TikTok Monetization in the USA and UK: A Complete Guide for 2025
TikTok Monetization in the USA and UK: A Complete Guide for 2025
TikTok has become one of the most influential social media platforms globally, with millions of users in both the USA and UK. As it continues to grow, so does its potential for content creators to monetize their efforts. Whether you’re an influencer, business, or aspiring creator, understanding how TikTok monetization works in 2025 can help you maximize your earnings. In this guide, we’ll explore the different ways to make money on TikTok in both the USA and the UK, and how you can start earning today.
1. TikTok Creator Fund
What It Is: The TikTok Creator Fund is a direct way for creators to earn money based on the views and engagement their videos receive. Both the USA and UK have access to the Creator Fund, and it’s one of the most accessible ways for creators to start monetizing their content.
How It Works:
- Eligibility: To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old, have a minimum of 10,000 followers, and have at least 100,000 video views in the last 30 days.
- Earnings: Your earnings are based on a combination of factors, including video engagement, video views, and the authenticity of your content. The more viral your content, the more you can earn.
Pros:
- Easy to access once you meet the requirements.
- Passive income from the views you get.
Cons:
- Earnings per view are relatively low.
- It can be challenging to consistently generate significant income unless you have a large following.

2. Brand Partnerships and Sponsored Content
What It Is: Sponsored content is one of the most lucrative ways to monetize TikTok. Brands collaborate with creators to promote their products or services in videos, paying for exposure and engagement. This is a common revenue stream for influencers and creators in both the USA and UK.
How It Works:
- Partnerships: Companies often seek creators whose audience matches their target demographic. Once you reach a significant following (usually 10,000 followers or more), brands will approach you to promote their products in exchange for payment.
- Sponsored Content: Brands may pay creators for dedicated product reviews, unboxing videos, or creative challenges that showcase their product in a fun and engaging way.
Pros:
- High earning potential, especially for influencers with large and engaged audiences.
- Opportunity to work with well-known brands.
Cons:
- Requires a large and active following to attract brand deals.
- Potential loss of authenticity if sponsorships are too frequent or don’t align with your content style.
3. TikTok Live Gifts (TikTok’s Virtual Gifting Feature)
What It Is: TikTok Live Gifts allow your followers to send virtual gifts during live broadcasts. These gifts can be converted into real money through TikTok’s payout system, creating a way for creators to earn while interacting with their audience in real-time.
How It Works:
- Live Streaming: While streaming on TikTok Live, viewers can send virtual gifts like roses, hearts, and other fun items.
- Gifting Conversion: These virtual gifts are bought with TikTok coins, which followers purchase with real money. Creators can exchange these gifts for real money once they’ve accumulated enough.
Eligibility: You must be over 16 years old to receive gifts, but to withdraw funds, you need to be 18 or older.
Pros:
- Great for creators with loyal and engaged fans who like to interact with them in real-time.
- Can be a fun and interactive way to earn money while building community.
Cons:
- You need to have an active live-streaming schedule and a decent following for this to be a profitable stream of income.
- It’s not available to everyone based on your country’s policies (some restrictions may apply).
Read more about tiktok proofs.
4. Affiliate Marketing
What It Is: Affiliate marketing involves promoting products and earning a commission for every sale made through your referral link. TikTok creators in both the USA and UK can partner with affiliate programs, allowing them to share product links with their audience and make money when people purchase the product.
How It Works:
- Affiliate Links: Creators promote affiliate products by sharing links in their TikTok bio or within the content itself (e.g., in captions or video descriptions).
- Earnings: When followers click on your affiliate link and make a purchase, you receive a commission.
Popular Platforms for Affiliate Marketing:
- Amazon Associates: One of the most popular affiliate programs.
- Impact: A platform that connects creators with a wide range of brands.
- Rakuten Marketing: Another affiliate network with access to numerous brands.
Pros:
- Great for creators with diverse audiences who are interested in products that align with their niche.
- Scalable with the potential for high earnings, especially if you promote high-ticket items.
Cons:
- Requires a trustworthy relationship with your audience, as overly promotional content can lead to a loss of followers.
- Success in affiliate marketing relies on having a loyal, engaged audience who trusts your recommendations.
5. TikTok Marketplace and Merchandising
What It Is: TikTok allows creators to sell merchandise directly through the app via integrations with platforms like Teespring and Spreadshop. This opens up a direct revenue stream for creators in both the USA and UK who have built a brand or following.
How It Works:
- Merchandising: Creators can design and sell branded merchandise like clothing, accessories, or even digital products (e.g., eBooks or courses) directly to their followers.
- TikTok Shop: TikTok is increasingly incorporating e-commerce features, where creators can set up their own shops within the app to sell products directly to their followers.
Pros:
- Allows creators to monetize their personal brand by offering unique, custom products.
- Provides an opportunity for passive income through online sales.
Cons:
- Success in merchandising requires significant brand recognition and marketing efforts.
- Handling fulfillment and shipping can be time-consuming unless you partner with third-party services.
6. TikTok Ads and Promotional Content
What It Is: TikTok Ads allows businesses and creators to promote content directly on the platform through paid advertising. While this primarily benefits businesses, creators with a significant following can also get paid for creating TikTok ads or promotional content for brands.
How It Works:
- Ad Creation: Brands may approach creators to make sponsored TikTok ads, where you create the content and the brand runs ads based on your video.
- Paid Ads: You may also have the option to promote your own content with TikTok Ads, driving traffic to your page, increasing engagement, and potentially boosting monetization efforts.
Pros:
- Direct income from brands looking for content creators to make ad videos.
- Great for those who want to mix organic content with paid promotions.
Cons:
- High competition for ad creation opportunities.
- Ads can sometimes feel less authentic and impact the organic engagement of your content.
Conclusion: How to Maximize TikTok Monetization in 2025
TikTok continues to evolve, and its monetization options are expanding. For creators in the USA and UK, opportunities abound to turn creativity into a sustainable income. To maximize your earnings:
- Focus on Engagement: The more your followers interact with your content, the more likely you are to qualify for monetization features like the Creator Fund and TikTok Live Gifts.
- Diversify Revenue Streams: Don’t rely on one method of monetization. Combine brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, merchandise sales, and the Creator Fund for a balanced approach.
- Build Your Audience: Consistency in content creation, leveraging trends, and interacting with followers will help grow your fan base and, in turn, increase your earning potential.
With the right strategies and consistent effort, TikTok can become a significant source of income for creators in both the USA and UK in 2025.