How to Make Money on TikTok in 2025 – 13 Proven Ways to Earn Online

TikTok has exploded into one of the world’s most powerful social platforms, boasting over 1.5 billion active users in 2025. This rapid growth offers creators and marketers unprecedented opportunities to build audiences and monetize content. If you want to turn your TikTok presence into a profitable venture, you’re in the right place.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover 13 proven ways to make money on TikTok in 2025 — strategies used by the platform’s top earners to generate real income, whether through content creation, e-commerce, or marketing partnerships.


1. How to Earn with the TikTok Creator Rewards Program in 2025

The TikTok Creator Rewards Program is a direct way for creators to get paid based on the performance of their videos. By consistently creating engaging, viral content, you earn bonuses from TikTok depending on views, likes, and shares.

Getting started:

  • Meet the eligibility requirements (usually follower count and engagement metrics).

  • Apply through TikTok’s Creator Portal.

  • Focus on quality, authentic content to boost your earnings.


2. Boost Your Income: Selling Merch on TikTok Made Simple

Selling branded merchandise like t-shirts, hoodies, or digital products is a popular income stream on TikTok. Your followers want to show support, and merch offers a tangible way for them to do so.

Tips to succeed:

  • Use print-on-demand services (Printful, Teespring) integrated with TikTok Shop.

  • Create merch designs that resonate with your niche and brand personality.

  • Promote your merch within your videos and bio.


3. Live Streaming on TikTok: How to Cash In with Virtual Gifts

Going live on TikTok allows your followers to send virtual gifts purchased with TikTok coins. These gifts translate into diamonds and can be redeemed for real money.

How to maximize this:

  • Unlock live streaming by growing your follower base to at least 1,000.

  • Host interactive live sessions like Q&As, tutorials, or behind-the-scenes looks.

  • Engage actively to encourage gifting during streams.


4. Maximize Earnings with Affiliate Marketing on TikTok Creator Marketplace

Affiliate marketing through TikTok Creator Marketplace connects you with brands offering products to promote. You earn commissions for every sale generated via your referral.

Start by:

  • Joining the TikTok Creator Marketplace.

  • Selecting affiliate products aligned with your audience’s interests.

  • Producing authentic promotional content.


5. Step-by-Step Guide to Opening Your Own TikTok Shop

TikTok Shop lets creators sell products directly within the app, making it easier for followers to purchase without leaving TikTok.

To set up:

  • Register your business on TikTok Shop.

  • List your products and optimize listings with videos.

  • Use engaging content and promotions to drive sales.


6. Creating High-Converting In-Feed Ads on TikTok: A Beginner’s Guide

If you prefer paid methods, creating in-feed ads allows you to target TikTok’s audience with sponsored content that blends naturally into the feed.

Key steps:

  • Use TikTok Ads Manager to create campaigns.

  • Craft short, catchy video ads.

  • Target your ideal audience with TikTok’s demographic filters.


7. Crowdfunding on TikTok: Turn Your Ideas into Cash

Have a creative project or business idea? Crowdfunding through platforms linked to TikTok can help raise funds directly from your audience.

How to succeed:

  • Announce your project with compelling videos.

  • Share the crowdfunding link in your bio and videos.

  • Provide regular updates to keep backers engaged.


8. How to Collect Tips from Fans and Grow Your TikTok Revenue

TikTok’s Tips feature lets your followers send you direct monetary appreciation.

Make the most of tips by:

  • Activating Tips in your account settings.

  • Creating content that encourages followers to tip if they find value.

  • Thanking tippers to foster community and encourage more support.


9. Monetize with On- and Off-Platform Subscriptions: Build Recurring Income

Subscriptions provide ongoing revenue by offering exclusive content, personalized interactions, or early access.

Options include:

  • Using TikTok’s native subscription tools.

  • Linking to external platforms like Patreon for deeper membership perks.

  • Promoting subscription benefits clearly in your videos.


10. Unlock Earnings with TikTok Series: Exclusive Content for Your Fans

TikTok Series enables creators to publish episodic, exclusive videos that fans can subscribe to or pay for.

Tips for success:

  • Plan and produce thematic, serialized content.

  • Maintain a consistent posting schedule.

  • Use calls to action to encourage subscriptions.


11. The Business of TikTok Accounts: How to Grow and Sell for Profit

Growing TikTok accounts in specific niches and selling them has become a viable business model.

How to proceed:

  • Choose a niche with high demand.

  • Post consistently to grow followers and engagement.

  • List the account for sale once it has value.


12. Make Money with Personalized Shout-Outs on TikTok

Personalized shout-outs or video greetings provide a unique monetization option, especially for creators with loyal audiences.

How to implement:

  • Advertise shout-out services on your profile.

  • Set clear pricing and delivery timelines.

  • Deliver quality personalized videos to maintain reputation.


13. How to Earn Rewards by Referring New TikTok Users in 2025

TikTok’s referral programs reward users for bringing new active members to the platform.

Steps to earn:

  • Share your referral link or code.

  • Encourage followers and friends to join TikTok using your code.

  • Collect rewards as referrals become active users.


Final Thoughts

TikTok in 2025 is not just about viral dances or trends — it’s a robust platform to build multiple streams of income. By combining these 13 strategies, from direct monetization through the Creator Rewards Program to e-commerce and affiliate partnerships, you can create a sustainable and diversified TikTok business.

The key to success is consistency, authenticity, and audience engagement. Focus on delivering value, and your TikTok income will grow steadily.

Ready to get started? Pick a strategy or two that fit your style, and start building your TikTok empire today!

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