How to Make Money on TikTok: The Quirky Musician's Guide to Turning Fun Videos into Cash

Photo by cottonbro studios

If you’re a musician looking to make money on TikTok, you’re not alone. TikTok has taken over the internet, creating new opportunities for artists of all kinds to share their music, gain exposure, and yes, make some serious cash. But how exactly do you take that viral TikTok dance, your catchy song, or your hilarious skit and turn it into a money-making machine? Don’t worry—this quirky guide will show you how to turn your TikTok presence into a profitable side hustle (or even a full-time gig).

Ready to make some TikTok dollars while sharing your creative genius with the world? Let’s dive in.

Why TikTok Is a Goldmine for Musicians

First things first: Why should you care about TikTok as a musician? Well, let’s talk numbers. TikTok has over 1 billion active users worldwide, and millions of those users are scrolling, creating, and consuming content every single day. And here’s the thing—TikTok isn’t just about funny dances and lip-syncing. It’s a platform where music plays a central role, with users consistently searching for new tracks to use in their videos.

As a musician, TikTok gives you the perfect platform to get your music out there. Whether it's through viral trends, challenges, or collaborations with other creators, TikTok can propel your song to the top of the charts, boost streams, and put your name in front of new fans. And if you play your cards right, it can also help you make money.

So, how do you get started on TikTok and actually earn a living from it? Here’s how to make money on TikTok as a musician, in all its quirky glory.

Step 1: Build Your TikTok Following

Before you can start making money on TikTok, you need to establish your presence. Think of your TikTok account as your own personal stage where you perform, promote, and build a community of fans. The more followers you have, the better your chances of getting noticed by brands, other musicians, and even potential sponsors.

The key to growing your TikTok following is consistency and creativity. You can share snippets of your music, behind-the-scenes footage of your creative process, or even join viral challenges that align with your brand. Don't be afraid to experiment with different formats—whether it's music previews, funny skits, or tutorials on how you make music.

Engage with your followers by responding to comments and asking them to participate in challenges. The more interactive you are, the stronger your connection with your audience becomes. And as your follower count grows, so does your potential to monetize your content.

Step 2: Join the TikTok Creator Fund

Once you’ve started building a following, it’s time to look at TikTok’s Creator Fund—a program designed to pay creators for their content. TikTok allocates a fund that pays creators based on the views and engagement their videos receive. The better your content performs, the more money you can make.

To be eligible for the Creator Fund, you’ll need to meet a few requirements, including:

• Having at least 10,000 followers.

• Gaining 100,000 video views in the last 30 days.

• Being over the age of 18 and residing in a country where the Creator Fund is available (like the US, UK, or several EU countries).

Once you're accepted, TikTok will start paying you based on the number of views your videos receive. While it’s not a huge payout per video, the more popular your content gets, the more you can earn. If you’re consistently posting and your videos are going viral, the money can start adding up.

Step 3: Use TikTok’s Live Gifts Feature

Now that you’ve got your TikTok groove on, let’s talk about live streams. Going live on TikTok is a great way to connect with your audience in real time and generate some cash. When you go live, viewers can send you virtual gifts, which are purchased with TikTok’s in-app currency, coins. You can exchange these coins for real money.

To be eligible for live streams, you need to have at least 1,000 followers. Once you hit that milestone, you can start hosting live sessions where fans can interact with you, request songs, and even send virtual gifts. TikTok gives you a share of the gift value, so the more active your audience is during your live sessions, the more you’ll earn.

Use live streams as an opportunity to promote your music, show off your latest projects, or even do impromptu performances. It’s an interactive way to make money and show your fans just how much you appreciate them.

Step 4: Collaborate with Brands

TikTok is a hotbed for brand partnerships, and if you have a sizable following, brands will start to take notice. Companies want to work with creators who can authentically integrate their products into content, and as a musician, you’ve got a great chance to work with brands that align with your style and persona.

To attract brand deals, you’ll want to keep your content fresh and engaging. Share music-related content that highlights your personality, musical process, and any cool collaborations or sponsorships you may already have. Once you’ve built a strong fan base, reach out to brands or join influencer marketing platforms to connect with companies looking to collaborate with TikTok creators.

Brands typically pay influencers to feature their products in videos, and musicians can also land sponsored deals for things like product placements, sponsored challenges, and unboxing videos. Make sure to disclose your partnerships clearly, and always maintain your authenticity. The more organic the content, the better it will perform—and the more cash you’ll make.

Step 5: Sell Your Own Merch on TikTok

Selling merchandise is another way to cash in on your TikTok fame. If you have a loyal following and are looking for an extra stream of income, selling t-shirts, hoodies, posters, or even custom items that reflect your brand can be a great way to monetize your content.

TikTok has made it easier for creators to sell merch directly through the app by integrating with platforms like Teespring or Spring. You can create a merchandise store and promote your items directly on your TikTok page, through your videos, and even during live streams. And the best part? Your fans will love supporting you by purchasing your custom-designed gear.

Don’t just stop at clothing—consider offering exclusive, limited-edition items that fans can’t find anywhere else. The key to successful merch sales is creating a product that resonates with your audience and makes them feel connected to your brand.

Step 6: Promote Your Music on TikTok for Streaming Revenue

Of course, the ultimate goal is to get your music out there and increase your streaming numbers. TikTok is a fantastic tool for promoting your tracks, especially when you pair your music with fun, creative videos. Encourage users to incorporate your songs into their content, whether it’s for dance challenges, comedic skits, or emotional montages.

When your song becomes popular on TikTok, it will likely boost streams on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, where you can earn royalties from plays and downloads. The more viral your song goes on TikTok, the more likely it is that people will check out your full tracklist, adding more revenue to your streaming income.

Create videos that showcase your music in a fun and engaging way—whether it's giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at your recording process, creating a dance challenge, or simply sharing your song in a way that encourages others to use it. The possibilities are endless!

Final Thoughts: TikTok as a Musician’s Playground

TikTok isn’t just a place to have fun—if you approach it strategically, it can be a serious source of income for musicians. From building a loyal following and joining the Creator Fund to monetizing your live streams and collaborating with brands, TikTok offers numerous ways for you to earn money and gain exposure.

So, if you haven’t already, it’s time to start creating on TikTok. Post regularly, engage with your audience, and most importantly, stay true to your creative voice. Who knows? Your next video could be the one that turns your song into the next TikTok trend, and your bank account might just thank you for it.

Let’s get those TikTok dollars rolling in, one catchy tune at a time!

Follow Us On Instagram