If you’re a YouTube-first content creator who has dismissed TikTok as a “not now… or at least not yet,” let us share some of the recent changes to TikTok monetization, along with other developments in the way TikTok supports and encourages creators.
When it comes to monetizing creator content, YouTube does right by creators. No platform has come close to the 55/45 creator/platform revenue split that YouTube offers. But YouTube is not the only platform where creators can earn, and challengers to the crown are always innovating.
YouTube-first creators looking for new avenues to expand their reach and monetize their content should keep an eye on TikTok.
YouTube itself could take some lessons from the TikTok Shop, which removes the friction for audiences to buy from brands and creators on the platform (“TikTok made me buy it”). Add to that some recent TikTok creator updates and it might just be time for YouTube creators to consider TikTok anew.
For YouTube creators, TikTok is most likely to be an “and,” not an “or” platform. With that in mind, let’s dive into what’s new in TikTok monetization as it pertains to YouTube creators.
TikTok Creativity Program
TikTok revamped its Creator Fund into something much less like a lottery. It’s called the TikTok Creativity Program and is designed to help creators monetize their TikTok efforts. The TikTok Creativity Program is basically TikTok’s answer to the YouTube Partner Program. TikTok suggests realtors can pull in up to 20x as compared with the TikTok Creator Fund.
Creator Requirements for the TikTok Creativity Program
- At least 10,000 followers
- At least 100,000 video views in the past month
- Videos longer than 1 minute
The last bullet is perhaps the most interesting. TikTok is making a play for long form video on the platform. This is not news.
Where YouTube Shorts is YouTube’s answer to the explosion of short form content led by TikTok, the Creativity Program is part of TikTok’s answer to long form. Tit for tat. TitTat, if you will.
To encourage creators to share long form video on the platform, TikTok says creators can rake in up to 20x more in the Creativity Program as compared with the Creator Fund, but only with videos that are longer than 1 minute..
It’s worth noting that some longer form content is already popping off on TikTok.
Monetized Live Streams on TikTok
TikTok live broadcasts can be monetized. The requirements for monetizing live streaming are much less onerous than the Creativity Program. All you need is 1,000+ followers to start live streaming and start earning.
Viewers can purchase coins. These coins can be used to buy gifts to shower on their favorite live video creators. Coins earned during a live stream can be converted into cash and the creator and platform split the proceeds 50/50.
TikTok Creator Marketplace
The TikTok Creator Marketplace is where brands go to find content creators to produce ad content. Here, creators who are willing to promote brands in their content can receive cash money for their creative efforts.
The barrier to entry for the TikTok Creator Marketplace is higher, in line with the higher potential rewards. To join the TikTok Creator Marketplace, a creator must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be on a personal account: business accounts are not eligible
- Have over 100,000 followers
- Have uploaded at least three videos in the last 28 days
- Gotten 100,000+ likes on videos in the past 28 days
- Adhere to the TikTok Community Guidelines
- Live in a country where the TikTok Creator Marketplace is supported
TikTok Creator Marketplace Countries
To that last point, here are all the countries where TikTok Creator Marketplace is supported. See the TikTok Creator Marketplace support article for updates:
- Australia
- Brazil
- Canada
- Egypt
- France
- Germany
- Great Britain
- Indonesia
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Spain
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Vietnam
Assuming you meet all the criteria and are looking to collaborate with brands to make some money, the first step is to sign up. From there, brands that like your profile can extend an invitation to collaborate.
You don’t have to sit back and wait though; creators can also look for “open campaigns” and throw their hat in the ring.
Monetizing with TikTok Shop for Creators
TikTok Shop makes it easy for viewers to buy stuff, which makes it easier for creators to sell stuff. Whether it’s merch or products featured in a video, or even drop shipping products, TikTok makes the whole process as friction-free as possible.
As always, there are some requirements that must be satisfied before a creator can open up shop and start hawking their wares:
TikTok Shop Creator Requirements
- Reside in a supported country
- Have at least 1,000 followers
- Have uploaded at least one video to TikTok in the past 28 days
- Be at least 18 years old
- Adhere to the TikTok Community Guidelines
Creators will need to file some paperwork for taxes and reporting as well as share some banking information.
Is TikTok Worth a YouTuber’s Time?
It’s never good to have all your eggs in one basket. For YouTube-first creators, TikTok offers some diversification, and the platform’s increasing focus (and creator incentivization) around long form content makes it a platform for creators to consider.
While YouTube remains a dominant platform for in-depth content creation, TikTok is clearly making a play for long form content and creators willing to make the effort on TikTok can reap the rewards.
The platform has also taken major steps toward making monetization more clear and predictable for creators.
The question isn’t whether YouTube creators can make money on TikTok. The question is whether YouTubers see enough potential to adapt their content and approach to a different platform.
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