How to Join the TikTok Creator Program

You’re creating great content, hitting trends, and your audience is growing. The next logical step is figuring out how to get paid for your hard work. This guide walks you through exactly what the TikTok Creativity Program is, the specific requirements you need to meet, and how you can join to start monetizing your content. We'll also cover actionable strategies to help you not just get in, but thrive once you're there.

What Exactly Is the TikTok Creativity Program?

First, let’s clear up a little confusion. You might have heard of the "TikTok Creator Fund." That was the original monetization program TikTok launched. Think of the Creativity Program (sometimes still called the Creator Program) as the new-and-improved version, designed to reward creators who make higher-quality, longer videos.

The key difference is the focus. The old Creator Fund paid for almost any video, but the pennies per thousand views often felt discouraging. The Creativity Program completely changes the game by setting new rules that incentivize more engaging content. It specifically rewards creators for videos that are one minute or longer, offering a significantly higher payout potential per view. Essentially, TikTok is encouraging a shift from short, fleeting clips to content that holds a viewer's attention.

For you, this means an opportunity to earn real, sustainable income from your creative work, as long as you're willing to adapt your content strategy slightly. A single well-performing video in the Creativity Program can earn more than dozens of viral clips did under the old fund.

Are You Eligible? Let's Break Down the Requirements

Before you get ready to apply, you need to make sure you check all the boxes. TikTok has clear-cut criteria to ensure the program is filled with established creators who have a proven ability to engage an audience. Here is the full checklist:

• Be at least 18 years old. This is non-negotiable and you'll have to verify your age during the application process.
• Have at least 10,000 followers. This number shows TikTok that you have an established community and can consistently attract an audience.
• Get at least 100,000 authentic video views in the last 30 days. This proves that your recent content is actively performing well and not just relying on one old viral video from months ago.
• Create videos that are at least one minute long. This is the golden rule of the Creativity Program. Only videos over this length will be eligible for monetization.
• Your account must be in a location where the Creativity Program is available. The program rolled out in the US, France, and Brazil first, and is expanding. Be sure to check its availability in your region.
• Have an account in good standing. This means your account has no history of serious or repeated violations of TikTok's Community Guidelines. You need to play by the rules.

Meeting the follower and view counts can feel like the biggest hurdle. The key is consistency. Define your niche and post high-quality content regularly. Focus on creating value for a specific audience, whether through entertainment, education, or inspiration, and the numbers will follow.

How to Apply: The Step-by-Step Guide

Once you’ve met all the eligibility requirements, the application process is surprisingly straightforward. You can apply directly within the TikTok app.

Here’s exactly what to do:

1. Open the TikTok App and Go to Your Profile. Make sure you’re logged into the account you want to enroll.
2. Open Settings and Privacy. Tap the three horizontal lines (the "hamburger" menu) at the top right of your profile screen. This will open up your menu options.
3. Select "Creator Tools". This is your hub for all things analytics, promotion, and monetization on TikTok.
4. Find and Tap "Creativity Program". It will be listed in the "Monetization" section. If you had an account in the old Creator Fund, you'll be prompted to switch over here.
5. Submit Your Application. If you meet all the requirements, you will see an option to apply. Tap the button and follow the on-screen prompts. This will involve verifying your age (you’ll need an ID) and agreeing to the program's terms.

After you submit, there will be a review period. This can take a few days, so be patient. If you’re accepted, you’ll receive a notification and your dashboard will be available within the Creator Tools. If you're denied, TikTok will typically provide a reason, and you can reapply after 30 days once you've addressed the issue.

You're In! How to Maximize Your Earnings

Congratulations! Getting accepted is a huge milestone. But now the real work begins. Your goal isn't just to be in the program, but to make it a meaningful source of income. Here’s how to do that.

It's All About Long-Form Video

We've said it already, but it's the most important point: the Creativity Program exclusively rewards videos that are over one minute long. This should become the foundation of your content strategy. Short, 15-second clips might still be good for grabbing new followers, but they won't earn you anything in the program. Start brainstorming ideas that require more depth - storytelling, tutorials, detailed reviews, commentary, or multi-part tips work great.

Understand What a "Qualified View" Is

Your earnings aren't based on your total view count. They're based on "qualified views." While TikTok keeps the exact formula under wraps, a qualified view generally means:

• The video was viewed for an adequate amount of time (not just a quick scroll-past).
• The viewer didn't come from a paid ad.
• The view originated from the "For You" page.
• The video is original content (we’ll get to this next).

Your earning potential is calculated using something called RPM, which stands for Revenue per 1,000 Qualified Views. This number can fluctuate based on factors like viewer location, engagement rates, and the overall quality of your video.

Know What Content Is Ineligible

Just as important as knowing what works is knowing what doesn't. The Creativity Program has strict rules on what type of content can be monetized. To avoid having your videos disqualified, stay away from:

• Duets and Stitches.
• Content that is mostly still images or Photo Mode slideshows.
• Low-quality or unoriginal content, including lip-syncing videos or unedited clips from other sources.
• Sponsored content or anything with paid promotions.
• Videos that violate Community Guidelines.

The program is rewarding original creativity, so prioritize showing up as yourself, with your own unique ideas and content.

Master the First Three Seconds (And the Last Ten)

Holding someone's attention for over a minute in a short-form video world is a challenge. Your first three seconds need a powerful hook that promises value. Ask a question, present a problem, or make a bold statement that makes someone stop scrolling.

For long videos, the ending is just as important as the beginning. A strong call to action ("follow for part two" or "let me know your thoughts in the comments") encourages engagement, which tells the algorithm that your video is worth pushing to more people. This simple habit keeps the conversation going and loops viewers back for more.

Use Your Analytics to Get Smarter

Forget guessing what your audience wants - TikTok gives you the data. Dive into your Creator Tools analytics to see which minute-plus videos are performing best. Look at two key metrics:

• Average Watch Time: If viewers are dropping off after 15 seconds, you know you need to work on your storytelling or delivery to keep them engaged.
• Audience Retention graph: This chart literally shows you the exact point where people lose interest and swipe away. Note where the big dips are. Was it a slow part? Did you switch topics? Use this insight to structure your next video better.

Continuously analyze, tweak, and double down on what works. This data-driven approach is what separates amateurs from professional creators.

Final Thoughts

Joining the TikTok Creativity Program is a fantastic way for creators to turn their passion into a paycheck. The path is clear: meet the follower and view requirements, focus on creating original videos longer than a minute, and stay within the platform's guidelines. It's a shift toward rewarding deeper, more engaging content, and it puts you in control of your earnings.

Sustaining the level of consistency needed to hit 100,000 views a month and plan longer videos can be a challenge. That’s why we built Postbase with features like a visual content calendar, allowing you to plan your content weeks in advance across all your socials, not just TikTok. By organizing your strategy in one intuitive view, you can stop feeling overwhelmed and focus on what really matters: creating incredible content. Postbase just makes that entire process feel calmer and more manageable.