How to Get Into the Creator Fund

Thinking about turning your passion for creating content into a paycheck? The social media creator funds are one of the most direct ways to start earning money from your videos, but getting accepted can feel like trying to get into an exclusive club. This guide cuts through the confusion, giving you the exact eligibility requirements for platforms like TikTok and a step-by-step strategy to not only meet them but to build a thriving creator brand while you're at it.

What Exactly is a Creator Fund?

Before jumping into the how-to, let’s get clear on what a creator fund actually is. Think of it as a massive pool of money that a social media platform (like TikTok or YouTube) sets aside specifically to pay creators. Unlike typical brand deals or affiliate marketing where you're paid by a third party, the creator fund pays you directly based on the performance of your content - primarily your views and engagement.

It was designed to incentivize creators to keep producing high-quality, original content that keeps users on the platform. The more compelling your videos are, the more people watch, and the bigger slice of the fund you can earn. It’s an excellent way to generate your first real income as a creator without needing a manager or pitching to brands.

The TikTok Creator Fund: A Deep Dive

TikTok kicked off the creator fund trend, and its program remains one of the most popular goals for emerging creators. It directly rewards you for the views your videos generate. While the payout per thousand views can fluctuate, it provides a consistent, albeit small, revenue stream that grows with your account.

Eligibility Requirements for the TikTok Creator Fund

TikTok is very clear about its requirements. You need to check off every box on this list to even see the application option in your settings:

• Be at least 18 years old. This is non-negotiable and legally required.
• Have at least 10,000 followers. This metric proves you’ve built a foundational audience for your content.
• Have at least 100,000 authentic video views in the last 30 days. This is the big one. It shows that your content is resonating right now and that you’re not just relying on an old viral video.
• Be based in a qualifying country. Currently, the fund is available in the US, UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. Keep an eye on TikTok’s official announcements as this list can expand.
• Post original content that follows TikTok's Community Guidelines. Your account needs to be in good standing. Any recent violations or strikes for inappropriate content will likely get your application denied.

How to Apply to the TikTok Creator Fund

Once you meet all the requirements, applying is pretty straightforward. You just need to switch your account to a Creator or Business account, if you haven't already, and then follow these steps from within the app:

1. Go to your Profile.
2. Tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner to open your Settings and privacy menu.
3. Select Creator Tools.
4. Tap on Creator Fund.
5. You'll be taken to a screen that confirms you meet all the eligibility criteria. If all the checks are green, you can submit your application.

After you apply, the review process can take a few days. If approved, you’ll be notified and can start earning from your views right away!

What About Other Platforms? (Instagram, YouTube, etc.)

While TikTok has a standing Creator Fund, other platforms have adopted slightly different or more temporary models. Understanding them is important so you know what to aim for across your social presence.

Instagram Reels Play Bonus Program

Instagram's main monetization program for short-form video is the Reels Play Bonus. Unlike TikTok's fund, this is an invite-only program. There isn't an official application process you can initiate.

Instagram has been less transparent about the exact criteria, but based on the creators who get invited, the general requirements are similar to TikTok's:

• Have a Creator or Business account.
• Be located in an eligible country (primarily the US and a few others).
• Consistently post original, high-performing Reels that adhere to content monetization policies.
• Have a significant number of Reel plays within a given period (often in the hundreds of thousands or millions).

If you become eligible, you'll receive a notification directly in your Professional Dashboard within the Instagram app inviting you to set up the bonus. The bonus offer typically sets a target for views or plays over a 30-day period, with the potential to earn up to a certain maximum amount.

YouTube Shorts Fund

YouTube is a veteran in creator monetization, and they jumped into the short-form game with a $100 million Shorts Fund. Similar to Instagram, this was an invite-based bonus program where YouTube rewarded thousands of creators each month for their top-performing Shorts.

While the Shorts Fund as a stand-alone bonus program is being phased out, it paved the way for something more permanent: Shorts monetization through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). As of early 2023, you can qualify for YPP ad revenue sharing on your Shorts if you meet specific criteria: 1,000 subscribers and 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days. This is a more stable, long-term way to earn and follows the more traditional YouTube monetization model.

The Actionable Blueprint: How to Meet and Exceed Requirements

Knowing the rules is one thing, but actually hitting those numbers is another. A "go viral" strategy won’t work. You need a systematic approach to grow your account, find your audience, and consistently create content that performs. Here's a practical, step-by-step game plan.

1. Find Your Focus and Niche Down

The days of being a "lifestyle" creator with no specific focus are over, especially when you're just starting. The algorithm needs to understand who your content is for so it can push it to the right people. Don't just be a "foodie," be the "easy 15-minute vegan meals" person. Don't just be a "gamer," be the creator who reviews cozy indie games on the Nintendo Switch.

Starting with a clear niche does two things:

• It attracts a dedicated audience. People will follow you because they know exactly what kind of value or entertainment they'll get from your content.
• It makes brainstorming content easier. You're not starting from scratch every day. You have clear pillars to build your video ideas around.

2. Master the Art of the Scroll-Stopping Video

Getting 100,000 views in 30 days breaks down to a little over 3,300 views per day. This is entirely achievable, but it requires making content that grabs attention instantly. Every one of your videos should follow a simple structure:

• The Hook (First 1-3 seconds): This is the most important part of your video. It needs to give the viewer a reason to stop scrolling. Start with a bold claim ("Here are three side hustles that actually work"), a relatable problem ("POV: You hate cleaning your apartment"), or a visually stunning shot.
• The Value (The Middle): This is where you deliver on the promise of your hook. Whether it's a tutorial, a story, a list, or comedic relief, it needs to be concise and engaging. Use quick cuts, text on the screen, and keep the pace moving.
• The Payoff / CTA (The End): End your video with a satisfying conclusion, a punchline, or a call-to-action (CTA). A good CTA encourages engagement, like asking a question ("Which tip was your favorite?") or telling users to follow for more.

3. Consistency Trumps Everything

You can have the best video ideas in the world, but if you only post once or twice a week, it’s hard to build momentum. The platforms reward creators who are active. A consistent posting schedule keeps your audience engaged and signals to the algorithm that you're a serious creator.

Aim to post at least once per day, especially when you’re in a growth phase trying to hit the follower and view requirements. This might sound like a lot, but this is where a system like batch creating comes into play. Set aside one day a week to brainstorm, script, film, and edit all of your videos for the upcoming week. This prevents burnout and turns content creation into a manageable task rather than a daily scramble.

4. Engage Like Your Job Depends on It (Because It Does)

Social media is meant to be social. The creators who succeed are the ones who build communities, not just follower counts. Set aside time every day to do these three things:

• Reply to comments on your videos. When you reply, especially to early comments, it boosts that video's engagement signals and encourages more people to join the conversation.
• Reply to your DMs. This turns passive followers into true fans. You don't have to spend hours, but acknowledging messages makes people feel seen.
• Engage with other creators in your niche. Leave genuine, thoughtful comments on their posts. This is a great way to network, gain visibility with a relevant audience, and show you're an active participant in your community.

5. Know and Respect the Community Guidelines

This is the final, and perhaps most overlooked, step. All of your hard work can be for nothing if your account gets flagged for community guideline violations. Before you invest months into growing your account, take an hour and actually read the guidelines for the platforms you're on.

Things like using copyrighted music improperly, showing sensitive content, or promoting dangerous activities can halt your monetization journey before it even begins. If you’re unsure about an idea, it’s better to be safe and choose a different concept. Keep your account in good standing at all times.

Final Thoughts

Getting into a Creator Fund isn't a Cinderella story, it's a strategic process. By defining your niche, mastering short-form video fundamentals, posting consistently, engaging with your audience, and respecting the platform’s rules, you create an unstoppable formula for hitting the follower and view counts you need.

The relentless consistency required to meet fund requirements can feel like an impossible task. We know from experience that the friction of juggling platforms is what causes most creators to burn out. That's why we built Postbase with a clean, visual-first calendar that lets you plan weeks of content at a glance and scheduling that is rock-solid reliable for short-form video. It helps you tame the chaos so you can focus on creating great content, not fighting with your tools.