19 Sep How To Earn Money On TikTok
Summary
What is TikTok?
There’s this app that’s been making waves, influencing pop culture, and creating overnight sensations for a few years now, and if you haven’t heard of it, you might’ve been living under a rock. It’s called TikTok, and it’s not just any ordinary social media platform. For many of us, it has reshaped how we consume content, and for others, it has even changed their lives. But what is it about TikTok that has made it such a sensation? Originated in China and firstly named as Douyin, TikTok is one of the most downloaded apps from 2018. It is still known as Douyin in China, with the international name of TikTok. This is an app that allows anyone to create short videos.
To start with, TikTok is a video-sharing application. The essence of it lies in its short, bite-sized clips, usually 15 seconds to a minute long, which can be filled with anything – music, comedy, education, dance, or just about any talent you can think of. Born from the merger of the app Musically, TikTok retained its predecessor’s music-driven content while broadening its horizon to include a more varied range of expressions.
When you first open TikTok, you’re thrown into the ‘For You Page’ (or FYP). This isn’t just your ordinary feed. It’s a constantly refreshing stream of videos curated by an algorithm, which learns from your preferences the more you engage with it. If you spend a few seconds longer on a video, like it, or share it, the algorithm takes note. Before you know it, your FYP becomes a tailored stream of content that you can’t help but get lost in.
But beyond the technology, there’s a human element to TikTok that’s hard to ignore. The platform has democratized fame in a way. You don’t need to have a massive following to start. All you need is a phone, some creativity, and you’re good to go. I’ve seen friends, who would normally shy away from the limelight, basking in their viral moments, with thousands, if not millions, appreciating their content.
The communal and collaborative nature of TikTok is also something to behold. Trends emerge overnight. A song, dance, or even a simple soundbite can suddenly take over the app, with countless users putting their spin on it. The beauty is in the diversity of interpretations. From professional artists to absolute beginners, everyone gets to join in, and the sense of belonging that arises from participating in these trends is palpable.
However, it’s not just fun and games. TikTok has become a platform for learning, activism, and awareness. I’ve personally learned more cooking hacks and DIY tricks from TikTok than any other platform. Moreover, during times of global crisis, the TikTok community has come together, raising awareness, and sharing information, all while lending support to those in need.
Critics might say that TikTok is just another fad, a fleeting moment in the vast digital landscape. But there’s something about it, a rawness, an authenticity, that resonates with many. It’s a platform where imperfections are celebrated, where candid moments find a home, and where everyone, regardless of background or skill, gets a chance to shine.
In conclusion, TikTok is more than just an app. It’s a cultural phenomenon, an ever-evolving tapestry of human expression, and a testament to the power of community and creativity. As someone who’s seen its impact firsthand, I can confidently say that it has reshaped the digital narrative in a way few platforms have. And while the future of social media is uncertain, for now, TikTok remains a vibrant corner of the internet where the spirit of humanity thrives.
Who Is On Tiktok? And From Which Countries?
TikTok’s global appeal lies in its vast and diverse user base. From teens showcasing their dance routines to grandparents sharing life lessons, the platform transcends age. While it’s often associated with Gen Z – and for a good reason, given their heavy presence – millennials, Gen X, and even baby boomers have found their niche on TikTok. The beauty of the app is that it doesn’t pigeonhole; it welcomes all with open arms.
Geographically, TikTok’s reach is expansive. Originating in China as Douyin, it quickly expanded overseas and took the world by storm. In Asia, apart from its homeland, countries like India, the Philippines, and Indonesia have massive user bases, even if there have been occasional regulatory challenges. The app’s charm has also spread across the West. In the U.S., TikTok has become a staple for many, while in Europe, countries like the UK, France, and Spain have seen burgeoning TikTok communities.
African nations and Latin American countries, from Nigeria to Brazil, have also embraced the platform. Creators from these regions bring a rich tapestry of culture, music, and dance, adding to TikTok’s global mosaic.
In essence, TikTok isn’t confined by borders. It’s a melting pot where diverse demographics and nationalities converge, united by the universal language of creativity and expression.
TikTok User Identikit
As per the latest available data, TikTok has 1.1 billion monthly active users.
TikTok Users by Age
Most individuals on TikTok fall within the 19 to 29 age bracket. This indicates that the platform holds significant appeal among the younger crowds. As we move up the age ladder, there’s a noticeable drop in TikTok enthusiasts, with a mere 19% of users aged 39 and above.
TikTok Users by Gender
TikTok’s 53% of users are Females and 46% are Males.
You can earn money on TikTok thanks to:
@influencermarketing Our Marketing and Trend Hunter Intern @certifiedmomojojo overviews the new TikTok Creative Challenge Program. #tiktokmarketing #socialmediatrends ♬ original sound – Influencer Marketing Factory
Gifting
Now TikTokers can also receive gifts from viewers during lives (similar to Twitch). Gifts consist of coins that can be accumulated and then withdraw as dollars.
Brand Partnerships
You can earn money on TikTok thanks to brand partnerships and influencer marketing activations. In fact, if you have an interesting number of fans, a good average number or hearts + comments on total n. of fans (so a good engagement rate) and you have a particular style and storytelling, you can be approached by brands that will pay you to promote their products.
You can calculate the TikTok Engagement Rate in this way:
((𝑁.𝑜𝑓𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑠+𝑁.𝑜𝑓𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠)/𝑁.𝑜𝑓𝑓𝑎𝑛𝑠)∗100=𝐸𝑅((N.ofHearts+N.ofComments)/N.offans)∗100=ER
I also created a graph after analyzing thousands of profiles to find the average engagement rate for different ranges of followers:
Source: How To Calculate TikTok Engagement Rate – Influencer Marketing Factory
Influencer Marketing Activations
Talking about successful influencer marketing campaign on TikTok, Calvin Klein just released one of the biggest influencer marketing campaigns on TikTok ever using the hashtags #mycalvin: In New Digital-First Strategy, Calvin Klein Tries TikTok
The new marketing strategy comes amid big upheaval at the brand, sparked by disappointing results. In November, the company said that while Calvin Klein sales for the third quarter rose 2% to $963 million, earnings fell to $121 million, primarily because of a $10 million hike in creative and marketing spending, as well as more promotional selling of its jeans.
Another way to earn money on TikTok is to be invited as a guest to music festivals or events such as Comicon or Beautycon where you will usually have to attend at the brand sponsored stand or perform – if you are a dancer or singer – on a stage.
Selling Your Own Merchandise
Lastly, you can even sell your own merchandise and sell them to your audience creating a Shopify eCommerce.
You can read more here: TikTok Marketing 101: What Is TikTok and How Can You Use It For Influencer Marketing – Influencer Marketing Factory
and also here: Four Ways Influencers Can Make Money On TikTok