TikTok, a global sensation with millions of daily users, has given rise to a new generation of influencers. While the top creators rake in millions annually, aspiring content creators are eager to know: how much do TikTokers really make? This report dives into the earning potential of TikTok influencers, separating the reality from the hype.
TikTok Influencer Average Salary: A Closer Look
Industry data reveals that TikTok influencers earn an average salary of $131,874.
However, the “average” salary can be misleading. The astronomical earnings of mega-influencers, who sometimes pull in seven or eight-figure incomes, skew the average upwards. These figures don’t accurately represent the earnings of the majority of TikTok creators.
Source: ZipRecruiter
Typical TikTok Influencer Earnings: Beyond the Averages
To get a clearer picture, NeoReach’s Creator Earnings and Insights Industry Report provides a more detailed breakdown of typical influencer salaries.
The survey results show a wide range of earnings:
- 48% earned less than $15,000.
- 9% earned between $15,000 and $25,000.
- 7% earned between $25,000 and $35,000.
- 5% earned between $35,000 and $50,000.
- 11% earned between $50,000 and $75,000.
- 5% earned between $75,000 and $100,000.
- 6% earned between $100,000 and $150,000.
- 7% earned $200,000 or more.
Based on these figures, the median salary for TikTok influencers falls between $15,000 and $25,000. This indicates that a significant portion of TikTok creators earn modest incomes. Only a small percentage earns enough to consider it a full-time job.
Sources: ZipRecruiter, NeoReach
How Do TikTok Influencers Earn Money? Exploring Revenue Streams
While the potential for high earnings exists, understanding how TikTok influencers generate income is crucial. Let’s explore the primary revenue streams available:
Brand Partnerships/Sponsored Posts
Brand partnerships are the cornerstone of the influencer economy, especially on platforms like TikTok where passive ad revenue is limited. Influencers partner with brands to create content that promotes their products or services.
On TikTok, brands typically pay influencers a flat rate per post for endorsing their products. Platforms like Semrush Influencer Analytics play a vital role in facilitating these partnerships.
The Influencer Analytics tool helps brands identify suitable influencers for their marketing campaigns.
It allows brands to forecast campaign costs and track the performance of their competitors.
Here’s a breakdown of estimated earnings per sponsored post based on follower count:
| Followers | $/Post (Low End) | $/Post (High End) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000-10,000 | $20 | $150 |
| 10,000-50,000 | $30 | $400 |
| 50,000-500,000 | $80 | $1,650 |
| 500,000-1,000,000 | $150 | $3,500 |
| 1,000,000+ | $1,200 | Unlimited |
According to reports, 66.9% of content creators generate the majority of their income through sponsored posts and brand deals.
Sources: HypeAuditor, NeoReach
TikTok Creator Fund
Launched in 2020, the TikTok Creator Fund pays creators based on video views. To be eligible, creators need at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 video views in the past 30 days.
While the Creator Fund provides a path to monetization, the payouts are relatively low. Influencers can expect to earn between $0.02 and $0.04 for every 1,000 views. That translates to $20-$40 per million views.
Due to the low payouts, most influencers don’t rely solely on the Creator Fund for income.
Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing involves influencers promoting products and sharing purchase links in their profiles or video comments. When a user buys a product through the provided link, the influencer earns a commission.
Influencers can become affiliates by partnering directly with brands or joining affiliate networks like Amazon Associates and Etsy Affiliate.
While potentially less lucrative than sponsored posts, 7.8% of content creators report that affiliate marketing is their primary source of income.
Source: NeoReach
TikTok Live Gifts
TikTok Live allows real-time interaction between creators and fans. During live sessions, fans can send digital gifts (stickers) that can be redeemed for coins and, ultimately, money.
While the value of these gifts ranges from $0.01 to over $500, most stickers are worth only a few cents, making this revenue stream generally less impactful.
Top Earning TikTok Influencers (2025): The Million-Dollar Club
While many TikTokers earn modest incomes, the top earners generate millions through brand partnerships and other ventures. Here are some of the highest-paid TikTok stars:
1. MrBeast
Estimated Social Media Earnings: $85 million
TikTok Followers: 114 million
MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) is the most-followed creator globally, with a massive presence across multiple platforms. His brands include Feastables, Lunchly, and Beast Games.
2. Dhar Mann
Estimated Social Media Earnings: $45 million
TikTok Followers: 15.9 million
Dhar Mann creates story-based videos that have gained a large following across various social media platforms.
3. Charli D’Amelio
Estimated Social Media Earnings: $85 million
TikTok Followers: 114 million
Charli D’Amelio rose to fame through dance and lip-sync videos, becoming one of the platform’s most recognizable faces. She has collaborated with major brands like CeraVe, Prada, and Dunkin’ Donuts.
4. Stokes Twins
Estimated Social Media Earnings: $20 million
TikTok Followers: 30.7 million
The Stokes Twins create challenge, prank, and skit videos that have resonated with a wide audience on TikTok and YouTube.
5. Dixie D’Amelio
Estimated Social Media Earnings: $14.60 million
TikTok Followers: 55.3 million
Dixie D’Amelio has leveraged her TikTok fame to launch a singing career and collaborate with brands like Warner Bros., LaRoche, and Puma.
6. Khaby Lame
Estimated Social Media Earnings: $20 million
TikTok Followers: 162.4 million
Khaby Lame creates comedic skits that often parody other viral TikTok videos. He has partnered with brands like State Farm and Hugo Boss.
7. Logan Paul
Estimated Social Media Earnings: $9.8 million
TikTok Followers: 18.7 million
Logan Paul leverages his TikTok presence to promote his various brands, including Prime and Maverick, as well as his podcast, Impaulsive.
8. Jake Paul
Estimated Social Media Earnings: $13.6 million
TikTok Followers: 18.4 million
Jake Paul is known for his boxing career, which is a major focus of his TikTok content. He also owns several companies, including W Labs and Betr.
9. Marques Brownlee
Estimated Social Media Earnings: $10 million
TikTok Followers: 2.2 million
Marques Brownlee creates tech review videos that have garnered a large audience. He is also the Chief Creative Partner at Ridge.
10. Brent Rivera
Estimated Social Media Earnings: $11 million
TikTok Followers: 50.1 million
Brent Rivera creates short, comedic videos that have resonated with a large audience on TikTok. He has partnered with brands like Hasbro and Activision.
11. Adam W
Estimated Social Media Earnings: $15 million
TikTok Followers: 21.5 million
Adam Waheed’s comedic videos based on everyday experiences have helped him reach millions. He has collaborated with celebrities like Kevin Hart and Will Smith, and partnered with brands like the NFL and Paramount Pictures.
Key Takeaways: Realities of TikTok Earnings
While some TikTok influencers achieve substantial financial success, it’s crucial to understand the realities of earning potential on the platform. For many, TikTok is more of a side hustle than a full-time career.
While monetization features exist within the app, significant followings and strategic brand partnerships are necessary to generate life-changing income. The path to becoming a highly paid TikToker requires dedication, creativity, and a strong understanding of the platform’s algorithm.
