TikTok Complete Guide: Step-by-Step to Create an Account & Earn Money
TikTok, with over 1.5 billion monthly active users in 2025, is the go-to platform for short-form video content, creative expression, and monetization opportunities. This comprehensive guide walks you through creating a TikTok account, understanding account types, exploring monetization methods, and meeting the requirements to earn on the platform.
Creating a TikTok Account: Step-by-Step
Download the TikTok app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Alternatively, visit tiktok.com and click "Sign Up."
Open the app and tap "Profile" (bottom-right corner), then "Sign Up." Choose one of the following methods:
- Phone or Email: Enter your phone number or email address.
- Google/Apple/Facebook: Use an existing account for quick sign-up.
- Username: Choose a unique username (you can change it later).
- Password: Create a secure password (8+ characters, mixing letters, numbers, symbols).
- Birthday: Enter your birth date (must be 13+ years old).
Tap "Next" to proceed.
TikTok will send a verification code to your email or phone. Enter the code to confirm your account.
Customize your profile to attract followers:
- Add a profile picture or video (square or vertical, 100x100 pixels minimum).
- Write a bio (up to 80 characters) with hashtags or emojis to reflect your brand.
- Link social media accounts (e.g., Instagram, YouTube) or a website.
- Choose a unique username (e.g., @YourName).
Tap the "+" button to record a video:
- Record or upload a video (15 seconds to 10 minutes).
- Add filters, effects, music, or text.
- Write a caption with hashtags (e.g., #ForYou, #TikTokTrend).
- Set visibility (public, friends, or private) and post.
Pro Tip: Use trending hashtags and sounds in your first video to increase visibility on the For You Page (FYP).
Types of TikTok Accounts
TikTok offers two main account types:
The default account for individual users to create and share content.
- Purpose: Casual content creation, following trends, and building a personal brand.
- Features: Video uploads, comments, likes, follows, and access to TikTok effects.
Designed for creators, brands, or businesses aiming to monetize or promote.
- Purpose: Marketing, analytics, and monetization.
- Features: Access to Creator Fund, analytics dashboard, promoted videos, and Creator Marketplace.
- How to Switch: Go to "Settings and Privacy" > "Manage Account" > "Switch to Business Account" or "Creator Account."
Note: Switching to a Creator/Business Account is free and provides analytics, but you can revert to a Personal Account anytime.
Ways to Earn Money on TikTok
TikTok offers multiple monetization opportunities for creators and businesses in 2025. Below are the primary methods with details:
Earn money based on video views and engagement.
- Requirements:
- Be 18+ years old.
- Have 10,000+ followers.
- Have 100,000+ video views in the last 30 days.
- Live in an eligible country (e.g., US, UK, Germany).
- Comply with TikTok’s Community Guidelines.
- How to Start: Switch to a Creator Account, apply via "Creator Tools" > "TikTok Creator Fund."
- Earnings: $0.02–$0.04 per 1,000 views, depending on engagement and region.
Connect with brands for sponsored content deals.
- Requirements:
- Creator/Business Account.
- 10,000+ followers.
- High engagement rates (likes, comments, shares).
- A niche audience (e.g., fashion, gaming).
- How to Start: Join the Creator Marketplace via "Creator Tools" and create a profile to attract brand deals.
- Earnings: $100–$10,000 per sponsored video, based on follower count and engagement.
Earn virtual gifts from viewers during live streams, which can be converted to cash.
- Requirements:
- 1,000+ followers to go live.
- Be 18+ years old.
- Live in an eligible country.
- How to Start: Go live via the "+" button and enable gifts. Engage viewers to encourage gifting.
- Earnings: 50% of gift value after TikTok’s cut (e.g., $0.50–$50 per gift).
Earn commissions by promoting products in videos.
- Requirements:
- An engaged audience (1,000+ followers recommended).
- Affiliate program membership (e.g., Amazon Associates, ShopStyle).
- How to Start: Add affiliate links to your bio or use TikTok’s shopping features. Create product-focused videos.
- Earnings: 1–10% commission per sale, depending on the program.
Promote your own products, services, or digital content.
- Requirements:
- A Business Account with a linked website or TikTok Shop.
- Engaging content to drive sales.
- How to Start: Set up TikTok Shop or link to your store in your bio. Post product demos or tutorials.
- Earnings: Vary based on product pricing and sales volume.
Partner with brands to host paid live streams.
- Requirements:
- 1,000+ followers to go live.
- High engagement during live streams.
- How to Start: Pitch brands or join the Creator Marketplace for live stream collaborations.
- Earnings: $50–$5,000 per stream, depending on audience size.
Requirements for Earning Money on TikTok
To monetize on TikTok, you generally need:
- Active Account: A verified Personal or Creator/Business Account.
- Followers: 1,000+ for live streams, 10,000+ for Creator Fund or Marketplace.
- Engagement: High likes, comments, and shares on videos.
- Content Quality: Original, policy-compliant content (no copyrighted material).
- Age: 18+ for monetization programs.
- Location: Live in a country where monetization is available.
- Payment Setup: A linked bank account or PayPal for payouts.
Pro Tip: Post consistently (1–3 videos daily) and use trending sounds, hashtags, and effects to boost your chances of going viral.