TikTok Creator Fund vs TikTok Shop: Which pays more?

Making money on TikTok isn’t just a dream anymore—it’s a real thing, and creators have more than one way to cash in. Two of the biggest options out there right now are the TikTok Creator Fund vs TikTok Shop. If you’ve ever wondered which one actually pays better, you’re definitely not alone.

The Creator Fund pays you based on how well your videos do—views, likes, shares, all that. TikTok Shop, on the other hand, is more like getting paid to promote and sell products. Both sound great, but they work very differently, and one might be a better fit for you depending on your style and goals.

In this article, we’ll break down how each one works, what creators are really saying about them, and which might help you earn more in the long run. Let’s start now!

What Exactly is TikTok Creator Fund?

The TikTok Creator Fund is TikTok’s way of saying “thanks” to creators for the content that keeps the platform thriving. Introduced in July 2020, this fund was launched to support and reward creators who consistently produce engaging, original content. TikTok kicked things off with a $200 million commitment, with plans to grow that investment to $1 billion in the U.S. over three years—a bold move to show creators they’re more than just part of the algorithm; they’re at the heart of it.

In simple terms, the Creator Fund pays eligible users based on how well their videos perform—views, engagement, and overall impact. It’s not tied to ads or brand sponsorships, just simple: more views, more money. Instead, TikTok itself distributes the money, helping creators turn their content into actual income.

That said, it’s not always a gold mine. While some top-tier creators might see solid earnings, many smaller creators say it’s more like a nice little bonus than a full-on paycheck. But for anyone putting time and energy into growing on TikTok, it can be a meaningful first step toward monetizing their content.

Who Can Join the TikTok Creator Fund?

While anyone can post videos and grow a following on TikTok, not everyone can jump straight into the Creator Fund. Think of it as a milestone—something to work toward once you’ve started gaining real traction on the app.

To qualify, you’ll need to meet a few key requirements:

• You must be a legal resident of the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, or Italy.

• You need to be at least 18 years old.

• Your account must have at least 10,000 genuine followers.

• Your videos should have received at least 100,000 authentic views in the last 30 days.

• You must be in good standing with TikTok’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service.

In addition to meeting these criteria, you’ll also need to link your TikTok account to a digital payment method registered in your name in order to receive payouts.

If you’re not quite there yet, that’s okay. These benchmarks give you something to aim for—and with consistent content and a clear strategy, it’s completely within reach.

How to join TikTok Creator Fund?

Once you meet the eligibility requirements, applying for the TikTok Creator Fund is a pretty straightforward process. There’s no need for an essay, a content portfolio, or any complicated paperwork—just a few simple steps within the app.

First, make sure you’ve switched to a Pro account. If you haven’t already, go to your TikTok Settings, tap “Manage Account,” and select “Switch to Pro Account.” This upgrade not only unlocks access to the Creator Fund but also gives you detailed analytics to track your content performance and audience growth.

Here’s how to apply for the Creator Fund once your account is ready:

1. Open the TikTok app and log in.

2. Go to Settings and tap on “Creator Tools.”

3. Select “TikTok Creator Fund.”

4. Follow the prompts to confirm your eligibility, verify your age, and accept the terms and conditions.

After you apply, TikTok will review your account to make sure you meet all the requirements. If you’re approved, you’ll gain access to a Creator Fund dashboard where you can view your estimated earnings, monitor your video performance, and request payouts.

If your application is denied, don’t worry—you can apply again after 30 days. Just make sure to work on the area that held you back, whether it’s building your follower count, boosting views, or making sure your content aligns with TikTok’s community guidelines.

How Does the TikTok Creator Fund Pay?

Here’s the honest truth: no one outside of TikTok knows exactly how the Creator Fund payout formula works. There’s no official rate, no fixed amount per view, and no clear limit to how much you can earn. TikTok keeps the details vague—but creators have pieced together some general insights based on their own experience.

Think of the Creator Fund as a daily pot of money. That pot is split among all participating creators, based on how much their content contributed to the platform’s performance that day. Your slice of the pie depends on several factors—mainly views, but also engagement like likes, comments, and shares.

Most creators estimate the payout ranges between $0.02 to $0.04 per 1,000 views, though this can fluctuate depending on your niche, audience, and region. And the results really do vary.

It’s also worth noting that:

• The Creator Fund only pays for original content—no duets or stitches.

• You need to wait 30 days before withdrawing earnings.

• Your views must be authentic, not boosted by bots or spammy tactics.

So, is it worth it? That depends. For some, it’s a nice bonus for doing what they love. For others, especially those putting in serious time and effort, the payout feels like spare change. That’s why many creators treat the Creator Fund as just one stream of income and look toward other options—like brand deals, affiliate links, or TikTok Shop—to really make it work financially.

What Exactly is TikTok Shop?

TikTok Shop is an integrated e-commerce feature within the TikTok app that enables users to discover and purchase products directly through in-feed videos, live streams, and a dedicated Shop tab. Launched in September 2023, TikTok Shop allows brands and creators to showcase and sell products seamlessly, combining the platform’s engaging content with a streamlined shopping experience.

With TikTok Shop, users can explore and buy products without leaving the app, enhancing the convenience of social commerce. This feature empowers businesses of all sizes to reach TikTok’s highly engaged community, leveraging tools such as in-feed video shopping, live shopping events, and a product showcase on their profiles.

By integrating shopping directly into the TikTok experience, TikTok Shop transforms the way users interact with products, fostering a more interactive and immersive shopping journey.

Who Can Use TikTok Shop?

TikTok Shop isn’t just for big brands or full-time influencers—it’s open to a wide range of users, including individual creators, small businesses, and established sellers. If you’ve got a product to sell or an audience that trusts your recommendations, there’s a place for you here. But like any platform, there are a few boxes you’ll need to check before you can dive in.

To get started with TikTok Shop, you must meet some basic requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years old.

• You need to be based in a supported region. Currently, TikTok Shop is available in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, and a few others (availability can vary, so it’s worth checking the latest list).

• You must agree to TikTok’s terms and follow its community guidelines.

• You’ll need a valid bank account in your name to receive payments.

TikTok offers two types of seller accounts: one for individuals and one for registered businesses. If you’re applying as an individual, you’ll usually be asked to provide a government-issued ID and some personal information like your full name and address. Business accounts will need to share additional documents, like a business license and tax ID.

How to start using TikTok Shop?

1. Switch to a Business or Creator account on TikTok, if you haven’t already. You can do this in your account settings under “Manage Account.”

2. Go to the TikTok Shop Seller Center and sign up. This is where you’ll submit your documents and apply to become a seller.

3. Fill out your shop profile with your name, logo, and description to give it a professional touch.

4. List your products, complete with pricing, descriptions, and images. Make sure they follow TikTok’s product guidelines.

5. Connect your bank account so you can get paid for the sales you make.

Once you’re approved, you’re ready to start selling. You can promote products through your regular videos, go live for real-time product showcases, or even build out a custom shop tab on your profile.

How Do Creators Make Money from TikTok Shop?

Unlike the Creator Fund, where income depends on views and engagement, TikTok Shop allows creators to earn directly through product sales. It’s a mix of affiliate marketing and social commerce, built right into the app. When you share a product in a video, live stream, or your profile, and someone buys it through your link, you earn a commission.

Here’s how it works in practice:
Creators can browse TikTok’s product marketplace and choose items to promote—this could be anything from skincare and fashion to tech gadgets or kitchen tools. Once they add products to their shop or tag them in content, they earn a percentage from each sale driven through their unique link.

The more persuasive (and natural) the promotion, the higher the chances of a sale. And since it’s all happening inside TikTok, the shopping experience feels seamless—viewers can go from watching to buying in just a few taps.

Live streaming is especially powerful here. Many creators host TikTok Live sessions to showcase products in real-time, answer questions, and boost conversions. Think of it as a modern-day QVC, but made for Gen Z and Millennials.

In short, TikTok Shop gives creators more control over their income—it’s not just about going viral anymore. It’s about creating content that connects and converts.

TikTok Creator Fund vs TikTok Shop: Which One Pays You More Money?

The Creator Fund offers a predictable but modest return. Most creators report earnings between $0.02 to $0.04 per 1,000 views, which means even viral videos often bring in only a small payout. If you’re consistently getting millions of views, it can add up—but for many, the earnings feel more like a bonus than a reliable income stream.

In contrast, TikTok Shop has a higher earning ceiling. Since creators earn a commission from every product sold, there’s no fixed limit to how much you can make. With the right product and audience, a single well-performing video or live session can bring in significantly more than the Creator Fund. Many creators use affiliate tools built into TikTok Shop to feature items in their content, and if those items sell well, so does their commission.

Let’s break down:

So, which pays more? If you’re great at going viral but not into sales, the Creator Fund might be a decent side income. But if you’re comfortable showcasing products and can build trust with your followers, TikTok Shop has the potential to earn you far more—and with greater control over your success.

Last thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but knowing your options is the first step. TikTok Creator Fund vs TikTok Shop offer unique ways to earn. One rewards views and engagement, while the other lets you turn influence into income through product sales.

So, TikTok Creator Fund vs TikTok Shop: which pays more? The truth is, TikTok Shop generally offers more earning potential—especially for creators who are comfortable recommending products and have an audience that trusts them. But the Creator Fund still has value, particularly as a low-effort way to earn a bit extra from videos you’re already making.

Ultimately, the smartest move may be to combine both. Build content that drives views and taps into the Creator Fund, while also using TikTok Shop to promote products you genuinely believe in. That way, you’re not putting all your eggs in one basket—and your TikTok hustle can turn into a solid, sustainable income stream.