TikTok videos go viral every day. Millions of views, thousands of comments, and a surge of new followers. Yet for a long time, many creators opened their earnings dashboard only to see a few dollars in return. That disconnect made TikTok feel exciting, but not always rewarding. TikTok has started to change that. With the Creator Rewards Program, creators can now turn strong video performance into real income. For streamers and video creators, this shift is a big deal. Let’s take a closer look at how the TikTok Creator Rewards Program works and why it matters.
The TikTok Creator Rewards Program replaces the Creator Fund and introduces performance-based payouts, which allow creators to earn meaningful income from high-performing videos.
Eligibility is strict but clear: creators must be 18+(19 in South Korea), have at least 10,000 followers, 100,000 views in the last 30 days, a personal account in good standing, and reside in a supported country.
Only original videos longer than one minute posted after approval qualify, so content planning and timing are essential for earning rewards.
Streamers are especially well-positioned because live streams naturally produce long-form content that can be repurposed into reward-eligible videos.
Higher payouts depend on watch time, originality, and engagement, not just views, which shifts TikTok monetization toward quality-driven content.
What is the TikTok Creator Rewards Program?
TikTok’s Creator Rewards Program is a new creator monetization program that rewards creators when their posts perform well. This program was launched in 2023 as the TikTok Creativity Program (Beta) and left beta in March 2024. The program replaces the older TikTok Creator Fund, which many creators criticized for low payouts.
The Creator Rewards Program pays you based on video performance. TikTok rewards creators through this program by calculating “qualified views” and an RPM (revenue per 1,000 views) for eligible videos. In essence, it acts like a creator royalty program, which means the more people watch your content, the more TikTok pays you.
TikTok’s optimized rewards formula focuses on four factors: originality, play duration, search value, and audience engagement. This means creators who make unique, longer videos that keep viewers interested are the ones who can earn the most. The program encourages you to produce content that people will watch from start to finish.
Why did TikTok introduce this new creator program? Simply put, creators were unhappy with the old fund’s payouts. Some TikTokers got only $20–$30 for videos with millions of views. Earning so little from viral hits was frustrating and demoralizing. TikTok listened to these complaints. They discontinued the Creator Fund in late 2023 and rolled out the improved Creator Rewards Program to fix the issue. TikTok even claims this new program can pay out 20 times more than the original fund.
In a press release, TikTok reported creator earnings jumped 250% in six months after launch, and the number of creators earning $50,000 per month nearly doubled. Those are exciting stats that show TikTok is serious about rewarding creators. For streamers, it means TikTok is now a much more viable platform to monetize content.
Who is Eligible for the TikTok Creator Rewards Program?
Not everyone can join the Creator Rewards Program; you need to meet specific requirements to get paid from TikTok through this program. Here’s what it takes to be eligible:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old (19 in South Korea).
- Followers: You need at least 10,000 followers on your TikTok account.
- Recent views: Your videos must have at least 100,000 views in the last 30 days. (TikTok looks at your recent total views to ensure you have an active audience.)
- Account type: You must use a personal TikTok account in good standing (business accounts can’t apply). Your account should follow TikTok’s guidelines with no violations and must have authentic account information, such as your real name and date of birth.
- Region: You must live in a country where the program is available. It is currently offered in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, South Korea, France, Mexico, and Brazil. (TikTok plans to expand to more regions over time.)
If you meet all the above, congratulations! You can apply to join the Creator Rewards Program. TikTok will review your application (usually within a few days) and confirm if you are in. Being eligible means you’re on your way to get paid from TikTok for your content.
Also Read: 9 Easy Ways to Get 5000 Followers on TikTok
How to Join the TikTok Creator Rewards Program
Joining the program is straightforward once you are eligible. You can apply to the Creator Rewards Program through the TikTok app. Here’s how a streamer can enroll:
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Open TikTok and go to your profile
Make sure you are logged into the account that meets the eligibility requirements.
2. Navigate to TikTok Studio
Tap the menu icon (☰) on your profile, then select TikTok Studio. This is where TikTok lists monetization features.
3. Apply for the Creator Rewards Program
In TikTok Studio, tap Creator Rewards Program.
Review the requirements and program terms, then tap Apply to submit your application.
4. Wait for approval
After applying, you’ll see an “Application received” confirmation.
TikTok typically reviews applications within 3 days. Once the review is complete, you’ll receive:
- An in-app notification
- An email with the decision
Set Up Identity Verification & Payout (Required After Approval)
After you are accepted, TikTok will prompt you to verify your identity and add payment information.
This step is required to collect rewards, but it can be completed after joining the program.
- Identity verification and payment setup are done inside the Creator Rewards Program dashboard
- Until this information is completed and approved, rewards cannot be paid out
Start Creating Eligible Content
Once you are in, the real work begins. From that point on, only videos you post after joining the program can earn rewards. So plan your content strategy accordingly. If you’re a streamer, think about what kind of longer videos (tips, highlights, vlogs, how-tos) you can create to post on TikTok regularly. Use your streaming experience as content fuel.
Joining is that simple. It all happens within the TikTok app. If your application is rejected (for example, if TikTok finds your content isn’t original or your account isn’t in good standing), don’t panic. You can work on improving your content or fixing any issues and then try again. TikTok wants quality creators in this program, so show them your best work.
TikTok Creator Rewards Program vs. Creator Fund
How is the Creator Rewards Program different from the old Creator Fund? There are a few key differences that every TikTok creator should know:
Higher Payouts
The new program is designed to pay creators significantly more. The TikTok Creator Fund had a static pool of money that was divided among creators, which led to tiny slices for each. In contrast, the Creator Rewards Program uses a performance-based model.
A TikTok spokesperson, Maria Jung, said creators can earn “20 times the amount” they made under the old fund. This suggests TikTok is finally paying creators what they deserve for popular content.
Longer Videos Required
The Creator Fund accepted any video over 0 seconds and there was no length requirement. The new TikTok creator program has stricter rules, and your videos must be over one minute long to qualify. TikTok is clearly pushing for longer, more engaging content (likely to compete with YouTube’s longer videos).
For streamers who are used to long-form content, this is a natural fit. You can repurpose highlights or tutorials from your streams into 1–3 minute clips. TikTok rewards creators who keep viewers watching longer.
Eligible Regions Expanded
The Creator Fund was only available in a handful of countries: US, UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. The Creator Rewards Program launched in more regions including the US, UK, Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, and South Korea.
This wider availability means a larger global community of creators can now participate. If you are a streamer in one of these supported regions, you have access to this opportunity from day one.
Focus on Original Content
TikTok’s new program emphasizes original, high-quality content. Videos must be your own work (no recycled clips or slideshows) and adhere to TikTok’s guidelines. The goal is to reward genuine creators, not reposters. This focus benefits streamers who create original live content. You can be confident that posting unique videos will earn you rewards. TikTok wants to see real creativity and will not reward low-effort content.
Overall, the Creator Rewards Program offers better payouts, longer content, and broader reach than the old fund. It’s TikTok’s answer to “Does TikTok pay creators well?” and the answer now is yes, much better than before.
Pro Tip: Using a platform like OneStream Live allows you to manage and record your live streams professionally. You can later extract high-quality highlights or educational segments from those streams and publish them as original TikTok videos that meet Creator Rewards requirements.
Why Streamers Should Use the TikTok Creator Rewards Program
TikTok’s Creator Rewards Program offers several benefits that make it attractive for streamers and content creators. If you are already creating videos or streaming online, this program can amplify your efforts.
Here are some key reasons why you should consider using the TikTok Creator Rewards Program:
Monetize Your TikTok Content Directly
Many creators love TikTok for its reach but struggled to earn money from it before. Now the platform lets you get paid from TikTok for the content you post. By joining the Creator Rewards Program, you monetize your videos directly. Every qualified view and engaged viewer contributes to your earnings.
For streamers who put time into making great clips, this is huge. Your TikTok follower count and video views are no longer just vanity metrics; they translate into actual dollars in your pocket.
Higher Payouts for Quality Content
TikTok’s new program offers significantly higher payouts than past initiatives. It rewards quality over quantity, so creators who make compelling content see better returns. If you produce engaging, longer videos, you can earn substantially more.
For example, instead of earning a few cents per thousand views, you could earn a few dollars per thousand views. Over many videos, that adds up. This higher earning potential gives streamers a strong incentive to improve their content.
You are essentially getting paid what you are worth. TikTok is acknowledging the value of creator content by sharing more revenue. For any streamer looking to make a living or side income, these TikTok rewards can be very attractive.
Encourages Creativity and Growth
The structure of the Creator Rewards Program pushes you to be more creative and engaging. Since originality, watch time, and engagement are rewarded, it naturally guides you to create better videos. This can help you grow as a content creator. Streamers can experiment with longer formats, storytelling, or higher production quality.
As you make better content, you will likely attract more followers and viewers, which can create a positive cycle of growth. TikTok basically gives you a reason to invest in your skills and content quality, which can boost your overall brand and audience on the platform.
Access to Improved Analytics and Tools
When you join the program, TikTok provides an enhanced dashboard with detailed analytics. Creators get to see estimated rewards, qualified views per video, RPM for each video, and other insights. Each video has its own page that shows how it earned money and its stats. This level of data is a great benefit for streamers.
You can identify which videos did well and why and you can find maybe it was the topic, the length, or the engagement pattern. Armed with this info, you can refine your content strategy. TikTok also offers the Creator Academy with resources and tips, directly accessible from the dashboard.
Multiple Ways to Earn on TikTok
For content creators and streamers, diversification is very important. The Creator Rewards Program opens a new income stream, and you can combine it with others on TikTok. You might already earn through LIVE streaming (via gifts or subscriptions from fans). With the Rewards Program, you add earnings from your regular video posts as well.
TikTok rewards live interactions (through the gifting system) and now also rewards your uploaded content via this program. Having multiple revenue streams on one platform is a big advantage. For example, you could do a TikTok LIVE to engage your audience (and earn gifts), then later repurpose that content or create a highlight video to post normally, that video can then earn through the Rewards Program.
Final Thoughts
For a long time, creators accepted an uncomfortable reality. On YouTube, millions of views could turn into meaningful revenue. On TikTok, even viral videos often paid very little. That gap made many streamers treat TikTok as a growth platform rather than a serious income source.
The TikTok Creator Rewards Program is changing that. It is reducing the long-standing gap between YouTube and TikTok by rewarding effort, originality, and engagement with real money. For the first time, TikTok is clearly showing that high-performing videos can lead to meaningful earnings, not just exposure.
If you are already streaming on TikTok and steadily building an audience, this is not something to ignore. You already have the raw material. Your live streams, highlights, tutorials, and best moments can now work for you beyond the live session. With consistent uploads and a focus on longer, engaging videos, TikTok can become more than a place to be discovered. It can become a reliable part of your income.
TikTok is finally paying creators in a way that feels fair. With the right strategy, patience, and consistency, you can grow faster, earn more, and build a sustainable creator business.
When you are ready to expand beyond a single platform, a multistreaming tool like OneStream Live helps you share your streams across multiple social networks, so your content reaches more people and earns more across your entire social media presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
You must be 18+(19 in South Korea), have at least 10,000 followers, 100,000 valid video views in the last 30 days, and post original videos longer than 1 minute from an eligible country.
No, TikTok does not pay a flat $1 per 1,000 views and payouts usually range roughly between $0.20 to $1.00 per 1,000 qualified views, depending on performance factors.
Creators typically earn anywhere from $0.20 to $1+ per 1,000 qualified views, with higher payouts tied to watch time, audience location, and engagement quality.
As of now, eligibility includes the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, and South Korea, with gradual expansion to more regions.
You combine Creator Rewards views with brand deals, affiliate links, live gifts, and consistent high-retention videos rather than relying on views alone.
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