How to Qualify for TikTok Creator Fund

Dreaming of turning your TikTok views into real cash? You’re in the right place. The TikTok Creator Fund and its newer version, the Creativity Program Beta, offer a direct path to monetizing your content, but getting approved requires meeting a specific set of criteria. This guide walks you through the exact requirements, the step-by-step application process, and actionable strategies to grow your account so you can finally start earning from your videos.

What is the TikTok Creator Fund (and the Creativity Program)?

First, let’s clear up a common point of confusion. The original TikTok Creator Fund was a program designed to reward creators for their popular content. Think of it as TikTok’s way of investing in its creative community. However, TikTok is gradually replacing this with the Creativity Program Beta. While both aim to pay creators, the new program is designed to offer higher potential earnings and places a strong emphasis on longer-form content.

Here’s the main difference: The Creativity Program Beta specifically rewards creators for high-quality, original videos that are longer than one minute. This shift encourages more substantial, engaging content on the platform. For new creators looking to monetize, the Creativity Program Beta is your primary target. The principles of qualifying, however, remain largely the same: you need to build an engaged audience and create content people want to watch.

The Essential Checklist: Do You Qualify?

Before you can even think about applying, you need to hit some baseline metrics. TikTok sets these requirements to ensure that creators have a proven track record of creating content that resonates with an audience. The requirements for the Creativity Program Beta are clear and non-negotiable.

Creativity Program Beta Requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old. This is a firm legal requirement for financial payouts.
• Have at least 10,000 followers. This shows you've built a real community around your content.
• Get at least 100,000 authentic video views in the last 30 days. This proves your recent content is actively performing well. Bot views or artificially inflated numbers won’t count.
• Post original videos that are longer than one minute. This is the key difference and rule for the new program. Only these longer videos are eligible for rewards.
• Have an account in good standing. Your account must follow TikTok’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service. Any violations or strikes can disqualify you.
• Live in an eligible country. The program is available in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Brazil, Japan, Korea, and more, with the list expanding.

Meeting these numbers is the first hurdle. If you're not there yet, don't worry. The rest of this guide will focus on a repeatable strategy to help you hit those goals.

How to Apply for the TikTok Creativity Program (Step-by-Step)

Once you’ve met all the aforementioned criteria, the application process itself is straightforward and happens right inside the TikTok app. Here’s exactly what to do:

Step 1: Navigate to Your Creator Tools

Open the TikTok app and go to your profile page. Tap the three horizontal lines (the "hamburger" menu) in the top-right corner of the screen. From the menu that appears, select "Creator Tools."

Step 2: Find the Creativity Program Beta

Inside the Creator Tools section, you’ll see various options. Under the "Monetization" heading, look for "Creativity Program Beta." Tap on it to begin the application process.

Step 3: Confirm Your Eligibility and Apply

The app will show you a dashboard checking your eligibility against the requirements (age, followers, view count). If you've met them all, you'll see green checkmarks next to each one. After confirming you are over 18 and have read the agreement, you can hit the "Apply" button.

Step 4: Wait for a Decision

After you submit your application, TikTok's team will review your account to make sure it complies with all their guidelines. This process can take a few days. Once a decision is made, you'll receive a notification within the app. If you're rejected for some reason, don't panic. TikTok generally allows you to re-apply after 30 days, giving you time to improve your account or content strategy.

Strategies to Hit the Follower and View Requirements

Getting to 10,000 followers and 100,000 views can feel like a steep climb, but it's entirely achievable with the right strategy. It's not about one viral fluke, it's about building a sustainable content engine.

1. Find Your Niche and Own It

The fastest way to grow a loyal following is to become the go-to person for something specific. If you try to create for everyone, you'll end up connecting with no one. A niche gives people a reason to follow you - they know what they can expect from your content.

• Bad Example: "I post funny videos, lifestyle content, and travel vlogs." (Too broad!)
• Good Example: "I share budget-friendly travel hacks for solo female travelers." (Specific, with a clear audience.)
• Good Example: "I test and review viral kitchen gadgets." (Clear value proposition and repeatable content.)

Brainstorm topics you're passionate and knowledgeable about. The more specific you are, the easier it is to attract the right people who will genuinely engage with your videos and click that follow button.

2. Create Longer Content That People Actually Watch

With the Creativity Program's focus on videos over one minute, your ability to keep viewers engaged is more important than EVER. The goal is high watch time and completion rates.

• Start with a Strong Hook: The first three seconds are everything. Grab attention immediately with a bold statement, a compelling question, or a visually interesting clip. For example, instead of saying, "Today I’m going to make a lasagna," start with "You’ve been making lasagna wrong your whole life."
• Tell a Story: People love stories. Whether it’s a "Get Ready With Me" where you narrate a funny personal experience or a step-by-step tutorial that solves a challenging problem, a narrative structure keeps viewers invested.
• Add Value: Your video should either entertain or educate. A one-minute video can be an in-depth tutorial, a detailed product review, a personal story with a lesson, or a multi-layered comedic sketch. Ask yourself: "What is my viewer getting out of this?"

3. Master TikTok’s Built-In Features

The algorithm rewards creators who use its native tools. Prioritize them in your content strategy.

• Trending Sounds: Don't just slap a trending sound on a random video. Find a sound that creatively fits your niche and adds to the story you're telling. A sound that’s trending is like a billboard for your video, placing it in front of a wider audience.
• Relevant Hashtags: Use a smart mix of 3-5 hashtags per video. Combine broad hashtags (#DIYproject), niche-specific ones (#thriftflip), and potentially a trending one if it fits. This helps the algorithm categorize your content and show it to the right people.
• Leverage Text Overlays and Captions: Many people watch videos without sound. Use text on screen to guide the viewer, highlight key points, and keep them engaged. A well-written caption can also prompt conversation and boost engagement.

4. Be Consistent, Not Perfect

Consistency signals to the TikTok algorithm that you're an active and serious creator. It also keeps your current audience engaged and coming back for more. This doesn't mean you need to post five times a day. Find a sustainable schedule that works for you, whether it's three times a week or once a day. A content calendar is your best friend here. Plan your video ideas in batches so you’re never scrambling for something to post. The quality of your ideas matters more than the frequency of posting.

5. Engage With Your Community and Niche

Think "social media," not "broadcast media." Engagement is a two-way street.

• Reply to comments on your videos: Even a simple "thanks!" or liking a comment makes your followers feel seen and appreciated. It fosters community, not just a following.
• Ask Questions: End your videos with a question or include one in your caption to encourage comments. An active comment section is a strong positive signal to the algorithm.
• Engage with Others: Spend 10-15 minutes a day genuinely commenting on other videos within your niche. It builds relationships with fellow creators and exposes your profile to their highly relevant audience.

Final Thoughts

Qualifying for the TikTok Creativity Program is a fantastic goal that hinges on a simple formula: meet the eligibility numbers by creating great, compelling content that serves a specific audience. Focus on providing value through videos over one minute long, stay consistent, and build a genuine community around your niche. Don't chase trends that don't fit - your authentic voice is your greatest asset in this creative marathon.

We know that staying consistent and organized is one of the biggest challenges for any creator trying to grow an audience. Juggling video ideas, filming, editing, and planning a content calendar can feel overwhelming. That’s why we built Postbase from the ground up for modern social media. Its simple visual calendar helps you plan all your content - including your TikToks and other short-form videos - across all your platforms in one clean view, helping you turn creative chaos into a smooth, reliable workflow.