Introduction
Social media has transformed the way people monetize their interests. Who would have thought that a platform like TikTok would take off so quickly and offer a platform for many to monetize their interests? I started my TikTok journey with a smartphone and an interest in creating content. At this point, I have over 200,000 followers on TikTok and I am making income from my TikTok account monthly. In this article, I would like to share how I developed my TikTok business, the strategies I implemented, my revenue sources and how others can do the same.
How did it all start?
Every worthwhile journey has a journey. My TikTok journey began when I was exploring different ways to develop an online audience. I had tried Instagram and Youtube, but was drawn to the TikTok worldly algorithm and optimal viral-max. So with my interests, I began creating simple relatable content.
At first my videos were not going viral but I was ranking in followers steadily and repeatedly reached an engaged audience on TikTok by sharing, trying different styles and studying other TikTokers who were successful. After a few months of content creation, one of my videos went viral and my followers’ numbers began to grow exponentially.
Choosing a Niche
One of the most difficult things I had to do along the way was to find a niche. TikTok is known to reward creators who create content, based on a theme and do so consistently. I tried out many categories as mentioned above: comedy, motivational, tutorial; however; I found the niche that fits with my skill set and personality.
Below are some popular TikTok niches:
Entertainment (comedy, pranks, skit)
Education (tips, tutorial, language)
Beauty and Fashion
Fitness and Health
Motivation, Self-help
Business and Finance
Tech and Gadgets
I personally wanted to create content that was entertaining but also gave something of value to my audience. This unique combination caught the attention of my audience and they began to grow quickly.
Content Creation Strategy
The Importance of Consistency
I created a content schedule to maintain consistency, allowing me to post 1 to 3 times a day during peak times when my followers were online and active. Consistent posting kept me on my audience’s “For You Page” (FYP), which is the main discovery feed on TikTok.
Hooking Your Viewer
The first 2–3 seconds of a TikTok video are extremely important. I always make a point to hook my audience in the beginning of my videos to ensure they keep watching. The hook can be an interesting fact or a prompt, or even a visual effect; anything to keep my viewers watching.
High Quality Visuals
Although TikTok is known for its casual style, the quality of video still matters. I purchased a good smartphone, ensured proper lighting, and utilized editing applications to up the quality of my videos. This allows my content to be a little bit more distinguished among creators.
Engaging with Your Followers
I always reply to comments and I also try to ask my viewers questions and go live regularly. Engaging boosts loyal community members and increases views and freaking shares (lol).
Growth milestones
Below is a brief overview of my account growth over the course of the last year:
Month 1-3: 10,000 followers
Month 4-6: 50,000 followers after a few viral videos
Month 7-9: 100,000 followers and started making consistent income
Month 10-12: 200,000+ followers and partnering with brands
These milestones always came with their own challenges and opportunities, but I found it easiest to adapt to the changing landscape of the platform.
Monetizing my TikTok account
The hands down best part about building a TikTok based business is the ability to turn followers into income. Here are the ways that I am currently being paid through my presence on TikTok:
Brand sponosorships
Many companies look for influencers to represent their brands. Once I had about 50,000 followers, brands began to reach out to me directly. I currently work with a few different brands within my niche, who pay me to create sponsored content for their brands.
Average payment: $200-$1,000 per sponsored video (depending on brand size and requirements/expectations).
TikTok creator fund
The TikTok Creator Fund pays out to eligible creators based on video performance. Although the $ payout is relatively low per view, it is essentially passive income to know that as you continue to acquire views over time, you are still getting paid.
If I receive a commission for sales, I can also use affiliate links to promote products. I use affiliate links for tech gadgets, digital tools, and lifestyle products. When my audience buys a product from the link in my bio or through my stories, I will receive a commission.
Average monthly affiliate revenue: $300-$800.
Selling My Own Products or Services
As a personal brand, I was able to create my own digital products and services. I came up with an online course, and I sell downloadable guides using the link in my bio.
Monthly Product Earnings: $500 – $1,500
Live Gifts and Virtual Gifts
When I go live, my audience sends me virtual gifts. Once I receive the gifts I can redeem them for real money. This engagement boosts my rapport with my audience and overall creates a better connection.
Monthly Live Gift Revenue: $100-$300
Monthly Income Summary
Here’s my average income from TikTok, broken down for you:
Income Source Minimum Monthly Income – Maximum Monthly Income
Brand Sponsorships $600 – $2,000
Creator Fund $100 – $400
Affiliate Marketing $300 – $800
Product Sales $500 – $1,500
Live Gifts $100 – $300
Total $1,600 – $5,000
Ultimately the earnings do fluctuate based on how many views the videos are getting, how engaging those videos are and how many collaborations are coming in, but the opportunity is REAL and growing.
Roadblock Along The Way
No business adventure is all sunshine and lollipops. Here are some roadblocks that I dealt with along the way:
Content Burnout
Creating content every day is difficult without burning out. When I hit content burnout, I would take a break from posting and would bulk create videos ahead of time. I’d also work with at least one creator every month or two other creators at once.
Algorithm Changes
TikTok often changes the algorithm, and every now and then, even when typically one of my videos would go viral, it would suddenly get little comment/engagement on it. In response, I kept an eye on trends, noticed what the analytics said and continued to create content.
Negative Comments
Tools and Resources I Use
As I run my TikTok business, I use tools to help everything run smoothly.
CapCut: I use CapCut to edit my TikTok videos quickly and professionally
Canva: I use Canva to create visuals and thumbnails
Notion/Google Calendar: I use Notion/Google Calendar to plan and keep track of my content
Linktree/Beacons: I use Linktree/Beacons to manage all my links in one bio
Analytics Tools: I use analytics tools to track engagement and video performance
Having the right tools will save you time and keep you organized.
Tips for Entrepreneurs on TikTok
If you are looking to build a business on TikTok, here are my best tips:
Start Now – Just get started, stop waiting, and just do it. None of us have everything perfect, but we started with what we had.
Choose One Niche – Get known for something.
Utilize Trends to Your Advantage – Take advantage of trends that are related to your niche.
Be You – Be authentic, everyone follows people, not perfection.
Engage With Your Audience – Build a community, not a follower count.
Always Learn – Continuously Learn, Create, and do the research based on your analytics. Study up
Future Goals
While I’m proud of reaching 200,000 followers, this is just the beginning. My long-term goals include:
- Reaching 1 million followers
- Launching a full digital product line
- Expanding into YouTube and Instagram Reels
- Starting a podcast to connect more deeply with my audience
- Teaching others how to grow on TikTok through coaching and courses
Conclusion
Turning a TikTok account into a profitable business requires creativity, consistency, and strategic thinking. From gaining 200,000 followers to earning income through multiple streams, my journey shows that it’s possible to build a sustainable business using just your phone and a good idea. If you’re willing to put in the work, stay consistent, and learn from every step, TikTok can become more than just an app—it can be your career.
