He showed how the TikTok Creator Fund works
Behind the Screen: How Much Do TikTok Creators Really Make?
For many of us, the idea of earning money through social media sounds like a dream job. But just how much do TikTok creators actually make for viral content? A YouTuber known as Howfinity recently pulled back the curtain on the TikTok Creator Fund, sharing the earnings from one of his viral videos that hit one million views.
With over 975,000 subscribers on YouTube, Howfinity is a creator specializing in tech tutorials and social media tips. In one of his videos, he shared the details of his TikTok earnings, providing insight into how the platform compensates its creators.
What Is the TikTok Creator Fund and How Do You Qualify?
The TikTok Creator Fund is a program that pays creators for their content, but not everyone qualifies. To join, you need to meet these basic requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have at least 10,000 followers.
- Accumulate 100,000 views in the past 30 days.
- Consistently post original content that adheres to TikTok’s community guidelines.
Once accepted, creators can start earning money, with earnings tied to video performance. The program also allows creators to track their analytics on the TikTok app or website.
The Numbers Breakdown: How Much Did He Earn?
In his tutorial, Howfinity revealed he gained 3.9 million views in the first week after creating his TikTok account. However, only 1.2 million of those views were monetized since the other 2.7 million occurred before he joined the Creator Fund.
For those 1.2 million views, Howfinity earned a total of $36.64 over five days. The earnings breakdown looked like this:
- Day 1: $6.09
- Day 2: $23.14 (one video went viral)
- Day 3: $3.50
- Day 4: $2.80
- Day 5: $1.11
Despite the initial excitement, the earnings left many viewers unimpressed, especially given the effort required to create and promote viral content.
The Harsh Reality of TikTok Fame
Howfinity acknowledged that earning directly from TikTok might not be lucrative, but he highlighted the platform’s potential for creators to drive traffic to other ventures, such as YouTube channels, products, or services.
The low payout sparked surprise among viewers. One user commented, “TikTok seems better for promoting your brand than actually making money unless you’re one of the big creators.” Another added, “I better not quit my day job.”
Some joked about the minimal earnings, with one remarking, “You’re better off flipping burgers. At least you’d make more.”
TikTok Earnings vs. Other Platforms
It’s not just TikTok that offers modest payouts. Platforms like YouTube Shorts have also been criticized for low earnings. While creators can gain massive exposure through these platforms, monetization remains challenging unless paired with sponsorships or additional revenue streams.
Should You Aim for TikTok Fame?
For aspiring creators, the lesson from Howfinity’s experience is clear: TikTok alone might not make you rich, but it can serve as a powerful tool for building an audience and promoting your brand. While the TikTok Creator Fund pays surprisingly little, the platform’s ability to generate viral moments can open doors to other opportunities.
Ultimately, making it big on social media requires a strategic approach—leveraging multiple platforms, engaging audiences, and exploring diverse income streams.