TikTok has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating users with its endless stream of short, engaging videos. You might find yourself spending hours scrolling through your “For You” page, but have you ever wondered how much the creators behind those videos are actually earning? If you’re curious about how much TikTok pays for 1 million views, you’ve come to the right place.
Decoding TikTok’s Payment Structure
While TikTok’s popularity is undeniable, its payment structure for creators can be a bit opaque. Prominent creators like MrBeast and Hank Green have voiced concerns about the relatively low compensation offered by the platform. So, how much can you realistically expect to earn for your viral content?
Estimates suggest that TikTok pays approximately 2 to 4 cents per 1,000 views. This payout is primarily facilitated through the TikTok Creator Fund.
The TikTok Creator Fund: An Overview
The TikTok Creator Fund is a dedicated pool of $300 million designed to compensate eligible creators for their short-form videos. This fund aims to incentivize creators to produce engaging content and reward them for their contributions to the platform.
Creator Fund Eligibility Requirements
To be considered eligible for the Creator Fund, you need to meet these criteria:
- Be based in the US, UK, Germany, France, Spain, or Italy.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a minimum of 10,000 followers.
- Accumulate at least 100,000 video views within the past 30 days.
- Adhere to TikTok’s Community Guidelines.
Joining the Creator Fund
If you meet the eligibility requirements, joining the Creator Fund is a straightforward process:
- Log in to your TikTok account.
- Navigate to your account settings.
- Select “Creator Tools.”
- Under “Creator Next,” you’ll find the “Creator Fund” option.
- Submit your application.
The TikTok Creativity Program Beta: A New Avenue for Earnings
TikTok has also introduced the Creativity Program Beta, which focuses on rewarding creators for producing high-quality, longer-form video content. This program presents an alternative earning opportunity, but it’s important to note that you cannot switch back to the Creator Fund if you choose to participate in the Creativity Program Beta.
Creativity Program Eligibility
The eligibility requirements for the Creativity Program Beta are the same as those for the Creator Fund:
- Be based in the US, UK, Germany, France, Spain, or Italy.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a minimum of 10,000 followers.
- Accumulate at least 100,000 video views within the past 30 days.
- Adhere to TikTok’s Community Guidelines.
Joining the Creativity Program
If you’re already enrolled in the Creator Fund, you can switch to the Creativity Program Beta by following these steps:
- Open the TikTok app and tap Profile.
- Tap the Menu button (☰), then Settings.
- Tap Creator tools and then Creator Fund.
- Tap Switch at the bottom of the page.
If you’re not currently in the original Creator Fund:
- Open the TikTok app and tap Profile.
- Tap the Menu button (☰), then Settings.
- Tap Creator tools and then Creativity Program.
You’ll receive notification of your application status within three days.
Factors Influencing Creator Payouts on TikTok
TikTok’s algorithm considers several factors when determining how much creators are paid:
- Number of Views: The most obvious factor, as higher view counts generally translate to higher earnings.
- Authenticity of Views: TikTok prioritizes genuine views from real users, so avoid using bots or other artificial methods to inflate your view count.
- Level of Engagement: High engagement, including likes, comments, and shares, signals to TikTok that your content is resonating with viewers.
- Amount of Content Published: Regularly posting new content increases your visibility and earning potential.
While the Creator Fund provides a baseline for earnings, remember that it pays around 2 to 4 cents per 1,000 views. Therefore, if your video achieves one million views, you could potentially earn between $20 and $40. A viral video with 10 million views could generate between $200 and $400 from the Creator Fund.
It’s important to note that not all videos are eligible for the Creator Fund. Videos created before acceptance into the program, as well as Livestreams, Duets, and Stitches, are typically excluded.
Beyond the Creator Fund: Alternative Monetization Strategies
While the Creator Fund provides some income, many TikTokers explore other avenues to boost their earnings:
- Creator Marketplace: Connect with brands seeking collaborations through TikTok’s official platform.
- Gifts and Tips: Encourage viewers to send tips or gifts during livestreams.
- Collaborations, Sponsorships, and Brand Partnerships: Partner with brands to promote their products or services in your videos.
- Affiliate Marketing: Include affiliate links in your content and earn a commission on sales generated through those links.
- Sell Merchandise: Create and sell branded merchandise to your followers.
- Create Your Own Video Platform: Build a subscription-based platform to offer exclusive content.
- User Generated Content (UGC): Collaborate with brands to create authentic content that resonates with their target audience.
The Bottom Line
While the TikTok Creator Fund may not be a goldmine, it can provide a source of passive income. To maximize your earnings, focus on creating engaging content, building a loyal following, and exploring alternative monetization strategies.
