How to Sign Up for Creator Fund

Thinking about turning your passion for creating content into a serious paycheck? You’re in the right place. Creator funds are one of the most direct ways platforms like TikTok pay you for the content you’re already making, and getting set up is more straightforward than you might think. This guide will walk you through exactly what creator funds are, the specific requirements you need to meet, and the step-by-step process for applying, with a deep focus on TikTok's monetization program.

Understanding Creator Funds: Your Guide to Getting Paid for Content

In simple terms, a creator fund is a large pool of money set aside by a social media platform to directly pay its creators. The concept is a win-win: creators get rewarded for bringing valuable content and engaged audiences to the platform, and the platform keeps its top talent from moving elsewhere. It all started with the original TikTok Creator Fund, which was a massive move that encouraged creators to produce more and better videos.

However, the landscape has changed. The original Creator Fund has been largely phased out in many regions and replaced by something with even more earning potential: the Creativity Program Beta. While the name is different, the core idea is the same - get paid for your views. The key difference lies in the types of videos that qualify, which we'll cover in detail.

The Main Event: How to Apply for the TikTok Creativity Program

If you're aiming to get paid on TikTok, the Creativity Program Beta is your target. Before you can even tap the apply button, you have to meet a specific set of criteria. Let's break down exactly what you need.

First, Are You Eligible? A Quick Checklist

TikTok doesn't let just anyone in. You have to prove you have an established, engaged audience before you can start earning. Go through this checklist to see where you stand:

• Be at least 18 years old. This one is non-negotiable. You'll need to verify your age during the application process, so be prepared with a government-issued ID.
• Have at least 10,000 followers. This is the first major milestone for aspiring creators. The platform wants to see that you've built a sustainable community.
• Get at least 100,000 authentic video views in the last 30 days. This shows TikTok that your content is currently resonating with users. The views must be genuine, fraudulent or "paid" views don't count and can get your account flagged.
• Have an account in good standing. This means you need to follow TikTok's Community Guidelines and Terms of Service. If you have a history of violations or content takedowns, your application might be rejected.
• Be based in a supported region. The Creativity Program is currently available in the U.S., UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Japan, Korea, and others, with more regions being added over time.

If you check all these boxes, congratulations! You're ready to apply. If not, don't worry - we'll cover a game plan for getting there later in this article.

The Step-by-Step Application Process

Ready to make it official? The application process happens right inside 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 apply with.
2. Navigate to Creator Tools. Tap the three horizontal lines (the "hamburger" menu) in the top-right corner of your profile. From the menu that pops up, select "Creator Tools."
3. Find the Creativity Program Beta. Inside the Creator Tools dashboard, you'll see a section labeled "Monetization." This is where you'll find different earning opportunities. Look for and tap on "Creativity Program Beta."
4. Review the Requirements and Apply. The app will show you the eligibility requirements again, with green checkmarks next to the ones you've met. If you qualify, the "Apply" button will be active. Tap it.
5. Verify Your Identity and Agree to the Terms. You'll be asked to confirm you’re over 18 by submitting an ID. You will also need to read and agree to the Creativity Program agreement. Read through this so you understand the rules.
6. Submit and Wait. After you've submitted everything, the waiting game begins. It can take a few days for TikTok to review your application. You'll get a notification in the app once a decision has been made.

If you're approved, you'll gain access to a dashboard where you can track your earnings, see which videos are qualified, and monitor your estimated rewards.

Beyond the Basics: What You Need to Know About the Creativity Program

Application is just the first step. To actually make money, your content needs to meet an even more specific set of rules. This is where the Creativity Program really differs from the old Creator Fund.

Which Videos Actually Earn You Money?

Not every viral video will make you rich. The Creativity Program is designed to reward higher-quality, longer-form content. Here are the main rules for a video to be eligible for payment:

• It must be longer than one minute. This is the biggest change. Say goodbye to getting paid for 15-second trends. The program specifically incentivizes more thoughtful, narrative-driven content.
• It must be original content. You have to have shot and created the video yourself. Videos that are Duets, Stitches, or rely too heavily on other people's footage won't qualify.
• It can't be an ad or sponsored post. Branded content deals are a separate revenue stream and are not eligible for the program. Your videos must be organic.
• It must get substantial views after being accepted. Payments aren't retroactive. Only views on qualifying videos posted after you're in the program count.

How Are Your Earnings Calculated?

The amount of money you make isn't just about total views. It’s based on something called RPM (Revenue Per Mille), which means revenue per 1,000 qualified views. A "qualified view" is one that isn't fraudulent and meets other internal metrics. Your RPM can fluctuate and is influenced by several factors:

• Viewer Region: Views from regions with a stronger ad market (like the U.S.) typically pay more.
• Engagement: Videos with high watch time, lots of comments, and plenty of shares are considered more valuable, likely leading to a higher RPM.
• Niche and Authenticity: Content in certain high-value niches (like finance or education) might command a higher RPM than others.

Don't Meet the Requirements Yet? Here’s Your Action Plan

It can feel discouraging if you look at the checklist and see you’re not quite there. But don't give up! Reaching those milestones is entirely possible with a dedicated strategy. Think of these requirements not as walls, but as clear goals to aim for.

Strategy 1: Find Your Niche and Post Consistently

To get 10,000 followers and 100,000 views in a month, you need momentum. You can't achieve that by posting once a week. Create a content schedule and stick to it. Whether it's 3-5 times a week or even daily, consistency signals to the algorithm that you're a serious creator and gives your audience a reason to follow and come back for more. Focus on a specific niche you're passionate about - whether it's cooking, comedy, tech reviews, or sustainable fashion. A clear niche helps you attract a dedicated community of followers who are genuinely interested in what you have to say.

Strategy 2: Master the One-Minute-Plus Video Format

Since the Creativity Program only pays for videos over a minute long, you need to get good at making them. This doesn't mean rambling for 60 seconds. It means learning the art of storytelling. Start with a strong hook in the first 3 seconds to stop the scroll, provide value or entertainment in the middle, and end with a clear call to action (like "follow for part 2" or "let me know in the comments"). High-quality audio and good lighting go a long way in keeping viewers hooked for the full duration.

Strategy 3: Engage Your Community to Build Loyalty

Your follower count isn't just a number, it's a community. Building it requires you to be an active participant. Spend time every day responding to comments on your videos. This not only boosts your engagement metrics but also makes your followers feel seen and valued. Go out and engage with other creators in your niche, too. Leaving thoughtful comments on their posts can introduce your profile to a new, relevant audience.

A Quick Tour of Other Platform Monetization Programs

TikTok isn't the only game in town when it comes to creator monetization. As you build your brand, you might want to look into what other platforms are offering.

The YouTube Partner Program (YPP)

Still the gold standard for many, the YPP lets you earn money from ads on your videos. For long-form content, you need 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours. For YouTube Shorts, the bar is 1,000 subscribers and 10 million valid Shorts views in the last 90 days. The Shorts monetization model is based on a revenue share from a creator pool, similar to TikTok.

Instagram's Bonuses Program

More mysterious and less structured, Instagram's Bonuses program is typically invite-only. They come and go, rewarding creators for things like hitting Reels view milestones or posting consistently. There isn’t a clear application process, you just have to create great content on the platform and hope you get an invitation to participate.

Final Thoughts

Qualifying for a creator fund like the TikTok Creativity Program is a major milestone that transforms you from a hobbyist into a professional creator. The path forward is clear: meet the eligibility requirements by creating consistent, high-quality content that engages your audience, then navigate the simple in-app application process. Success doesn't happen overnight, but with the right strategy, earning an income from your videos is an achievable goal.

Getting to 10k followers and 100k views a month demands a serious content plan, and honestly, that's what we built Postbase for. Trying to grow your audience while juggling multiple platforms can feel chaotic. With our visual calendar, you can map out and schedule all your videos for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts ahead of time. Instead of fighting with clunky tools, you can focus on creating - we'll handle making sure your content goes live reliably, every single time.