What the TikTok Creator Fund actually is

The TikTok Creator Fund is a program that pays you money based on how many views your videos get. You do not explore to a waiting list or compete for a spot — if you meet the requirements, you can join whenever you want. TikTok takes a cut of ad revenue from your videos and shares some of it with you, usually between $0.02 and $0.04 per 1,000 views, though the exact amount changes based on video length, viewer location, and how much advertisers are willing to pay that month.

The fund is separate from other ways to make money on TikTok, like brand deals, gifts from viewers during live streams, or selling products. Many creators use the Creator Fund alongside these other methods. The money goes directly to your bank account once you cash out, and TikTok sends you a 1099 form at the end of the year if you earn over $600.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 video views in the last 30 days before the Creator Fund option appears in your account settings.
  • The Creator Fund pays between $0.02 and $0.04 per 1,000 views, so earnings depend entirely on how many people watch your videos.
  • Once you meet the requirements, you turn on the Creator Fund in your account settings under the Monetization tab — there is no separate process to submit.
  • You must be at least 18 years old and follow TikTok's Community Guidelines, or your account can be removed from the fund at any time.
  • Payments go to your bank account through direct deposit, and TikTok issues a tax form if you earn over $600 in a calendar year.

The requirements you need to meet first

Before the Creator Fund option even shows up in your settings, TikTok requires two things: at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 video views in the last 30 days. Both numbers must be true at the same time. If you have 15,000 followers but only 80,000 views in the last month, the option will not appear yet. If you drop below either number after you join, TikTok can remove you from the fund.

You also have to be at least 18 years old and live in a country where the Creator Fund operates — this includes the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, among others. TikTok does not publish a complete list, but if the Creator Fund tab does not show up in your settings after you hit the follower and view numbers, your country may not be supported yet.

Your account must also follow TikTok's Community Guidelines. If you post content that violates the rules — like hate speech, violence, sexual content, or spam — TikTok can suspend or remove you from the fund even if you meet the numbers. Violations do not have to result in a full account ban; the Creator Fund removal can happen separately.

How to turn on the Creator Fund in your account

Once you meet the 10,000 followers and 100,000 views requirement, open TikTok and tap your profile picture in the bottom right. Go to the three horizontal lines (the menu) and select Creator Marketplace or Monetization — the exact name varies by region and app version. You should see a Creator Fund option listed there.

Tap Creator Fund and then tap the toggle to turn it on. TikTok will ask you to agree to their terms, which explain how the payment system works and that you own the rights to your videos. Read through these, then confirm. That is the entire process — you do not fill out a form or wait for approval. The fund turns on when ready.

If you do not see the Creator Fund option after checking the Monetization tab, either you have not yet hit the 10,000 followers or 100,000 views in 30 days, or your country is not supported. You can check your current follower count and view count on your profile page. The 30-day view count resets every month, so if you are close, check back in a few days.

How much money you actually make

TikTok pays between $0.02 and $0.04 per 1,000 views on average, but this number is not may provide and changes constantly. A video with 100,000 views might earn you $2 to $4. A video with 1 million views might earn $20 to $40. The exact payout depends on several factors: whether your video is a short clip or a longer video (longer videos tend to pay slightly more), where your viewers are located (viewers in wealthier countries are worth more to advertisers), and how much advertisers are bidding that week.

The Creator Fund is usually the lowest-paying way to make money on TikTok. Most creators earn more from brand sponsorships, where a company pays you directly to feature their product, or from viewer gifts during live streams. Some creators use the Creator Fund as a baseline income while they build relationships with brands for bigger deals.

You can cash out your earnings whenever you have at least $20 in your account. Go to your profile, tap the three lines, select Creator Marketplace or Balance, and then Withdraw. Enter your bank account information and the amount you want to transfer. Most withdrawals take 5 to 30 days to appear in your account, depending on your bank.

What happens if you break the rules

TikTok monitors your account for violations of its Community Guidelines. If you post content that violates the rules — hate speech, graphic violence, sexual content, misinformation, spam, or harassment — TikTok can remove you from the Creator Fund without warning. A removal from the fund is separate from a full account ban; you can still use TikTok and post videos, but you will not earn money through the fund anymore.

If you are removed, TikTok does not always tell you why or give you a way to appeal. Some creators have reported being removed and then reinstated after months of following the guidelines. Others have never been reinstated. The safest approach is to assume that TikTok's Community Guidelines explore to every video you post, whether you are in the Creator Fund or not.

You can also be removed if your follower count or monthly view count drops below the minimum. If you fall below 10,000 followers or get fewer than 100,000 views in a 30-day period, you lose access to the Creator Fund. You can rejoin once you hit the numbers again, but there is no waiting period — it happens automatically.

Other ways to make money on TikTok besides the Creator Fund

The Creator Fund is one of several ways to earn on TikTok. Gifts are the most direct: viewers send you virtual gifts during live streams, and you keep a percentage of what they spend. This usually pays more per viewer than the Creator Fund, but it requires you to go live regularly and build an audience that wants to support you. You need at least 1,000 followers to go live.

Brand deals are when companies pay you to feature their products in your videos. These can pay anywhere from $200 to tens of thousands of dollars depending on your follower count and engagement. You find brands through TikTok's Creator Marketplace, through direct outreach from companies, or through an agent. Many creators earn more from one brand deal than they do from months of Creator Fund payments.

Affiliate links let you earn a commission when someone buys a product through a link you share. Subscriptions let your followers pay a monthly fee for exclusive content. Both require you to set them up separately and promote them in your videos. None of these methods require you to be in the Creator Fund, and you can use multiple methods at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be in the Creator Fund to make money on TikTok?

No. You can earn through gifts, brand deals, affiliate links, and subscriptions without ever joining the Creator Fund. Many creators skip the Creator Fund entirely because the payout is low compared to other methods. The Creator Fund is just one option among several.

What if I do not see the Creator Fund option in my settings?

You either have not reached 10,000 followers, have not gotten 100,000 views in the last 30 days, or your country is not supported. Check your follower count and total views on your profile. If both numbers are correct, wait a few hours — sometimes the option takes time to appear after you hit the threshold.

Can I lose money if I am in the Creator Fund?

No. The Creator Fund only pays you based on views. You cannot owe TikTok money or have your earnings reversed unless you violated the Community Guidelines and TikTok removes you from the program. Once you cash out, the money is yours.

How often does TikTok pay out Creator Fund earnings?

You can request a withdrawal whenever you have at least $20 in your account. Withdrawals usually take 5 to 30 days to appear in your bank account. TikTok does not set a schedule — you control when you cash out.

Will I owe taxes on Creator Fund money?

Yes, if you earn over $600 in a calendar year, TikTok will send you a 1099 form. You will need to report this income on your tax return. Even if you earn less than $600, you may still owe taxes depending on your location and other income, so check with a tax professional.