This is How Much TikTok Paid Me For My 2.5M Viewed Video

Summary

The content creator discusses their experience with TikTok's monetization, revealing that despite having videos with millions of views, the financial returns have been minimal.

Abstract

The author shares their journey of attempting to become a successful content creator on TikTok, detailing the viral success of their videos which garnered millions of views. Despite this popularity, the earnings from TikTok's Creator Fund were far less than anticipated, totaling $86.82 since April 11, 2021. The creator had high hopes, inspired by the luxurious lifestyles of well-known influencers, but the reality of TikTok's payment structure, which requires 10k followers and 100k video views in the last 28 days to apply for monetization, did not align with their expectations. The author concludes that while TikTok is a valuable platform for building a fan base, it may not be a reliable source of substantial income.

Opinions

The author is disillusioned with the financial rewards of TikTok fame, having expected more significant earnings based on the high viewership of their videos.
There is a perception that TikTok's payment system, which pays between 2 and 4 cents per 1 thousand video views, is not as lucrative as it seems.
The author initially aspired to the lavish lifestyle portrayed by successful influencers but has since adjusted their expectations regarding TikTok as a primary source of income.
Despite the monetary disappointment, the author remains optimistic about using TikTok to cultivate a loyal audience and as a stepping stone for broader endeavors.
The author encourages others by suggesting that if they can get interactions on their videos, others can too, implying that success on TikTok is attainable with the right approach.

You won’t believe me even if I showed you

I’ve always dreamed of making content as an influencer or YouTuber or anything else that came from social media. Every single YouTuber or influencer that I’ve seen lives in an amazing house and has an amazing car or cars. They’re known. I want to be known. I want to have that life.

I started by creating a TikTok account. It took me about 2 months before my first video went viral. That’s if 20 thousand views fall into that category. I tried many niches. Food, relatable relationship drama, and humor. It was really frustrating because I couldn’t get past 200 views. Every other silly video surpassed millions of views, and there was me, trying to create something that I thought people would be interested in but did not work.

One boring night I gave my partner a Yes or No challenge. In this 25 second video, I asked him if he’d rather have sex or choose the mystery box, which contained $200. He obviously did not know what was in this box or what the Yes or No challenge was about. He chose the box, as any normal person should. This video went totally nuts on TikTok. 34,000 views in the first hour. 1k new followers in just one day. This was totally insane. The only thing I did that night was reload my notifications, and I’d see 50 new notifications every time. The one and only thought in my head was that of me living in LA where all the other ‘successful’ influencers live.

TikTok requires its users to have at least 10k followers and 100k video views in the last 28 days in order to apply for the creator fund which is how you start getting paid for your videos. How much you’re paid is calculated 3 days after your video was posted.

Eventually, I could finally apply for the TikTok creator fund. I’m currently sitting on 16.6k followers and overall, my videos have received a good amount of attention. According to some research and reading some comments, TikTok pays between 2 and 4 cents per 1 thousand video views. If this was true, I would’ve had way more money than what I currently have. I’m talking about ‘I could’ve paid off my loan’ money.

My most viewed video has 2.6M views, 322.3k likes, 746 comments, and 580 shares. Is this not enough, TikTok? My second most viewed video is currently sitting at 1.5M views, 153.6k likes, 1k comments, and 1700 shares. You would expect this to come with significant results.

Unfortunately for me, I’ve received $86.82 since April 11, 2021.

My Analytics in The Last 7 Days

How Much I’ve Been Paid Since 4/11/21

Overall, TikTok will be my way of creating a loyal fan base where I can then expand my ideas and have a group of people supporting my cause. I do not think that TikTok is a place where you can make a ton of money and safely quit your job, which was originally part of my plan. I think is a good place to start. If I could get some interactions in my videos, you can too.