affiliate Marketing:
You can promote products and earn commissions through affiliate links. If a video showcasing the product goes viral, you can make sales without having a single follower. Just include your link in your bio (using Linktree or a similar tool) and guide viewers there. -
Selling Products or Services:
Entrepreneurs use TikTok as a marketing tool. Even with a fresh account, you can make product-based content that reaches TikTok’s For You Page. If viewers are interested, they’ll visit your shop and potentially buy. -
Cross-Promotion:
You can use TikTok videos to drive traffic to monetized YouTube channels, blogs, or Instagram pages. A viral video can send thousands of viewers to another platform where you already earn money. -
TikTok Creator Marketplace (Eventually):
Some brands look for micro or nano influencers with strong engagement, not just high follower counts. If your videos gain traction and showcase niche expertise, a brand may reach out—even before you hit major milestones.
When Followers Start to Matter:
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1,000 Followers: Required to go live on TikTok and start receiving virtual gifts (monetized through TikTok LIVE).
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10,000 Followers: Required to apply for the TikTok Creator Fund and TikTok Creator Marketplace for consistent income opportunities.
While followers are necessary for certain in-app monetization tools, you can still start making money from TikTok right now by focusing on valuable content, affiliate sales, or promoting your own products. Your focus should be on content quality and virality—not follower count.
How to sell on TikTok for beginners?
Selling on TikTok as a beginner is easier than ever thanks to the platform’s highly engaging content format and massive reach potential. You don’t need to be a marketing expert to succeed—just a smartphone, a good strategy, and a little consistency. Here’s a complete beginner-friendly guide to help you start selling on TikTok:
1. Choose What to Sell
Decide if you’re selling physical products (clothing, gadgets, handmade items), digital products (eBooks, courses, templates), or services (consulting, coaching). Choose something relevant to your interests and audience so you can promote it authentically.
2. Set Up a Business Profile
Create a TikTok Business Account—it’s free and provides access to valuable features like analytics and contact options. If you’re eligible, you can also add a clickable link in your bio that leads directly to your online store, affiliate page, or TikTok Shop.
3. Use TikTok Shop (If Available)
If TikTok Shop is accessible in your region, you can link your products directly in your videos. Customers can buy without ever leaving the app, making the buying process seamless and efficient.
4. Create Valuable and Entertaining Content
Don’t just make ads—tell stories. Show how your product solves a problem or fits into a lifestyle. Use trending sounds, hooks in the first few seconds, and clear calls-to-action. For example:
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Before/after using your product
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Unboxing videos
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Tutorials and demos
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Customer reviews and testimonials
5. Add a Link in Bio
If you’re selling outside of TikTok Shop, use tools like Linktree, Beacons, or Stan Store to combine multiple links into one easy-to-access bio link. Direct viewers there with your videos.
6. Use Hashtags and Trends
Join relevant trends and add hashtags to improve discoverability. Include niche hashtags (#skincareproducts, #fitnessgear) alongside trending ones (#fyp, #tiktokmademebuyit).
7. Engage With Your Viewers
Reply to comments, answer questions, and build trust. Social proof and interaction go a long way in converting views into purchases.
8. Post Consistently and Monitor Analytics
Track what works using TikTok analytics and double down on content that drives traffic and engagement. Post at least once a day, test different formats, and refine based on data.
In Summary:
As a beginner, you can start selling on TikTok by choosing a product, setting up your profile, creating engaging content, and directing users to a purchase link. With creativity and consistency, you can make sales even with a small following.
How does TikTok pay you?
TikTok pays creators in several ways, depending on your eligibility, region, and monetization strategy. While the platform offers built-in payment programs like the TikTok Creator Fund, it also creates opportunities for earnings through brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, live streaming, and product sales.
Here’s a breakdown of how TikTok pays creators:
1. TikTok Creator Fund:
This is TikTok’s official payout program. To qualify, you must:
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Be 18 years or older
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Have at least 10,000 followers
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Accumulate 100,000 video views in the last 30 days
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Reside in a supported country (e.g., US, UK, France, Germany)
Once approved, TikTok pays you based on factors such as:
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Video views
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Watch time
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Engagement (likes, comments, shares)
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Ad revenue generated around your content
The pay rate is estimated at around $0.02–$0.04 per 1,000 views, which means viral videos with millions of views can earn a few hundred dollars.
2. TikTok LIVE Gifts:
When you go live (with at least 1,000 followers), viewers can send you virtual gifts purchased with coins. You can convert these gifts into Diamonds, which TikTok allows you to redeem for real money. Payments are processed through PayPal or other linked methods.
3. Creator Marketplace (Brand Deals):
Once you gain 10,000+ followers, you can join the TikTok Creator Marketplace, where brands look for influencers to promote their products. You’ll be paid per sponsored post or campaign—payments vary widely depending on your niche, content quality, and audience size.
4. TikTok Shop (Commissions):
If you’re a seller or affiliate marketer, you can earn commissions by promoting products listed on TikTok Shop. You’ll earn a percentage of every sale made through your video or referral link.
5. External Income Opportunities:
TikTok also serves as a powerful traffic source. Many creators redirect TikTok traffic to:
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YouTube channels (for AdSense revenue)
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Instagram (for paid promotions)
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Online stores (for direct sales)
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Affiliate programs (for commissions)
Conclusion:
TikTok pays you directly through its Creator Fund, LIVE Gifts, Creator Marketplace, and TikTok Shop. However, many successful creators also earn outside the platform by using TikTok to grow a personal brand and monetize it across multiple income streams.
Do I need followers to sell on TikTok?
Surprisingly, you don’t need a large following—or even any followers at all—to start selling on TikTok. Thanks to TikTok’s For You Page (FYP) algorithm, even new accounts with zero followers can get their content seen by thousands (or even millions) of people if the video is engaging. That means your ability to sell is more dependent on content quality and product strategy than your follower count.
Here’s how you can sell without followers:
1. Focus on Virality, Not Followers
TikTok pushes videos based on watch time, engagement, and content relevance. If you post a product demo or tutorial that captures attention in the first few seconds, it can go viral—even with no audience behind it. This gives your product exposure without the need for an existing following.
2. Use TikTok Shop or Bio Links
If TikTok Shop is available in your country, you can list products and create videos that include a “Shop Now” button directly in the video. Alternatively, use a tool like Linktree or Stan Store in your bio to lead viewers to a product page or affiliate offer.
3. Create Problem-Solving Content
Videos that show how your product solves a specific problem often perform well. For example, if you’re selling a phone holder, show it in action—demonstrate how it makes life easier in everyday situations. A single well-made video like this can generate sales, even on a new account.
4. Leverage Trends and Sounds
Jumping on popular trends and adding product promotion into that trend is a great way to make sales without relying on followers. Use trending sounds, hashtags, or challenges to help your product content reach a larger audience.
5. Encourage Engagement
Ask viewers to comment, like, or check the link in your bio. The more interaction your videos get, the more TikTok will push your content to new users.
Conclusion:
No, you don’t need followers to sell on TikTok. The platform’s discovery engine gives every piece of content a chance to perform well. With the right video strategy and product positioning, you can start making sales from day one—even if you’re just starting out.
How much money do you get on TikTok for 1 million views?
If your TikTok video hits 1 million views, you might expect a big payout—but the amount TikTok pays depends on how you’re monetizing and whether you’re part of official programs like the TikTok Creator Fund. On average, creators in the Creator Fund report earning between $20 and $40 for every 1 million views. That means the direct payout from TikTok itself is relatively low.
Here’s a breakdown of how earnings from 1 million views can vary:
1. TikTok Creator Fund:
If you’re part of the Creator Fund, TikTok pays based on video views, engagement, and region. The commonly reported range is:
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$0.02–$0.04 per 1,000 views
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At 1 million views: $20–$40
This payment is often criticized by creators for being low, but it’s a passive way to earn money if your videos consistently get high views.
2. Brand Sponsorships:
If a 1 million-view video is part of a brand partnership, your earnings could be significantly higher. Depending on your niche, country, and engagement rate, brands may pay:
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$100–$10,000 or more per sponsored video with 1 million views
Creators with strong niches (like beauty, fitness, or tech) often get higher sponsorship fees, especially if they have a consistent track record.
3. Affiliate Sales and Product Promotion:
You can earn more if your viral video includes an affiliate link or promotes a product. For example:
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A skincare video that goes viral could lead to hundreds of product sales, earning you commissions of $500+ or more—depending on the price and percentage offered.
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Creators selling their own products or services (like merch, courses, or digital downloads) may earn even more than they would from the Creator Fund.
Conclusion:
TikTok itself pays about $20–$40 for 1 million views through the Creator Fund, which isn’t huge. However, the real money comes from sponsorships, product sales, or affiliate marketing tied to your viral content. Smart creators use viral videos as stepping stones to bigger income streams outside the platform’s built-in monetization.