How Many Followers on TikTok to Make Money? 2025 Guideline

Want to make money on TikTok but not sure how many followers you need? Whether you’re just starting or aiming to grow, this guide explains exactly how many followers on TikTok to make money, what features unlock at each milestone, and how even small creators can start earning through gifts, affiliate programs, and brand deals.

Quick Summary: Follower Milestones & Earnings Tips

• You need at least 1,000 followers to start earning through TikTok LIVE gifts.
• 5,000–10,000 followers unlock TikTok Shop affiliate programs and Creator Fund access.
• Brand deals often start at 10K+, but strong engagement matters more than follower count.
• Monetization also depends on content quality, country eligibility, and account age.
• Smaller creators can still earn through affiliate links, brand collabs, or selling products.

Can You Make Money on TikTok Without Thousands of Followers?

Yes, you can make money on TikTok without hitting huge follower milestones. While many believe you need tens of thousands of followers to start earning, the truth is that TikTok offers several monetization paths that don’t rely on follower count alone.

For example, once you reach 1,000 followers, you can go live and receive virtual gifts from viewers, which can be converted into real money. Even better, TikTok’s Affiliate Program allows creators to earn commissions by promoting products, with no minimum follower count required if you’re invited to join. That means even nano-creators with just a few hundred engaged followers can generate income if they produce quality, niche content.

In fact, many small creators make money through a combination of strategies, including:

• Promoting affiliate products in viral videos
• Offering shoutouts or content services
• Driving traffic to their own websites or digital products
• Working with small brands on micro-influencer campaigns

In short, engagement, niche authority, and consistency often matter more than follower count. If your content resonates with the right audience, even a small one, you can monetize on TikTok.

How Many Followers on TikTok to Make Money? (Breakdown by Method)

TikTok doesn’t have a single follower threshold that unlocks all monetization features. Instead, it offers different earning opportunities at different levels, each with its own eligibility criteria. Here’s a clear breakdown of how many followers you need for each method and what you can realistically earn:

#1 Go LIVE and Receive Gifts (1,000 Followers)

Once you hit 1,000 followers, you’re eligible to go live on TikTok. During your live streams, followers can send virtual gifts (like stickers or emojis) that convert into Diamonds, which you can redeem for real cash.

To start going LIVE and collecting gifts, you need:

• A minimum of 1,000 followers
• To be at least 18 years old
• A solid understanding of TikTok’s LIVE policies and community guidelines

Many smaller creators who engage with fans consistently during live sessions report earning anywhere from $50 to $500 per session, depending on how active their audience is.

Note: TikTok takes a 50% cut from gem purchases, so creators receive about half the gift value

#2 TikTok Shop Affiliate Program (5,000 Followers)

One of the most accessible ways to start monetizing, especially for niche creators, is by joining TikTok Shop or becoming an affiliate. This allows you to sell your own products or promote others and earn a commission from each sale.

The best part? There’s no strict follower minimum to get started.

However, you’ll still need to:

• Be 18+ years old
• Apply and be approved as a seller or affiliate creator
• Provide identity verification and tax information

Creators who review products, demonstrate tutorials, or give shopping recommendations often see strong returns from affiliate earnings, especially in verticals like beauty, lifestyle, and gadgets.

>>> Read more: How to Sell on TikTok Shop: A Guide To Boost Sales Fast in 2025

#3 TikTok’s Creativity Program (10,000 Followers)

The most direct way to earn from your content is through TikTok’s Creativity Program, which replaced the old Creator Fund. This program rewards long-form video creators based on views and watch time.

To qualify, you’ll need:

• At least 10,000 followers
• 100,000 video views in the last 30 days
• Be 18 years or older
• Post videos longer than 1 minute
• Live in an eligible region, such as the U.S., U.K., Vietnam, or Germany

If you meet these criteria, you can earn anywhere from $0.40 to over $1.00 per 1,000 views, a serious upgrade from the payouts under the old Creator Fund. It’s a great path for creators who are ready to go beyond likes and start building real revenue through consistent, engaging content.

#4 Brand Sponsorships (50,000–100,000 Followers)

If you’re aiming for brand partnerships and sponsored content, the TikTok Creator Marketplace is where many collaborations begin. While some nano and micro influencers get brand deals with fewer followers, most Marketplace campaigns favor accounts with at least 100,000 followers.

Other requirements include:

• A highly engaged and well-targeted audience
• Consistent, professional-quality content
• A clean track record with no policy violations

Even if you haven’t hit 100K followers yet, brands may still reach out if you have a specific niche and strong engagement metrics. Many micro-influencers with 10K–50K followers earn between $150 and $1,650 per post, especially in niches like fashion, beauty, fitness, and lifestyle.

#5 Premium Monetization Features (100,000+ Followers)

Crossing the 100K mark opens the door to TikTok’s highest-paying programs, including:

• TikTok Pulse (ad revenue share from top-performing videos)
• High-value brand deals
• Increased affiliate conversion and reach
• Earning Potential:
  • Pulse revenue varies widely, often $5–15 per 1,000 video views
  • Sponsored deals can reach $2,000+ per campaign

At this level, creators often diversify income with product lines, YouTube channels, or brand ambassadorships.

So, How Many Followers Do You Really Need?

In 2025, you can start making money on TikTok with as few as 1,000 followers if you’re strategic. Hitting 10,000 followers unlocks more opportunities like the Creativity Program, but ultimately, it’s your content quality, consistency, and engagement that determine your earning potential.

Instead of focusing solely on growing your numbers, ask: Is my content helping my audience? Am I creating with a clear niche or goal? And am I meeting TikTok’s full set of requirements, beyond just followers? When those pieces fall into place, the money tends to follow.

FAQs about How Many Followers on TikTok to Make Money

Bonus Tips from Mega Digital: Proven Ways to Reach 10,000 Followers Faster

Reaching 10,000 followers on TikTok isn’t about luck; it’s about strategy. With competition growing, creators who stand out are the ones who consistently offer value, stay aligned with trends, and understand how TikTok’s algorithm works. If you’re serious about hitting that milestone, here are five proven tactics to get there faster:

#1 Define a Clear Niche and Stick to It

One of the biggest mistakes new creators make is trying to appeal to everyone. But TikTok’s algorithm doesn’t reward generalists; it rewards relevance. That’s why niche content consistently performs better. When you post in a specific category, TikTok learns who your content is for and serves it to users who care. Therefore, you should as yourself:

• What topics do I know well or enjoy creating content about?
• Can I consistently make videos in this space without running out of ideas?

For example, instead of just posting “lifestyle” content, narrow it down to something like “minimalist home organization” or “budget-friendly meal prep.” The more focused your content, the faster you’ll attract a loyal audience that actually follows you.

#2 Create Valuable Content Consistently

You don’t need to post 10 times a day, but you do need to show up regularly. TikTok favors creators who post consistently and keep viewers watching. Aim to post at least 1–2 times per day, especially while growing.

But consistency alone isn’t enough. Every video should deliver some form of value:

• Educational: Teach something useful in your niche
• Emotional: Make people feel seen, inspired, or entertained
• Engaging: Spark curiosity or encourage interaction

Tips: Follow a strong format—hook in the first 1–2 seconds, deliver value fast, and end with a CTA (like “Follow for more tips”).

For example, instead of “My skincare routine,” try: “This $10 serum fixed my acne in 3 weeks—here’s how.”

#3 Ride Trends (But Make Them Your Own)

Using trending sounds and formats is still one of the fastest ways to reach new viewers in 2025. But blindly copying trends won’t build a loyal following. The key is to adapt trends to fit your niche.

Let’s say there’s a trending audio about “things I wish I knew earlier.”

• A personal finance creator might say, “Things I wish I knew about credit cards at 18.”
• A small business owner could say, “Things I wish I knew before launching my Etsy shop.”

This approach keeps you relevant while reinforcing your niche identity.

To discover trends worth jumping on, start with TikTok Creative Center, specifically under the “Trending” tab. You can also scroll through the For You Page and watch for recurring sounds, challenges, or formats.

Another helpful tactic is following TikTok trend-reporting accounts that post daily updates on what’s gaining traction. These resources make it easier to act fast and stay ahead of the curve.

>>> Read more: How to Find Trending Sounds on TikTok: 12 Easiest Methods

#4 Engage With Your Audience (And the Algorithm)

TikTok isn’t just about content creation; it’s about community building. If you want to grow faster, make it a habit to engage directly with your viewers.

Start by replying to comments, especially under your high-performing videos. Pin thoughtful or funny replies to spark more conversation. In your captions, ask open-ended questions that invite feedback. And when you spot repeat questions in your comments, use them as inspiration to create response videos; this not only adds value but also shows viewers you’re listening.

Each interaction tells the algorithm that your content is sparking conversation, which increases the chances that future videos will be shown to more people.

Also, don’t ignore other creators in your niche. Comment on their posts genuinely, duet or stitch when relevant, and build relationships. These interactions often lead to exposure and follower growth.

#5 Use Analytics to Double Down on What Works

If you’re not using TikTok analytics, you’re flying blind. Once you switch to a Creator or Business account, you’ll unlock detailed insights about what’s working and what’s not.

Focus on these metrics:

• Follower growth per video: Which videos actually bring in new followers?
• Average watch time: Are people staying engaged?
• Traffic source: Is your content reaching the For You Page or just your followers? 

When you spot a pattern, such as a format, topic, or posting time that drives growth, do more of it. Success on TikTok often comes from repeating what works, not reinventing the wheel every time.

Wrap Up

So, how many followers on TikTok to make money? While hitting 10,000 followers unlocks TikTok’s monetization programs like the Creativity Program Beta, it’s not the only path to earning. Plenty of creators start making money earlier through brand deals, affiliate links, and LIVE gifts. The real key is consistent content, strong engagement, and a clear niche. Focus on building trust with your audience and the followers, and income will follow naturally.