Can You Make Money on TikTok and TikTok 18?

Millions of people use TikTok every day—but not everyone is just scrolling. Some are making money from it. So the real question is: Can you also earn from TikTok?

If you’re unsure about things like:

• Does TikTok pay users?
• What’s the deal with TikTok’s 18+ content, and is it even legal?
• Are people making money from this, or is it just hype?

Can You Make Money on TikTok?

Yes, you can make money from TikTok—through several methods like the Creator Rewards Program, brand deals, affiliate marketing, live gifts (also known as diamonds), and promoting your products or services. This is especially true if you’re based in the U.S., where TikTok offers full monetization features.

Can You Make Money on TikTok 18?

Yes, it’s possible to earn money through the adult version of TikTok but keep in mind that it’s not an official app. That means it doesn’t have a built-in monetization system, unlike the official TikTok platform. Most users make money by promoting adult affiliate links, offering paid access to private groups (on Telegram or Discord), or driving traffic to platforms like OnlyFans.

How Are People Earning Real Money on TikTok?

TikTok has launched its official monetization platform in several countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, France, and Germany. Among these, creators in the U.S. have access to the most developed and user-friendly earning features TikTok currently offers.

TikTok Creator Fund 

The platform replaced its old Creator Fund in 2024 with a new system called the Creator Rewards Program, designed to provide creators with a fairer way to earn money from their content.

Eligibility:

• At least 10,000 followers
• A minimum of 100,000 valid video views in the last 30 days
• Must be 18 years or older
• The account should be based in the United States (location matters)

How Much Can You Earn?

TikTok now pays creators using a CPM model—which means cost per 1,000 views. The payout depends on engagement, video quality, and audience location.

On average:

• $0.04 to $0.06 per 1,000 views (for videos with good engagement)
• A viral video with 1 million views can earn you around $40 to $60

Example: How Much Do Top Creators Earn?

Take @katstickler as an example—a U.S.-based creator known for mom-related content. Most of her videos receive 500,000+ views, and based on TikTok’s current CPM model, her estimated monthly income from the Creator Rewards Program alone is around $2,000 to $5,000.

Live Gifting and Diamonds – Direct Support from Fans

When you go live on TikTok—especially from countries like the USA—your viewers can send you virtual gifts, which they purchase using coins. These gifts are then converted into diamonds, which you can cash out for real money.

Cashout Breakdown:

• 2 diamonds = $0.01
• 1,000 diamonds ≈ $5
• TikTok takes a 50% commission on gift revenue

Pro Tip (For U.S. Creators): Interactive live streams—such as Q&A sessions, storytelling, or casual singing—tend to attract more viewer engagement. The more your audience interacts, the higher the chances they’ll send gifts, which directly boosts your diamond earrings.

TikTok Creator Marketplace – Brand Deals for U.S. Creators

The Creator Marketplace is an official platform that enables brands to connect directly with creators for paid collaborations.

Requirements:

• A verified U.S.-based account
• A targeted niche following (even 5,000+ followers can get noticed)
• Consistently posting 100% original content.

Example:

A small skincare brand in the U.S. paid a creator with just 15,000 followers about $150 per video for a product review. And yes, the deal was made entirely through TikTok’s Creator Marketplace.

Affiliate Marketing 

In the U.S., affiliate marketing on TikTok has become a significant source of income for creators. The concept is simple:

You promote a product, and when someone buys it through your affiliate link, you earn a commission. Tons of affiliate programs work well with this platform. Some of the most popular include:

Top Affiliate Platforms:

• Amazon Associates (USA)
• ShareASale
• Impact
• LTK (formerly rewardStyle)
• ClickBank (great for digital products)

How Does It Work?

• You create a product review, demo, or how-to video.
• Add your affiliate link in the bio or video description.
• Every time someone clicks and makes a purchase, you earn a commission.

Real Example: @homefinds – A U.S.-based TikTok account that promotes Amazon furniture. Through affiliate links, this creator earns over $ 3,000 per month solely from Amazon’s affiliate program. It’s a smart way to monetize content without relying exclusively on views.

Selling Your Product or Service

Many creators are using TikTok not just for content—but to build a business. By promoting their e-commerce products or digital services, they’re turning followers into paying customers.

Popular Examples:

• Digital planners or Notion templates
• Fitness programs and workout plans
• Online coaching (e.g., spoken English, finance, art lessons)

Best Tools to Get Started:

• Shopify – For full-featured online stores
• Gumroad – Great for selling digital downloads
• Stan. Store – Combines a bio link and storefront in a straightforward setup.

Real Case Study: A U.S.-based digital artist earned over $10,000 in just three months by selling custom digital portraits—all driven by short TikTok videos showcasing her work. With the right niche and consistent content, this social media app can become a powerful launchpad for your own business.

How Do Creators Earn From TikTok 18?

Because TikTok 18 doesn’t have a built-in payment system, users often use external platforms to earn money. Here are a few common ways creators are earning:

1. Paid Access to Telegram or Discord Groups

Creators often post short previews and then offer full content through private groups. Access is sold directly using payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App.

2. Adult Affiliate Marketing

Some creators promote adult-related websites using affiliate links. Every time someone signs up or makes a purchase through their link, they earn a commission. Popular networks include CrakRevenue and Stripchat.

3. Promoting OnlyFans

Because content rules are more relaxed on TikTok 18, many use it to drive traffic to their OnlyFans. Viewers interested in the content are more likely to subscribe, making this a high-converting strategy.

TikTok vs. TikTok 18 – Key Differences

Feature	TikTok USA (Official)	TikTok 18 (Unofficial)
Creator Fund	✅ Available	❌ Not available
Ad Revenue (Pulse)	✅ Rolling out	❌ No monetization tools
Affiliate Programs	✅ Legal & trusted	✅ Adult products
Adult Content	❌ Not allowed	✅ Openly allowed
Data Security	✅ Meets standards	❌ Potentially safe if downloaded from trusted sources
App Store Availability	✅ iOS & Android	❌ APK only (manual install)

Conclusion: The official TikTok app offers a safer, long-term, and scalable earning model, particularly for creators based in the United States. However, by using the adult version, you can also earn money in various ways. 

How to Start Earning from TikTok – Step-by-Step Guide

1. Create Your Account (Use a U.S. Location)

Sign up using your email or phone number. Ensure your profile is set to the USA region—this is crucial if you want to access TikTok’s Creator Fund and other monetization features.

2. Choose a Niche That Works in the U.S.

Pick a niche that already has a strong following in the U.S. audience. Some proven categories include:

• DIY home decor
• Pet care and training
• Health & wellness tips
• Relationship Advice
• Finance and credit score guidance

3. Focus on Quality Content

• Post 3 to 5 videos per week consistently.
• Stick to HD vertical videos (9:16 format) and use trending sounds with relevant hashtags to boost reach.

4. Grow Your Audience

• Engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages.
• Go live regularly to build trust and connection.
• Host Q&A sessions or small giveaways to increase interaction and follower loyalty.

5. Turn On Monetization

Once your account meets the basic criteria:

• Apply to the Creator Rewards Program
• Sign up for affiliate networks (like Amazon, Impact, etc.)
• Add your online store or service link in your bio to start driving sales.

FAQs 

Final Verdict

TikTok is more than just a place to scroll—thousands of creators are making good money from it. Some earn through the official Creator Rewards Program, while others earn through affiliate links, brand deals, or selling their products.

If you’re serious about earning, the official TikTok app is the better route. It’s:

• Safe
• Built for long-term growth
• Trusted by brands
• Legally supported

However, if you’re in the adult content space, some individuals do use apps like TikTok 18 to generate income. Please note that it’s not official, and there’s no real protection or earning system behind it.