Consider this: you're scrolling through TikTok, laughing at a hilarious cat video, when you realize people are creating careers from these short clips. Welcome to the world of short-form content, where a few seconds of creativity can lead to fame and fortune. Becoming a TikTok influencer isn’t just about going viral; it’s about mastering the art of storytelling in a rapid-fire format. This guide will show you how to turn your videos into shareable, engaging content that grabs attention and keeps viewers returning for more.
To get you started, Crayo AI’s best tiktok video editor tool is a game-changer. It helps you quickly whip up short viral videos so you can focus on what matters—making your mark on TikTok.
Table Of Contents
What Is A TikTok Influencer?
A TikTok influencer stands out as someone who has amassed a significant following on this dynamic platform. These creators use their influence to connect with audiences, often partnering with brands to showcase products or services in engaging videos. This collaboration benefits both parties, as companies gain exposure while influencers monetize their content.
How Do People Become a TikTok Influencer?
Becoming a TikTok influencer is more accessible than on other social media platforms. Thanks to TikTok’s unique algorithm, creators can reach new audiences rapidly. This system prioritizes engagement over follower count, meaning your content can go viral even if you’re just starting. With creativity and consistency, anyone can build a following.
What Do TikTok Influencers Earn?
TikTok influencers can earn anywhere from $200 to $20,000 per sponsored video. The amount depends on audience size, video type, and engagement rates. Influencers also have access to TikTok’s Creator Fund, a program that pays them for producing popular content. To qualify, creators need at least 100,000 followers and 100,000 video views in the last 30 days.
How Much Do TikTok Influencers Make?
TikTok influencers' earnings can vary widely based on their follower count, engagement rate, and the type of content they produce. Influencers can earn between $0.02 and $0.04 for every 1,000 views, translating to $20,000-$40,000 for those reaching one million views. In the U.S., influencers have an average annual income of around $58,000, or $27.85 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter.
Glassdoor reports a higher average yearly influencer salary of $96,000. Macro-influencers, those with 500,000 to 1 million followers, can command between $150 and $3,500 for each brand post, while the highest-paid TikTok stars, like Charli D'Amelio and Addison Rae, earn millions annually, with $17.5 million and $8.5 million, respectively.
Factors Influencing TikTok Influencer Earnings
Several factors can affect how much TikTok influencers earn. Here are some of the most important:
Number of Followers
More significant followings usually command higher rates.
Engagement Rate
High likes, comments, and shares increase the value of brands.
Content Niche
Niche content (beauty, fitness, etc.) often attracts specific brands willing to pay more.
Sponsorship Deals
Collaborating with significant brands can yield large payouts.
TikTok Creator Fund
TikTok pays based on video views, but there are other sources of income.
Monetization of Live Streams
Fans can send tips or "gifts," which can be exchanged for money.
Merchandising
Selling personal products or brand collaborations boosts earnings.
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11 Useful Tips On Becoming A TikTok Influencer
1. Fast-Track Your TikToks with Crayo AI
Crayo AI is a game-changer for influencers looking to produce top-notch short-form videos quickly. It allows you to create unlimited short videos in no time, with automatically generated captions, effects, backgrounds, and music. This tool is perfect for anyone looking to make money through TikTok's creator fund program.
Simply write a prompt or outline, customize the style with Crayo’s free templates, and export your video. You can create viral content in mere seconds, so give Crayo’s free clip creator tool a try today by clicking the ‘Try Now’ button on the homepage. No account is needed!
2. Niche Down for Success
Choosing a niche you’re passionate about is essential for becoming a successful TikTok influencer. You’ll want to pick a domain you’re genuinely interested in and knowledgeable about, ensuring you can consistently generate high-quality content. Consider whether you can create content on this topic long-term, enjoy working on it without pay, solve problems for others, and possess skills that address challenges. You've found your niche if you can answer “yes” to these questions.
3. Craft a Unique TikTok Profile
As an influencer, you must create a creator account on TikTok. Once you’ve done that, it’s time to set up your profile by filling in the bio, profile photo, and profile video. These elements should reflect your unique personality and leave a lasting impression on potential followers. Make sure they stand out and accurately represent you and your brand.
4. Know Your Audience Inside Out
To attract and retain followers, you need to understand your audience. Analyze your follower base and find the post that received the most engagement. This will give you insight into the type of content your audience is interested in, allowing you to create more. By understanding your audience, you can tailor your content strategy to meet their needs and preferences.
5. Study Your Competitors
By analyzing your competitors, you can gain valuable insights into the current market and find opportunities to set yourself apart. Look for influencers with similar demographic interests and examine their content. Identify the type of content they post, the posts with the most likes and shares, and any missing information or links. Use this information to create unique content or add your twist to existing content.
6. Build a Strong Content Strategy
Once you have a content strategy, you must determine when and how often to post. Experiment with posting schedules and content types, then stick to what works best. Ensure your original content incorporates trending hashtags, songs, and ideas to improve visibility and reach new audiences. Don’t be afraid to share personal content and connect with your followers on a deeper level.
7. Engage with Your Audience
Engaging with your audience is crucial after posting content. Respond to comments, create two-way conversations, and even comment on videos with text. You can also host “Ask Me Anything” events and announce giveaways or contests to engage your audience further. These strategies will help you connect with your followers and strengthen your brand.
8. Host “Ask Me Anything” Events
These sessions encourage your audience to ask questions about your personal or professional life. This helps build an emotional connection with your followers and establish authority in your niche. You can showcase your expertise and provide valuable insights by answering their questions.
9. Announce Giveaways and Contests
Giveaways and contests effectively reach new people and add them to your follower base. A giveaway rewards followers for engaging with your post, while a contest requires them to upload specific content or use your hashtag to win. These strategies can also promote other influencers with whom you collaborate.
10. Promote Your Videos
Once your videos are ready, promote them on other social media platforms. Share links to your TikTok profile on your blog, Instagram, and Facebook accounts to divert audiences to your TikTok content. You can also use TikTok to promote your other social media profiles and drive traffic to those platforms.
11. Network with Other TikTokers
Building relationships with other TikTokers can lead to collaboration opportunities and help you view them as more than competition. Engage with them through comments, messages, and likes to establish a friendly rapport. This can help you grow your network and strengthen your brand.
How Many Followers Do I Need On TikTok To Get Paid?
To get paid directly from TikTok, you must hit 10,000 followers and gather 100,000 views in 30 days to enter the Creator Fund. But don’t worry if you’re not there yet. Even with just 1,000 followers, you can earn through gifts and live streams. So yes, you, too, can make money on TikTok. Joining TikTok’s Creator Fund is one way to earn money directly from the platform. You must have at least 10,000 authentic followers and 100,000 views in the last 30 days to qualify. You must also be 18 or older and reside in eligible countries such as the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, or Spain.
Other Ways to Make Money on TikTok
Aside from the Creator Fund, you can earn money on TikTok regardless of your follower count. These methods include strategies like affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and more, similar to earning opportunities on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. So, even if you’re just starting, you can still make some cash.
How to Get More Followers on TikTok
1. Make Follow-Worthy Content
The most effective way to get followers is to make good content. This has been true since TikTok started and will continue.
2. Understand TikTok’s Algorithm
To get followers, you need your content in front of them. To do that, make peace with the TikTok algorithm. User interactions, post information, and device and account settings matter. Focus on creating good, TikTok-native content that resonates with your audience.
3. Participate in Trends
Trends are to TikTok what memes are to Twitter. Every brand and creator wants to share their take on the sound, transition, or format. Users feel compelled to stop and watch to see if it’s as good as the ones they’ve watched.
4. Promote TikTok Videos on Other Platforms
You don’t have to stay on TikTok to grow your followers there. Use all possible avenues like creating a link in your bio page, embedding TikTok videos on your website, promoting posts in your newsletter, plugging TikTok on your podcast, and sharing links to new posts in online communities.
5. See What Users Are Searching With TikTok’s Creator Search Insights
Use the Creator Search Insights tool to understand what people are searching for on TikTok. You can use this to your advantage: new video ideas and search-optimized captions.
6. TikTok SEO
Optimize your captions for searchability. This includes your post caption and any in-video captions. By optimizing your SEO, your TikToks will rank higher, get more views, and potentially gain more followers.
7. Post Often
Posting often is essential. The more you post, the more chances you have to get views, go viral, and grow your followers.
8. Give Duets and Stitches a Go
Duets and stitches are TikTok features that involve creating your video on top of an existing video. They’re a fun way to build on a trend or share your brand’s unique take on something.
9. Partner With Creators
Partnering with other creators allows you to create content that is different from your usual posts. Creator partnerships earn views from users who wouldn’t usually see your content.
10 Hottest Niches For TikTok Influencers
1. Everyone Loves Food
The food niche is a TikTok staple, and for good reason. With endless content opportunities, from food challenges and cooking hacks to meal prep ideas and reviews, it’s a creator's dream. Your sub-niche is where you'll find your unique voice. For example, if your target audience is busy professionals, focus on quick, easy meals that can be whipped up in under 20 minutes. Stay on top of trends, like the 'Lazy Girl Dinner' movement, to boost your visibility. Check out Tabitha Brown for vegan inspiration or Eitan Bernath for tips on global cuisine.
2. Get Ready for Takeoff
The travel niche allows creators to offer their audience a much-needed escape. Whether you're sharing hidden gems, destination recommendations, or foodie finds from the road, the possibilities are endless. Even a simple aesthetic shot of the view can go viral. Engaging with trends, popular sounds, and hashtags like #TravelTok can enhance your visibility and attract brand partnerships. The Bucket List Family and Eva zu Beck are great examples from which to learn.
3. The Truth About Product Reviews
In an ultra-consumerist world, product reviews are more important than ever. As a reviewer, you can focus on specific items, from tech gadgets and beauty products to home essentials. TikTok's short format lets you highlight the key features of a product quickly and effectively. Be honest and unbiased to build credibility with your audience and attract brand partnerships. Mikayla Nogueira’s enthusiastic makeup reviews and iJustine’s tech insights are prime examples of how to do it right.
4. Bookworm Paradise
If you're a book lover, you’ll feel at home in the #BookTok community. Here, creators share reviews and recommendations for avid readers. Whether you're into self-improvement books or young adult novels, there's a niche and audience for you. Some BookTok creators even form book clubs to read and discuss titles with their followers. Abby and Ayman are strong examples of successful creators in this niche.
5. Fitness Goals
Fitness content is hugely popular on TikTok. Focus on engaging, bite-sized videos that offer quick and effective workout routines, fitness tips, and motivational stories. You could specialize in at-home workouts, HIIT, yoga, or healthy meal prep ideas. The key is to offer valuable content that your audience can benefit from. Chloe Ting and Lilly Sabri have mastered this niche, offering practical fitness advice and inspiration.
6. Dance Like Everyone's Watching
Dancing and choreography put TikTok on the map, and they’re not going anywhere. If you’ve got the moves, this niche is worth exploring. The dance niche has enormous potential, with creators like Charli D'Amelio and Addison Rae leading the way. Remember: creativity and originality are essential.
7. Fashion Forward
The fashion niche is constantly evolving, with new trends continually popping up. This makes it an excellent fit for creators who love experimenting and trying new things. Whether you’re offering styling advice, fashion inspiration, or a glimpse into your latest haul, the options are endless. Wisdom and Denise Mercedes are excellent examples of creators who have found success in this niche.
8. Beauty and Skincare Secrets
Beauty and skincare content continues to thrive on TikTok. Focus on delivering honest reviews, makeup tutorials, and beauty hacks to engage your audience and attract brand partnerships. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your products if you have a private label. Hyram Yarbro and Nikkie de Jager are experts in this niche, and you can learn a lot from their content.
9. Wellness Check
Lifestyle and wellness content can cover various topics, from nutrition and self-care to minimalism and financial freedom. If you have a private-label health supplement, TikTok can be a great platform to market it. Sorelle Amore and Dr. Mona Vand are strong examples of successful creators in this niche.
10. Level Up
Gaming is a fantastic option for creators who prefer to remain faceless. It's essential to have gaming skills, but even if you're just starting, this niche offers a highly engaged audience. Share gameplay footage, hacks, and tips to build your following. Tfue and SypherPK are both great examples from which to learn.
10 Famous TikTok Influencers To Take Inspiration From
1. Charli D'Amelio (@charlidamelio)
Followers
Over 150 million
Content
Charli D’Amelio skyrocketed to fame by sharing dance videos that quickly caught on and often became trending TikTok challenges. Her charm and approachable vibe have led to brand deals, acting gigs, and product launches.
Fun Fact
Charli made history as the first TikToker to hit 100 million followers.
2. Addison Rae (@addisonre)
Followers
Over 90 million
Content
Addison’s dance clips and collabs with other TikTok stars catapulted her to stardom. She’s since branched into acting, music, and fashion, launching her beauty brand, Item Beauty.
Fun Fact
Addison Rae played the lead role in the Netflix film He’s All That and has teamed up with big names like American Eagle.
3. Bella Poarch (@bellapoarch)
Followers
Over 90 million
Content
Bella became a sensation with her lip-sync to "Sophie Aspin Send" by Millie B. She now mixes lip-syncs, comedy, and gaming content, alongside a budding music career with hits like "Build a B*tch."
Fun Fact
Before TikTok fame, Bella served in the U.S. Navy.
4. Zach King (@zachking)
Followers
Over 75 million
Content
Zach is celebrated for his "magic vines"—short, cleverly edited videos featuring optical illusions. His video editing and creativity have made him a standout on the platform.
Fun Fact
Zach’s "magic broomstick" video became one of TikTok’s most-watched clips, showcasing his skills with visual effects.
5. Khaby Lame (@khaby.lame)
Followers
Over 160 million
Content
Khaby’s wordless, funny reactions to absurd "life hacks" made him a global favorite. His deadpan delivery and relatable humor resonate with audiences everywhere.
Fun Fact
In 2022, Khaby dethroned Charli D’Amelio to become TikTok’s most-followed user.
6. Loren Gray (@lorengray)
Followers
Over 50 million
Content
Loren transitioned from Musical.ly to TikTok with lip-syncs, dance videos, and beauty content. She’s also a singer whose music has been featured on various platforms.
Fun Fact
Loren was TikTok’s most-followed user until Charli D’Amelio overtook her.
7. Dixie D'Amelio (@dixiedamelio)
Followers
Over 60 million
Content
Charli’s sister Dixie became known for TikTok trends and has since embarked on a music journey with tracks like "Be Happy" and "Psycho."
Fun Fact
The D'Amelio sisters star in their Hulu reality series, "The D'Amelio Show."
8. Spencer X (@spencerx)
Followers
Over 55 million
Content
Spencer X showcases his remarkable beatboxing skills through performances, collabs, and tutorials. His unique sounds and music partnerships have made him a prominent figure in the TikTok music scene.
Fun Fact
Spencer has collaborated with high-profile artists like Alicia Keys and Sean Kingston.
9. Michael Le (@justmaiko)
Followers
Over 55 million
Content
Michael’s dance routines, often featuring his younger siblings and friends, have gone viral. His knack for creating dance challenges to trending songs keeps him in the spotlight.
Fun Fact
Michael is behind some of TikTok’s most viral dance challenges.
10. Avani Gregg (@avani)
Followers
Over 40 million
Content
Avani initially gained attention with her impressive makeup transformations and clown-inspired looks. She’s a part of the Hype House and has expanded her content to include beauty, fashion, and lifestyle.
Fun Fact
Avani was awarded the Shorty Award for TikToker of the Year in 2019.
Want to create TikTok content that stands out? Use Crayo’s free clip creator tool today — just click the ‘Try Now’ button on our homepage to get started. No account is needed! Quickly transform your ideas into viral short videos with Crayo.
How To Make Money As A TikTok Influencer in 12 Ways
1. Create High-Quality TikTok Videos with Crayo AI
Creating high-quality videos is necessary to make money as a TikTok influencer. Crayo AI can help you achieve this. As the fastest way to create short videos, Crayo AI allows you to create unlimited short videos simultaneously. It can even auto-generate captions, effects, backgrounds, and music. With Crayo AI, you can easily use the TikTok creator fund program, go viral, make money, and create clips in seconds. Simply write an outline or prompt, customize the style using Crayo’s free templates, and finish and export your video.
Try Crayo’s free clip creator tool today by clicking the ‘Try Now’ button on our homepage to get started. No account is required!
2. Monetize Your Content with the TikTok Creativity Program
The TikTok Creativity Program, formerly known as the Creator Fund, is a program that allows creators to earn money based on the performance of their content. The program is available to creators in the US, UK, Germany, and France, focusing on longer videos of over one minute. You need 10,000 followers and 100,000 views in the last 30 days to join the program. Earnings are based on opinions and other engagement metrics. This program is best for popular creators with a large and engaged following who consistently generate high views and engagement.
3. Reach Gen Z with TikTok Ads
With about 67% of 18-19-year-olds and 56% of 20-29-year-olds on TikTok, the platform is a strong advertising choice for brands wanting to market to Gen Z. TikTok ads come with simple, powerful tools that allow you to personalize your targeting by age, location, interest, and other factors. Popular ad formats include in-feed videos, brand takeover, and hashtag challenges. TikTok ads offer precise targeting options, making them ideal for brands wanting to reach younger audiences and promote their products, services, or events with measurable ad performance.
4. Collect Tips and Donations from Fans
TikTok’s tipping feature allows select creators to earn money from tips and donations. Fans can use this feature to show gratitude to the creators they love. Video gifts let viewers send creators virtual gifts and coins, which can be redeemed for Diamonds—TikTok’s digital currency. This feature is best for creators with dedicated fanbases who regularly engage with their audience through live streams or interactive content.
5. Collaborate with Influencers
TikTok’s thriving community of content creators makes it an excellent channel for collaborating with influential people in highly engaged communities. The key is collaborating with the right creators who can authentically position your brand to their audience, as creator-made branded content has higher engagement rates. TikTok’s Creator Marketplace is where you can connect with content creators on the network. This is best for brands looking to increase awareness and reach through authentic content collaborations.
6. Promote Products with Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing programs allow creators and other businesses to promote and sell another company’s products or services for a commission. To be successful, focus on promoting products that best align with your target audience. Create engaging videos that present affiliate products, showcasing their value and why you recommend purchasing them. This is perfect for creators with an engaged audience interested in product recommendations.
7. Publish Sponsored Posts
For smaller activations, brands can sponsor posts that live directly on creators’ profiles. These campaigns allow brands to pay content creators to promote their products in organic posts. Sponsored posts are ideal for smaller creators with niche audiences that brands want to target. This method allows creators to monetize their content by promoting brands authentically and organic.
8. Generate Revenue with a Patreon Account
A Patreon account lets creators generate revenue from fans through memberships allowing exclusive content access. Use TikTok to promote membership sign-ups and keep subscription costs low to encourage subscribers. Offering exclusive or high-value content is best for creators who can leverage Patreon to generate stable income from fans willing to pay for additional value.
9. Sell Products and Merchandise
Merchandising is a tried-and-true strategy that applies to TikTok as well. Turn original artwork, quotes, or your brand’s logo into merch and promote it on TikTok. If you have a personal account, create an ecommerce website to process sales transactions and promote it on your TikTok account. This method works well for creators or businesses with solid brand identities.
10. Set Up a TikTok Shop
TikTok partnered with Shopify to launch the TikTok Shopping feature, allowing brands and creators to become official TikTok merchants and sell directly in the app. If eligible for this feature, you can sign up to become a seller in the TikTok Seller Center, where you can manage inventory, orders, creator partnerships, promotions, and more. This is an excellent opportunity for ecommerce brands and creators with their product lines.
11. Offer Exclusive Content with TikTok Series
TikTok Series is a new monetization feature that allows creators to create exclusive content behind a paywall. Interested creators must meet specific criteria to gain access to this feature. You can set the price for each TikTok Series you create, with payment options ranging from $0.99 to $189.99. This option best suits educators, coaches, and premium content creators with in-depth content to share.
12. Provide Virtual Gifts
TikTok’s virtual gifts feature allows fans to show their support by gifting virtual items, which can then be converted into cash. This feature works best for creators who live-stream or engage frequently with their audience in real time. Fans who enjoy the content can show their support by gifting virtual items.
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Create Viral Shorts In Seconds With Crayo
Have you ever wished you could turn a great idea into a viral TikTok short without all the hassle? Enter Crayo AI. This tool saves you time and effort by transforming your ideas into stunning short videos at lightning speed. Just write an outline or prompt, choose your style with a few clicks, and let Crayo handle the rest. It auto-generates everything from captions to effects, so you can focus on what matters—going viral and making money. Crayo even helps you tap into the TikTok Creator Fund, making your journey to becoming a TikTok influencer easier and more profitable.
Effortless Creativity with Crayo's Free Clip Creator
Getting started with Crayo is a breeze; you don’t need an account. Click the “Try Now” button on the homepage, and you’re off. You can use its user-friendly interface and explore the free templates to find your style. Want to experiment with different backgrounds, narrators, and music tracks? Go for it. Crayo’s intuitive setup encourages creativity and spontaneity, allowing you to produce high-quality content without breaking a sweat.
Master the Art of Short Video Creation—Fast
Time is of the essence when it comes to TikTok, and Crayo understands that. With its rapid rendering capabilities, you can churn shorts in seconds, not hours. This means you can quickly test and iterate your content, adapting to trends and real-time audience feedback. Whether you need a single video or a batch of them, Crayo’s got you covered. The result? More opportunities exist to hit the algorithm jackpot and rack up those views, likes, and follows.
Capture the Audience's Attention with Stunning Visuals and Sound
Your content’s look and feel matter—big time. Crayo doesn’t just automate the process; it boosts it. With its library of high-quality backgrounds, soundtracks, and voice narrators, your shorts will have the professional edge they need to stand out. It’s like having a production studio in your pocket, ready to make your ideas shine. The best part? You don’t need fancy equipment or editing skills—just a vision and a willingness to experiment.
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