TikTok pays creators through the Creator Rewards Program, which replaced the old Creator Fund. It pays for qualified views on original videos longer than one minute. Pay per view is much better than the old fund, but the bar to get in is higher and, crucially, the program only runs in a small list of countries. Outside those countries, TikTok income comes from LIVE gifts, TikTok Shop commissions and brand deals rather than views.
At a glance
| What it is | Short video app with a view-based reward program |
| Program | Creator Rewards Program |
| Followers needed | 10,000 |
| Views needed | 100,000 in the last 30 days |
| Video length | Over one minute |
| Age | 18 or older (19 in South Korea) |
| Countries | US, UK, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Brazil |
How it works
Your account must be based and registered in an eligible country, have at least 10,000 followers and have at least 100,000 video views in the last 30 days. You apply through TikTok Studio. Once accepted, only new videos posted after you join can earn.
Each video then has its own test. It must be original, longer than a minute and follow TikTok’s rules. TikTok pays on qualified views, not every view, and uses a formula it does not publish in full. Reused clips, slideshows and copied content usually do not qualify.
Countries
TikTok’s Creator Academy listed the program as open, in November 2026, to creators in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, Mexico and Brazil. Some older guides mention other countries; check TikTok Studio for your account.
Other ways to earn on TikTok
LIVE gifts open at a lower follower count, TikTok Shop pays commission on products you promote, and brands pay for sponsored videos. For creators outside the eligible countries, these are the main routes.
What you can realistically earn
Pay per thousand qualified views varies by country, niche and how long people watch. TikTok does not promise a rate, so treat any figure you read online as a rough guide.
Getting started
Switch to a creator account, check TikTok Studio for your Creator Rewards status and plan videos that naturally run past a minute: tutorials, stories, reviews and explainers work well. Post consistently and keep the first seconds strong, because watch time drives both reach and pay.
Common mistakes
Creators often stretch thin ideas to pass the one-minute mark, which hurts watch time. Others repost clips from other platforms with watermarks or reuse other people’s content, which doesn’t qualify. Buying followers or views can get an account removed from the program.
Keeping track
TikTok Studio shows estimated rewards per video. Note which formats earn the most per thousand qualified views and make more of those.
Is it worth it?
In the eight eligible countries, yes, if you can make longer videos people finish. Elsewhere, put your energy into LIVE, TikTok Shop and brand deals.
Final tip
Add captions and a clear hook in the first two seconds; both lift watch time, which matters for qualified views.
Communication with viewers
Reply to comments with video replies; they count as new content and show viewers you’re listening, which helps loyalty and watch time.
Owen’s take
If you live in an eligible country and like making one-minute-plus videos, Creator Rewards is one of the better short-form programs right now. If you don’t, focus on TikTok Shop and brand deals instead.
Who it suits
It suits creators in the eight eligible countries who can make engaging videos of one to three minutes. It suits less well creators elsewhere, or those who only make very short clips.
Similar options
- YouTube shares Shorts and long-form ad revenue.
- Snapchat pays Spotlight and Stories creators in more countries.
- Meta pays Facebook creators through Content Monetization.
- Collabstr connects creators with brand deals.
More options are in Video Creation.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Better pay per view than the old fund
- Huge audience and fast growth
- Several extra income routes
Cons
- Only eight countries
- 10,000 followers and 100,000 monthly views needed
- Only videos over a minute earn
FAQ
Is the TikTok Creator Fund still running?
No, it was replaced by the Creator Rewards Program.
What do I need to join Creator Rewards?
10,000 followers, 100,000 views in 30 days, age 18 and an eligible country.
Which countries can join?
As of November 2026: US, UK, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, Mexico and Brazil.
Do short clips earn?
No, videos must be longer than one minute.
Do old videos earn after I join?
No, only videos posted after you are accepted.
