For when you want to learn how to make money with TikTok, but you don’t want in on the latest dance challenge.

Who would have thought that I would want anything to do with TikTok?

I certainly would not have put money on it.

I don’t like being on camera or doing weird challenges online, or even having my Smurf voice show up on social media.

So, why then am I recommending TikTok as a credible online side hustle?

Because people are using TikTok, lots of people – young and old and everything in between. My husband for one is literally addicted to it. I must get at least ten TikTok videos texted to me daily. It is annoying, but they are entertaining – and mostly informative.

There is a caveat, however. If you are concerned, as the US government is, about privacy online and TikTok, then you shouldn’t use it. I am on TikTok for this blog and I have had a good experience with it, but everyone has to make their own decisions.

Ok, so if you’re still in, and you are a real, normal person – can you really learn how to make money with TikTok?

Yes, you definitely can. Keep on reading…

This post may contain affiliate links. This means I could earn a commission if you purchase through my links, however, there is no cost to you. Rest assured, I only promote products that I use or think are great. Thanks for reading!

Real People: How To Make Money With TikTok

The Basics of TikTok Monetization

Now, before you start dreaming about buying that yacht or paying off your student loans with your TikTok earnings, let’s get our feet back on the ground. TikTok isn’t just a mystical land of viral trends and sea shanties, it’s a thriving economy, bustling with opportunities for anyone willing to dive in.

And you might be wondering, “How does one get in on this TikTok gold rush?” Well, for starters, you’ve got to dance to the tune of the TikTok’s Creator Fund. Think of it as TikTok’s way of saying, “You scratch our back, and we’ll make it rain.” This fund is designed to reward popular content creators who keep the masses entertained..

Once you rack up at least 10,000 followers and get over 100,000 video views in the last 30 days, you have the potential to start earning money. To start earning with TikTok’s Creator Fund, you do need to apply through the pro/creator account. The application part is not complicated. Getting those followers is a different story though.

Partnerships and You: The Power of Collaboration

Remember that time when you were a kid and you traded your boring peanut butter and jelly sandwich for your friend’s pizza Lunchable? Yeah, that was a good deal, wasn’t it? Well, welcome to the grown-up version of lunch trading, except this time you’re swapping TikTok content for cash.

Partnerships on TikTok can be as delightful as finding an extra marshmallow in your Lucky Charms. By partnering with a brand you trust, you can turn your content into a billboard that pays. Are you a makeup artist who’s got the secret to the perfect winged liner? Reach out to your favorite makeup brand and pitch a partnership.

But what if you want to take your brand love to the next level? Well, step right up and become a brand ambassador. This is where you become the human embodiment of a brand, spreading the gospel of their products and services.

And speaking of sales, if you’ve got a product or service that you want to market to a larger audience, consider teaming up with TikTok influencers. They’re like the cool kids at school, except instead of setting fashion trends, they’re influencing purchasing decisions.

TikTok Shopping and Ads: The eCommerce Revolution

Once upon a time, shopping meant wandering through a mall, trying on clothes in fitting rooms, and standing in line at the cashier. But thanks to TikTok Shopping, those days are as old school as dial-up internet and VHS tapes. VHS tapes are still fun to think about though.

With TikTok’s eCommerce solution built right into the app, selling products is as easy as uploading a video. Creators can use TikTok Shop to reach a wider audience and promote their brands and products. Think of it as a virtual shopping mall.

And if you really want to get after it, think about TikTok Ads. With TikTok’s Ads Manager, you can target your ideal audience and find the right viewers for your brand. It’s like having a megaphone that only reaches the people who are interested in what you have to say. And the best part? TikTok reports that 1 in 3 users bought a product because they saw it on TikTok.

Affiliate Programs: Your Ticket to Passive Income

Raise your hand if you like to make money while you sleep. Yes, I see you. And don’t worry, I’m not about to sell you a dubious investment scheme or a set of enchanted beans. I’m talking about affiliate programs, the magical world where you can earn money simply by promoting products or services you love – and, you can learn how to make money on TikTok with it.

As an affiliate, you’re like a matchmaker, setting up your followers with brands that you think they’ll fall head over heels for. And if they click through your link and buy something? Well, that’s when the magic happens. You’ll earn a commission on that sale, all while lounging in your pajamas and watching reruns of Friends.

Learn more about affiliate marketing at my post: Not A Pyramid: How To Make Passive Income With Affiliate Marketing or check out Michelle’s Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing Course.

Creative Ways to Earn on TikTok

If you thought TikTok was just about viral dances and funny voiceovers, buckle up, because we’re about to take a ride on the wild side of how to make money with TikTok.

First stop, promoting songs. Record labels are always on the lookout for the next big hit, and they’re willing to pay you to help them find it. By using a certain track in your videos, you could earn up to $250 per video.

Next, we have sponsored posts. If you’re an influencer, or even a micro- or nano-influencer, brands will pay you to create content that promotes their products or services. Think of it as being a celebrity spokesperson, but without the fancy trailers and personal assistants.

And now for something a little different, building and selling TikTok accounts. It’s like flipping houses, but instead of kitchens and bathrooms, you’re dealing with followers and views. If you can build a following in a specific niche, you could sell that account to a brand looking to reach that audience.

Check out my post Flipping Websites for Beginners: Digital Real Estate into Cashola for more info on website flipping.

Finally, we have live gifting and crowdfunding. TikTok isn’t just a platform for sharing videos, it’s also a community. And like any community, people are willing to support each other. Whether it’s through donations during live videos or supporting a crowdfunding campaign, your followers can help you turn your TikTok dreams into reality.

TikTok Side Hustles You Haven’t Considered

If we’re talking about how to make money with TikTok, we should probably consider some of the more off beaten path ideas.

Selling your services or own merchandise

Remember that time you tried to sell lemonade on your front porch when you were 10? Well, TikTok is your new and improved digital porch – minus the pigtails and sans lemonade. Maybe you’re a whiz at graphic design, a pro at calligraphy, or a guru of handmade soap. Whatever your talent, it’s time to sell it like a hot pretzel at a baseball game.

And let’s not forget about merchandise. You’ve got followers, you’re basically a celebrity now. Time to slap your catchphrase on a t-shirt and sell it to your adoring fans. Remember: if Kanye can sell a plain white tee for $120, your merch can definitely make some green.

Offering online classes

Teach your followers how to dougie, how to cook gourmet meals with just a microwave, or even how to navigate existential crises with a touch of humor (you’ve been practicing with your therapist, haven’t you?). Online classes are convenient and engaging, and attract lots of people.  

Read my post How to Create Online Course Income: 5 Side Hustles That’ll Make You Say, “Why Didn’t I Think of That?” to learn more about starting a course, or just head on over to Teachable.

Leveraging TikTok’s ‘For You’ Page

Remember that kid in high school who always tried to sit at the cool kids’ table? You’re that kid now, and the ‘For You’ page is the cool kids’ table. It’s where the magic happens. It’s where ordinary Jane’s become Jane “TikTok Famous” Doe’s overnight. You too can be that Jane. So learn the ins and outs of the algorithm, post engaging content, and use the right hashtags. Soon, you’ll be the talk of TikTok town.

Using other social media platforms in conjunction with TikTok

TikTok might be your main squeeze, but don’t forget about the potential of your other social media accounts. Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, even LinkedIn (if you’re into that kind of thing) can help spread your TikTok content like wildfire. It’s like having a team of hardworking bees pollinating all the flowers in the digital garden. Cross-pollination is the name of the game, my friend.

How to Make Money with TikTok Like a Normal Person

Ah, the world of TikTok, where a 15-second video can turn you into a superstar, and a well-placed hashtag can be your golden ticket. It’s a land of opportunity, a land of memes, and a land where your cat can be more famous than you’ll ever be. And it’s not just about fame and followers. It’s about turning those likes into dollars, those followers into customers, and that weird little things you do into a global phenomenon.

So, whether you’re selling your grandma’s secret cookie recipe, teaching the world how to do the perfect smokey eye, or just making people laugh with your attempts at the latest dance craze, remember: in the world of TikTok, you’re not just a star, you’re an entrepreneur.

In the end, TikTok might not make you a millionaire (unless you’re that cat, of course), but it can definitely open doors to new opportunities and provide a platform for you to showcase your talents or products, while simultaneously earning some extra side hustle cash.

Always remember, the world of TikTok is as diverse as it is vast. There’s room for everyone, from dancers and singers to comedians and educators. So whatever your niche is, whatever your passion may be, there’s a place for you on TikTok.

So get out there, start creating, and who knows? Maybe one day we’ll see you on our ‘For You’ page, making bank and living the TikTok dream. But remember, while the hustle may be real, don’t forget to have fun. Because at the end of the day, that’s what TikTok is all about.

Well, that and trying to make some money…because that’s what real people want. For Real.