Though it was only created in 2017, TikTok has become a force to reckon with. Many people visit the app to be entertained and also entertain others. Statistics indicate that the average TIkTok user spends 95 minutes on the app daily and about 6.06 hours weekly. Other studies indicate that adults spent more time on TikTok in 2022 than on YouTube. 

With these high usage rates and video watch time on TikTok, many TikTokers wonder if there is a way to make money by watching videos on the platform. If you are one of them, you don't have to worry, as this article will guide you on how to make money on the app.

Can I Get Paid to Watch Videos on Tiktok?

At the time of writing this in 2024, TikTok doesn't have an inbuilt way to pay creators to watch videos. Instead, it's just a social media site for creating, sharing, and discovering story videos. The platform enables users to engage with content, follow creators, and possibly build their audience. 

Little-Known Ways to Make Money as a Creator on TikTok

The platform rewards creators in different ways, such as:

• TikTok creativity program. Launched in 2020, this program allows creators to monetize video uploads over one minute. To join the program, users must have at least 1000 followers and 1000 views in the previous 30 days. The earnings are usually based on TikTok engagement metrics such as views and impressions.
• Run ads. TikTok marketing is an excellent channel for brands that want to advertise their products or services to users. TikTok has different types of ads, such as in-feed videos and brand takeovers.
• Tips and donations. TikTok has a tipping feature that allows viewers to reward creators. Some creators can collect gifts during live streams that can be exchanged for real cash.
• Build and sell TikTok accounts. If you know how to grow a TikTok account organically, you can consider building such an account, growing, and selling it. Since some brands don't want to go through the deep curve of growing a TikTok account, they buy from other people.
• Crowdfunding. If you want to launch a startup, you can use TikTok to crowdfund it. When crowdfunding, you inform people about your idea and begin to take pre-orders. You can then use the money to develop a product and send it to the people who crowdfunded you.
• Send followers to Patreon. You don't have to only earn on TikTok. You can send your followers to Patreon to get paid for your creative efforts. On Patreon, you can charge for behind-the-scenes videos, bespoke videos, live chats, and branded merchandise. You can read our guide on how to increase your TikTok following.
• Song promotions. You can promote songs through your videos to make money on TikTok. Record labels can pay you to use their tracks in your dancing videos if you are a good dancer with a large following.
• Sponsored content. Whether you are a micro or mega influencer, sponsored content creates a significant opportunity to earn money on TikTok. The sponsor will pay you to create content promoting their products.
• Brand ambassadors. As a brand ambassador, you create awareness about the company's products. The main difference between a brand ambassador and an influencer is that the former is hired by a company in the long term. They often have exclusive deals with the brand. They can be paid using different models, such as free products, affiliate marketing, or a long-term agreement.

On top of the above, creators also get creative and look for ways to earn money with their TikTok accounts. Some standard methods they use include selling products through a TikTok shop, affiliate marketing, and publishing sponsored content. Therefore, creators have a lot of leeway on how to earn money on TikTok. However, this isn't the case with people watching videos. So, is it possible to earn money by watching videos on TikTok?

How to Earn Money Watching TikTok Videos

While there isn't a direct way, there are indirect ways you can watch videos and get paid. Here are the standard ways you can make money indirectly by watching TikTok videos:

TheTikTok Referral Program

TikTok has an in-app reward program that rewards users for watching videos. Through the program, you are paid to invite people to the app. However, one of the requirements is that the new user watches videos on the app. The videos to be watched are to be accessed through the activity page.

However, it's important to note that video activities are usually time-bound. Therefore, new users should watch within a specific time frame for both parties to be eligible to earn the reward. Once you earn your rewards, you can redeem them for actual money. You can even redeem them for coupons or mobile top-ups in certain countries.

To start earning through the TikTok referral program, copy the link on your profile. You should then share it with your family and friends who aren't yet on Tiktok. If they join the program, you are given a reward. Once you have accumulated enough rewards, you can redeem them.

Join Third-party Reward Programs

Several websites and apps have reward programs for people who watch their videos. Such platforms usually partner with advertising platforms and share some of the revenue with the viewers. Some may ask you to comment on their videos, while others will pay you based on the number of videos you've watched.

Two of the most popular ways of earning money through this method are Coinbase and Swagbucks. However, more apps are coming up with better earning opportunities. While these apps don't pay much, they can add up to a reasonable amount over time. After all, it's better than watching videos for free.

Participate in Paid Surveys

Market research companies are out there searching for feedback on ads, trends, products, and more. Such companies usually pay people to watch short TikTok videos and answer their survey questions. You can join a survey site like respondent.io to earn money through this method. If there are TikTok survey opportunities, you will be notified.

You can be given tasks such as watching a new product ad or giving your opinion. You may also be required to view a viral campaign ad or discuss reactions. While these sites don't pay much, they can be a good way of earning a few coins. Again, you need to be careful, as many scam sites claim to offer such earning opportunities. Therefore, do your research before you join such a program.

Learn a Money-earning Skill

TikTok is a popular platform in nearly every niche, and you can watch videos that you can use to make money. For instance, you can become an expert if you watch many gardening videos. You can then use those skills to start your landscaping career. Similarly, watching forex trading content can teach you the skills to start trading and make money.

How to Choose the Right TikTok Earning Method

Whether you want to earn by watching videos or as a creator, there are several factors to consider when searching for a TikTok earning method. These are:

• Your goal. What exactly do you want to achieve on the platform? Is it to promote your brand, earn money, or enjoy watching videos?
• Your following. How many followers do you have? You can consider earning money by making videos if you have a large following. But you can consider earning as a viewer if you have no following.
• Niche. Some niches offer more money-making opportunities when compared to others. For instance, you can consider song promotion as a earning method for dancing videos.

FAQs on Making Money Watching TikTok Videos

How much does TikTok pay per video view?

It is estimated that TikTok pays two to four cents for 100 views. However, this depends on different factors, such as your location.

How can I turn my TikTok views into money?

You can use different methods, such as selling merchandise to your followers and offering premium paid content.

How many followers do you need to make money on TikTok?

It depends on the method you want to use to make money. The TikTok creator funds require that you have at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 video views in the last 30 days.

How does TikTok calculate the creator fund?

The amount that creators earn on the TikTok creator fund depends on different factors, such as the number of views, engagement level, and the authenticity of views.

Final Thoughts

TikTok offers a unique way for users to make money. Whether you are a creator or a video viewer, there is an earning method for you. However, it's important to note that the easiest way to earn money on TikTok is as a creator. If you want to earn money by watching videos, such opportunities are very few. Besides, there are many scam sites promising earning potential but will not pay you. Therefore, we recommend getting your phone camera rolling and shooting TikTok videos to earn money. You can also read our guide on why TikTok shifted from creator support to a creative program.