How to Join the TikTok Creator Fund

Getting paid for your TikTok content is the ultimate goal for many creators, and the first step is often joining the TikTok Creator Fund. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to do, from the eligibility requirements to the step-by-step application process. We’ll also cover the program’s evolution into the new Creativity Program and give you actionable tips to help you succeed once you’re in.

What is the TikTok Creator Fund, Exactly?

Think of the TikTok Creator Fund as the platform's initial program to reward creators for posting engaging videos. It’s not an ad-revenue sharing model like YouTube's AdSense or a grant program with a specific deliverable. Instead, TikTok sets aside a large pool of money and distributes it to eligible creators based on the performance of their videos. Essentially, you get paid for doing what you’re already doing: creating awesome content that people love.

The payment amount isn’t static, it fluctuates based on a combination of factors, including:

• Authentic Video Views: The total number of genuine views your video receives.
• Engagement Level: This includes likes, comments, shares, and overall watch time. Higher engagement signals higher quality content.
• Adherence to Guidelines: Your content must always follow TikTok’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service.

It's important to set realistic expectations. For most creators, the fund provides a modest supplementary income rather than a full-time salary. However, it's a fantastic way to monetize your creative efforts and serves as an official stamp of approval from TikTok that you’re on the right track.

An Important Update: The Shift to the TikTok Creativity Program

As TikTok evolves, so do its monetization tools. In several regions, including the U.S., UK, and France, the original Creator Fund is being phased out and replaced by the TikTok Creativity Program (Beta). While the goal is the same - rewarding creators - the focus has shifted significantly.

The key difference is that the Creativity Program is designed to reward creators who produce high-quality videos that are longer than one minute. TikTok is looking to encourage more in-depth storytelling, detailed tutorials, and richer content formats. The good news? The earning potential under the Creativity Program is generally reported to be much higher than the old Creator Fund, as it incentivizes higher watch time and retention.

If you're already in the Creator Fund, you may get a notification inviting you to switch. If you're a new creator applying, you will likely be applying directly to the Creativity Program if it's available in your country. For the rest of this guide, assume the eligibility rules and application steps apply broadly to whichever program is active in your region.

Are You Eligible? The Official Checklist

Before you can even think about applying, you need to meet a specific set of criteria. TikTok is looking for established creators with a real audience, so they've put some baseline requirements in place. Here’s what you need to qualify:

• Location: You must be based in one of the countries where the Creator Fund or Creativity Program is available. This includes the United States, UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, with more being added over time.
• Age: You must be at least 18 years old. TikTok will ask you to verify your age during the application process.
• Follower Count: You need a minimum of 10,000 authentic followers. The emphasis here is on "authentic." Buying followers or using bots will get your application rejected and could put your account at risk.
• Video Views: You need at least 100,000 authentic video views in the last 30 days. This proves you have recent and relevant content that is capturing an audience's attention now, not six months ago.
• Account Status: Your account must have a clean record and adhere to TikTok's Community Guidelines and Terms of Service. Any strikes or violations could make you ineligible.
• Account Type: You must have a Pro account (either a 'Creator' or 'Personal' account). Business Accounts are not eligible to apply.

Meeting these numbers is the biggest hurdle. The key is to focus on creating consistently good content that resonates with a specific niche. TikTok’s algorithm is powerful - if your content is hitting the mark, it will find its way to the right audience, and growth will follow.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply to the Creator Fund

Once you’ve met all the eligibility requirements, the application process itself is surprisingly straightforward. You can complete it entirely within the TikTok app in just a few minutes.

Step 1: Get Your Account Ready

First, double-check that you're using a Pro account. If you're on a standard account, you’ll need to switch. Don't worry, it's free and gives you access to valuable analytics.

1. Go to your Profile.
2. Tap the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner to open Settings and privacy.
3. Select Account.
4. Tap on Switch to Business Account (you'll select 'Creator' in the next step, but this is the pathway). If you already see "Switch to Personal Account," congrats, you're on a Pro account!

Remember: If your account is set to Business, you'll need to switch back to a Creator or Personal account, as Business Accounts cannot join the fund.

Step 2: Start the Application

With your Pro account active and all eligibility markers hit, you can find the application portal in your creator tools.

1. Go back to the Settings and privacy menu (Profile > three lines).
2. Under the 'Creator' section, tap on Creator Tools.
3. Inside Creator Tools, scroll down to the Monetization section and tap on Creator Fund (or Creativity Program, depending on your region and availability).

If you don't meet the eligibility requirements, this option might be grayed out or will inform you of the milestones you still need to hit. If you are eligible, you'll be taken to the application screen.

Step 3: Confirm and Submit

The application screen is simple. It will re-confirm that you meet all the criteria (e.g., you're over 18, have 10,000 followers, etc.). You will then have to:

• Confirm your age. You will likely need to enter your date of birth.
• Agree to the Creator Fund Agreement. This is the legal document outlining the terms, payment conditions, and rules. Make sure you read through it.
• Submit your application.

Step 4: Wait for a Decision

After you submit, your account will be reviewed. This process typically takes a few days. You'll receive a notification within the app whether you've been accepted or denied.

• If You're Accepted: Congratulations! You’ll be prompted to set up your payment information. You will get access to a Creator Fund dashboard where you can track your daily earnings. Your payments accumulate daily but are typically withdrawable about 30 days after the month in which they were earned.
• If You're Denied: Don't panic. The most common reason for denial is not meeting one of the core requirements (like having an unverified age or an account in bad standing). The notification will sometimes give a reason. You can review the requirements, fix the issue, and re-apply in 30 days.

Beyond the Application: Strategies for Success on TikTok

Getting into the Creator Fund is just the beginning. To turn it into a meaningful stream of income, you need a smart content strategy that consistently attracts views and engagement.

Consistency is Your Unstoppable Advantage

The TikTok algorithm rewards activity. A consistent posting schedule - whether that's once a day or 3-4 times a week - keeps your account fresh and your audience engaged. The key is to find a cadence that is sustainable for you without sacrificing quality. This is how you build momentum and stay on the For You Page.

Create Content You're Genuinely Passionate About

Authenticity performs better than anything else. Pick a niche you genuinely love, whether it's vintage fashion, productivity hacks, cooking, or dark comedy sketches. Your passion will shine through and attract a loyal community that shares your interests. People can spot a creator who is just chasing trends for views a mile away.

Study Your Analytics Like a Pro

Your TikTok analytics are a goldmine of information. Go to Creator Tools > Analytics to find out:

• Which videos are getting the most views and engagement.
• What time of day your followers are most active.
• Where your audience is located and their demographic info.

Use this data to double down on what works. If a certain video format or topic pops off, make more of it!

For the Creativity Program: Master the One-Minute Video

If you're in the Creativity Program, your main challenge shifts to creating compelling videos that are over 60 seconds long. This requires a different style of storytelling.

• Use a Strong Hook: The first three seconds are everything. Open with a provocative question, a surprising statement, or a visually stunning shot to stop the scroll.
• Tell a Good Story: Use a clear beginning, middle, and end. Mini-documentaries, in-depth breakdowns, "get ready with me" stories, and multi-step tutorials all work great in this format.
• Maintain Pace: Cut out any dead air or unnecessary fluff. Use text overlays, B-roll footage, and quick cuts to keep the energy high and hold the viewer's attention.

Final Thoughts

Joining the TikTok Creator Fund or its successor, the Creativity Program, is a fantastic milestone for any aspiring creator. It all starts with meeting the eligibility benchmarks through hard work, creativity, and a dedication to consistently showing up for your audience. Once you hit those marks, the application itself is a simple final step toward monetizing your content.

Focusing on a consistent creative workflow and studying your analytics are what separate hobbyists from successful creators. When you get serious about planning and scheduling, you free up more time to dream up great new ideas. At Postbase, we built our platform to solve exactly these problems for creators. We designed a clear, visual calendar so you can plan your TikToks and Reels weeks in advance and see your whole strategy at a glance. Instead of saving a video to your phone and manually uploading it later, let Postbase handle the posting so you can get back to creating.