Can you make money on TikTok if you’re under 18?

Key Takeaways:

Yes, you can make money on TikTok if under 18, but there are some restrictions based on your age.
TikTokers have to be at least 16 years old and have parental consent to monetize directly on the app.
Only creators 18+ can enter into sponsored content deals on TikTok’s Creator Marketplace.
Under 18s can build a following and create content to use as a resume when old enough.
Some younger creators work with parents to sell merchandise to fans.
TikTokers under 18 may also earn money from “gifts” sent by followers.

Social media platforms like TikTok have opened up new opportunities for content creators to build an audience and generate income. For teenagers and kids interested in becoming social media influencers, a common question arises – can you make money on TikTok if you’re under 18?

The short answer is yes, there are possibilities to monetize TikTok content and build your brand even if you’re under 18. However, there are restrictions based on age, and minors can’t access all the same money-making features available to adult creators.

This comprehensive guide will evaluate the various options, requirements, and limitations for earning money on TikTok as a minor. We’ll analyze the app’s monetization policies, branded content opportunities, merchandise sales, and other potential revenue streams. Understanding the landscape can help ambitious young creators leverage TikTok for income within the boundaries of age restrictions.

With strategic preparation and creative thinking, teenagers can position themselves for TikTok monetization success upon turning 18. The information presented will help underage users maximize their opportunities today and set the stage for an income-generating TikTok presence in the future. Let’s explore how to make money on TikTok step-by-step as an under 18 user.

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TikTok Creator Fund – Age 16+ With Parental Consent

One way for TikTokers to earn money directly within the app is through the TikTok Creator Fund. This program allows popular creators to receive payment for videos that perform well. However, users have to meet certain criteria to participate:

You must be at least 16 years old.
If you are under 18, you will need verifiable parental consent.
Have at least 10,000 authentic followers.
Post original videos that follow content guidelines.

The TikTok Creator Fund pays creators based on the number of video views and level of engagement. Earnings depend on the location, with the current rate around $0.02 to $0.04 per 1,000 video views in the US. Fund availability varies by region as well.

So if you meet the requirements, the Creator Fund represents an official way for teenagers to monetize original TikTok content with parental approval. However, users under 16 cannot access this earnings stream.

TikTok Creator Marketplace – 18+ Only

While the Creator Fund applies to older teens, the TikTok Creator Marketplace involves stricter age restrictions. This platform allows brands to connect with influencers for sponsorships and paid content partnerships. However, you must be at least 18 years old to participate as a creator.

The marketplace offers exclusive brand collaborations, but minors are prohibited from entering these types of business agreements without parental consent. As a result, users under 18 cannot take advantage of sponsored content deals that offer lucrative paydays for top adult creators on TikTok.

That excludes a major money-making avenue for now. But young users can still use TikTok to organically build an audience and establish their brand. This prepares teens for smoother access to the Creator Marketplace once they turn 18.

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Building a Following for Future Monetization

Although limited in direct income options presently, teenagers can utilize TikTok to pave the way for future monetization. By creating engaging, high-quality content focused on a specific niche, minors can grow an authentic, targeted follower base.

Consistency is key – aim to post daily videos that align with broader channel themes and showcase creativity. Use relevant hashtags, participate in trends, and engage with your audience. Building up an impressive following and catalogue of original content will position you for partnerships and earning opportunities later on.

While unable to cash in immediately, disciplined self-branding will help establish credibility with brands for when you turn 18. Patience and persistence now can pay dividends down the road.

Selling Merchandise With Parental Involvement

Some underage TikTok influencers have been able to make money by selling merchandise related to their brand, although parental supervision is required. The most popular products include custom apparel, accessories, stationery, phone cases, and other items featuring the creator’s username, logo, or popular sayings.

Managing the merchandise production and sale process requires adult oversight. But enterprising teens can participate in product design and promotion. Social media shoutouts, coupon codes, and giveaways help drive sales of items linked or featured in your videos.

While merchandise sales won’t make you rich overnight, this income stream is relatively passive and leverages your audience reach. Teens interested in monetizing through merch should discuss logistics and responsibilities with parents beforehand.

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Earning TikTok Gifts from Fans

A newer feature on TikTok called Gifts allows fans to send virtual gifts to their favorite creators, which can then be exchanged for real money. To receive gift payments, you must be at least 18 years old.

However, users under 18 can still earn diamonds when supporters send them gifts. These diamonds allow you access to special effects and features to use in your videos.

While you can’t cash out the value of gifts received, this feature still engages your biggest fans. When you turn 18, activated gifts can be converted into actual earnings. So focus on attracting a loyal, invested follower base that will want to show support through virtual gifts.

YouTube Monetization Opportunities

YouTube offers broader monetization options for minors than TikTok currently does. Users only need to be 13+ to access YouTube Partner Program features like channel memberships, Super Chat, and merchandise shelves.

To earn ad revenue from the YouTube Partner Program, you must be over 18 – or at least 13 with a parent or legal guardian managing the Google AdSense account.

However, underage creators can potentially earn income on YouTube via affiliate links or sponsorships arranged outside of the YouTube Partner Program process. Income from a separate website could also be possible with parental oversight.

TikTokers under 18 may want to consider expanding their brand and content to YouTube as well. While restrictions apply, YouTube ultimately offers more monetization flexibility for teenage creators.

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Acting Auditions and Gigs

Some kids and teens with an interest in acting or modeling have successfully used TikTok to gain talent representation and land commercial opportunities. Showcasing performance skills on TikTok serves as an acting reel for youth.

Brands or agents may independently reach out with audition invites and casting notices after discovering young talents on the app. Or minors can directly pursue listings calling for upcoming actors, models, dancers, musicians, etc.

Any paid opportunities would be contingent on going through proper industry channels with parental guidance. But TikTok can open doors by showcasing natural charisma and abilities to the right audiences.

Consulting An Agent or Manager

Ambitious youth and parents wanting expert guidance on monetizing burgeoning TikTok fame may consider representation. Reputable agents and managers specializing in teen talent can advise on maximizing income potential while adhering to age limits and industry regulations.

They help broker appropriate branded content deals, merchandising arrangements, and commercial opportunities. Their connections and experience negotiating youth entertainment contracts make them invaluable for navigating legalities.

However, proper due diligence is essential in assessing potential agents. Research qualifications, experience, client history, and reputation first. A questionable, overly pushy rep could do more harm than good. But a trustworthy, knowledgeable pro can elevate an underage creator’s monetization strategy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I earn money on TikTok if I’m under 13?

No, you cannot earn money on TikTok if you are under 13. TikTok requires users to be at least 13 years old to have an account per its Terms of Service. There are no monetization options for users under 13.

What are TikTok’s rules for creators under 18?

TikTok has strict rules for underage creators. Users must be at least 16 to join the Creator Fund with verifiable parental consent. Only creators 18+ can participate in paid brand sponsorship and ad deals. But users of all ages can build an audience organically in line with content policies.

How much money can a 16-year-old make on TikTok?

TikTok earnings depend on many factors like viewership and content type. Through TikTok’s Creator Fund, teens 16+ could expect to earn around $0.02 – $0.04 per 1,000 video views. Top teen creators with millions of engaged followers may earn hundreds per month. But most underage users will not get rich solely from TikTok.

Can a 15-year-old sign with a modeling agency using TikTok fame?

Usually not, as most modeling agencies require parental consent for minors under 18. Talent reps may reach out to feature impressive teenagers in promotional campaigns. But an official contract would need parental approval. Underage TikTokers discovered by agencies can discuss options when they turn 16 or 18.

What are the best ways for a 17-year-old TikToker to make money?

Merchandise sales, gifts from supporters, and building an audience for future sponsorships are the best ways for 17-year-olds per TikTok rules. Other options with guardian oversight include YouTube monetization, affiliate links on a personal website, and expanding content reach to other platforms. But the Creator Fund and direct ad deals must wait until age 18.

Conclusion

While not as lucrative as for adult influencers, there are opportunities for minors to earn income on TikTok within certain limits. Teenagers may need to initially focus more on building an audience and brand rather than monetizing every view. But the investment of time and effort today can position youth content creators for successes as legal adults.

With strategic planning around TikTok’s policies, savvy self-promotion, high-quality content, and parental guidance, kids and teens can lay the groundwork for long-term monetization on the platform. Aspiring underage creators should concentrate first on expanding reach and influence. Then eventually the money can follow after turning 18 when more options open up.

The key is maintaining realistic expectations – overnight fame and fortune solely from TikTok content are extremely rare for minors. But by combining creativity with patience and perseverance, young people can achieve TikTok notoriety and income with age and experience. For underage users, the possibilities exist to leverage the platform into an impactful brand, passion project or money-making endeavor down the road.

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