The influence of creators on TikTok is undeniable. They are the driving force behind the viral trends, challenges, and captivating videos that rake in billions of views. Not to mention the staggering amount of ad revenue they bring in. Acknowledging their impact, TikTok has introduced the Creator Fund to provide financial support to top-tier content creators. In this article, we will delve into what the Creator Fund is all about and whether it’s worth joining.

What is the TikTok Creator Fund?

The TikTok Creator Fund is an official fund established by the app to compensate creators for their content. According to TikTok, the purpose of this fund is to reward users for their incredible TikTok videos and creativity. Launched in 2020 with an initial investment of $200 million, TikTok aims to grow the fund to over $1 billion within three years.

To be eligible for the Creator Fund, creators must meet specific metrics related to views and engagement. TikTok emphasizes that they want creators of all types, not just the stereotypical influencers. They place great importance on original and authentic content that aligns with their mission of inspiring joy and creativity.

It’s important to note that the Creator Fund focuses on compensating creators for organic content, not sponsored content. The TikTok Creator Marketplace is where brands directly hire and pay creators for promotional posts.

Why does the TikTok Creator Fund exist?

While TikTok claims that the fund exists to support creators, there are other motivations to consider as well:

Incentivizing more content

TikTok reveals that 56% of users feel inspired to create videos after seeing compelling content from creators. The Creator Fund serves as a unique push to encourage even more activity on the app.

Capitalizing on the popularity of influencers

TikTok is making moves to keep creators focused on seeking compensation on the platform, both through the Creator Fund and the Creator Marketplace. By offering financial incentives, TikTok hopes to deter creators from seeking out agencies or influencer contracts independently.

Building rapport with creators and the social-savvy public

The more creators go viral, the more positive buzz TikTok receives. The Creator Fund allows the platform to showcase their best users. Moreover, offering compensation and supporting the creator economy can be excellent PR for TikTok.

How to join the TikTok Creator Fund

If you’re interested in joining the Creator Fund or simply want to explore what it’s all about, TikTok provides clear steps to follow:

Meet the eligibility requirements

To be considered for the Creator Fund, you must have at least 10,000 followers, at least 100,000 views on your videos within the last 30 days, and adhere to TikTok’s community guidelines and best practices. Your content should be original, and you must be at least 18 years old.

To determine if you meet these requirements, you can check TikTok’s “Creator Next” monetization program, which shows which criteria you’ve met.

Complete and submit your application

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can submit your Creator Fund application within the TikTok app. The application can be found in your account settings under “Creator Tools” and then “Creator Fund.” However, please note that you must be accepted into the Creator Next platform before joining the Creator Fund.

How do TikTok Creator Fund payouts work?

TikTok emphasizes that the Creator Fund is not a revenue-sharing program. The amount creators get paid for their videos depends on a variety of ever-changing factors, such as the number of views, the authenticity of views, and the content engagement rate. Creators are like independent contractors who receive payment from TikTok for their monthly accrued views.

There is no earnings cap for creators, and funds are calculated within 30 days of the previous monthly reporting period. Once the minimum payment threshold of $10 is reached, the amount is transferred from your account to your digital wallet.

Pros and Cons of the TikTok Creator Fund

Deciding whether to join the Creator Fund depends on various factors. Let’s explore the pros and cons:

Pros:

• You get paid, even if the compensation may not be substantial. Earning money for your content, which you enjoy creating, is a valuable bonus.
• Joining the Creator Fund doesn’t affect your content or engagement. Unlike #gifted or #ad posts that often receive less engagement, joining the fund doesn’t require changing your content.
• The fund doesn’t restrict your partnerships elsewhere or lock you into a contract. It offers an additional revenue stream.

Cons:

• Payments from the Creator Fund may not be as lucrative as other opportunities. Creators can earn much more through the Creator Marketplace or independent brand partnerships.
• Income from the fund can be inconsistent, and it’s unlikely that creators can rely solely on the fund for a livelihood.
• Joining the Creator Fund doesn’t directly increase your follower count or boost your visibility on TikTok.

Is the TikTok Creator Fund right for you?

If you’re a TikToker interested in exploring the possibilities of getting paid for content creation, the Creator Fund provides a low-risk opportunity. TikTok is committed to financially supporting creators, and the fund is still evolving. As time goes on, we will see if TikTok can do more to entice creators and compensate them better for their hard work.

To learn more about TikTok marketing and the latest trends on the platform, check out our post on the hottest TikTok trends. Join the TikTok Creator Fund and unlock the potential of your creativity today!