To make money on TikTok, the number of followers you need depends on the monetization method:
- To join the TikTok Creator Fund or Creator Rewards Program, you need at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 video views in the past 30 days. This program pays creators based on video engagement and watch time rather than just views
- For earning through TikTok LIVE gifts , you only need about 1,000 followers to start receiving virtual gifts and tips during live streams
- For brand partnerships and sponsored posts , there is no strict follower minimum, but brands typically look for creators with at least 10,000 to 100,000 followers. Micro-influencers with 10,000 to 50,000 followers can earn $250-$750 per sponsored post, while mid-tier influencers with 50,000 to 500,000 followers can earn $750-$3,500 per post
- Some creators earn money from affiliate marketing or selling merchandise via TikTok Shop without a specific follower count requirement, but having a larger and engaged audience helps increase earnings
- Even creators with fewer than 1,000 followers can make money if their content goes viral or they have high engagement
In summary, 10,000 followers is a key milestone to unlock the Creator Fund and attract brand deals, but you can start earning smaller amounts with as few as 1,000 followers through live gifts and some sponsored content. Engagement and video views are as important as follower count for monetization on TikTok
