15 ways to make money on TikTok in Canada

TikTok is one of the world’s fastest-growing social media platforms, with over 14.8 million users in Canada. And while it’s a platform you can use to express yourself by creating and sharing short videos, you can also use TikTok to make money.

Is it worth using TikTok to make money in Canada?

Making money on TikTok in Canada could be worth your while, but there’s no guarantee of success.

In a crowded market, it can be hard to stand out from the competition. It’s also worth pointing out that some monetization opportunities, like the TikTok Creator Rewards Program, are not available to users in Canada. As a result, TikTok has a less than favourable reputation as a money-making platform for Canadian content creators compared to other social media channels.

But there are ways to make money on TikTok in Canada, even if it means you don’t get paid directly through the platform. Check out your options below.

1. Work with artists

How much you can make: Earning rate varies depending on the campaign.
How it works: TikTok’s Work With Artists program allows you to collaborate with music artists. When you use an artist’s music in your content, you can get paid based on the views and level of engagement your video receives. You can find the latest Work With Artists campaigns in the “Creator Tools” section of the app.

• What to watch out for

  • Campaigns may be sporadic. There may not always be Work With Artists campaigns available to participate in.
  • Slow payments. Some Reddit users complain about slow payments through the Work With Artists program.
  • Follower requirements. You’ll need to have at least 1,000 followers to qualify for the Work With Artists program.

• Tips to succeed

  • Think outside the box. Tap into how the song in question makes you feel to create unique content. Try something new and unconventional to help your content stand out.
  • Match audio to video. Excellent editing skills are a plus to help you ensure that your audio and video content are perfectly in sync.

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2. Affiliate marketing

How much you can make: Earnings can range from $0 to thousands of dollars.
How it works: You use your TikTok content to promote the products of different brands. When your viewers use the affiliate link you provide and make a purchase, you receive a commission.

• What to watch out for

  • Competitive market. There are many creators vying for attention on TikTok, so it’s hard to stand out from the crowd.
  • Target market. TikTok users are generally quite young, so it may not be a suitable platform if you’re marketing products targeted at older demographics.
  • Content guidelines. You’ll need to make sure your affiliate marketing campaign doesn’t breach TikTok’s content guidelines.

• Tips to succeed

  • Find your niche. From pet products to workout gear, focus on a subject area that you’re passionate and knowledgeable about.
  • Be selective. Only partner with brands and products you trust and that you use yourself. This will boost your authenticity.

3. Create effects

How much you can make: Up to US$14,000 per effect.
How it works: Use Effect House to create engaging and interactive TikTok effects. If the effect you create goes viral, in return you’ll earn Effect Creator Rewards.

• What to watch out for

  • Eligibility criteria. You’ll need to be a Gold, Platinum, or Diamond Badge creator, with at least 5 effects published and 3 effects used in 1,000 qualified videos, to qualify for Effect Creator Rewards.
  • Minimum requirements. Your effect will need to reach 100,000 unique public video publications for you to start earning rewards.
  • Desktop only. Effects created on your smartphone aren’t eligible for rewards—you’ll need to use the Effect House desktop tool.

• Tips to succeed

  • Check what’s popular. Spend time browsing content from your favourite creators and your target audience to find out which effects are trending.
  • Promote your effect. Use your effect in your own content to spread the word about what you’ve created and how it can be used, and to help build a bigger following.
  • Keep it simple. The most popular effects are easy to use, so avoid complicated user interfaces and keep it simple.

4. Collect tips

How much you can make: Small change, but it could add up.
How it works: Depending on the number of followers you have, you may be able to turn on TikTok’s tipping feature and collect tips from users. Alternatively, you can accept TikTok Gifts from viewers, or you can link out to other tipping platforms like Buy Me A Coffee.

• What to watch out for

  • Not going to make you rich. Tips might provide you with a little extra money, but they’re unlikely to provide a large income stream.
  • Virtual gifts. If you’re accepting virtual TikTok Gifts, you’ll need to work out how much they’re worth in fiat currency.

• Tips to succeed

  • Post consistently. Focus on growing your fanbase and tips will naturally follow, so provide consistent content for your viewers to engage and interact with.
  • Be authentic. TikTok users can spot a fake from a million miles away, so don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. Let your real personality and voice shine through to build a bigger following.

5. Sell your own merch

How much you can make: Depends on what you’re selling.
How it works: TikTok’s Shop feature isn’t currently available in Canada, but you can still use the platform to drive sales of your own merchandise. Print-on-demand companies make it easy to design and sell your own T-shirts, hats, phone cases, tote bags and so much more.

• What to watch out for

  • You’ll need an established following. You will need to establish a loyal fanbase before you can start selling merch.
  • You lose some control. You’ll need to rely on a third-party print-on-demand provider to produce quality products and ship them in a timely manner.
  • Customer support. You’ll also need to contend with customer returns, refunds and exchanges.

• Tips to succeed

  • Build your brand. You’ll need a highly recognizable brand as a content creator to be able to market your own products, so focus on developing a unique identity on TikTok.
  • Find the right supplier. Research a print-on-demand company thoroughly to make sure they’re reputable, and order product samples before deciding on the best provider.
  • Create innovative designs. Unique, eye-catching and bold designs are key to ensure that your merch is in high demand.

6. Launch a crowdfunding campaign

How much you can make: Varies.
How it works: TikTok offers a very useful platform for spreading awareness about a fundraising project. You can use the content you create to generate support for your cause and encourage viewers to donate to your campaign.

• What to watch out for

  • Over-selling. You’ll need to ensure that you focus on creating engaging content for viewers rather than simply begging them for donations.
  • Platform fees. Check what fees the crowdfunding platform charges and how they’ll affect your campaign.

• Tips to succeed

  • Use a reputable crowdfunding platform. Use a legit crowdfunding platform such as Kickstarter, Indiegogo or GoFundMe to set up your campaign.
  • Take advantage of trends. The TikTok algorithm prioritizes trending content, so use current trends to gain exposure for your campaign.
  • Use multiple social media channels. Promote your campaign across multiple social media platforms, not just TikTok, for increased exposure.

7. Become a TikTok consultant

How much you can make: Varies depending on your level of experience, but your rates could be anywhere from $50 an hour and up.
How it works: TikTok can be a highly effective promotional and marketing tool for brands, but many businesses don’t know how to get the most out of the platform. If you’re an experienced creator, you can make money by offering your services as a TikTok marketing consultant for businesses.

• What to watch out for

  • Algorithm updates. TikTok’s algorithm is constantly updating, so you’ll need to stay up to date with the latest changes to provide relevant advice and services to your clients.
  • Increasingly competitive. As more businesses become aware of the promotional potential of TikTok, a wide range of creators are offering their services as consultants.

• Tips to succeed

  • Build your following. You’ll need to be able to point to your own large fanbase on TikTok as an example of your skills and nous.
  • Share educational content. Share educational posts and tips on how brands can gain exposure on TikTok—this will provide businesses with a snapshot of the expertise they can access when they engage your services.
  • Stay up to date. Trends and features on TikTok are constantly changing, so make sure you’re up to date with the latest developments.

8. Create a TikTok Series

How much you can make: From US$0.99 to US$189.99.
How it works: TikTok Series allow you to create premium video content behind a paywall. This exclusive content features videos ranging from 30 seconds to 20 minutes in length, and you can add up to 80 videos in a Series. Viewers then pay to access your Series.

• What to watch out for

  • Eligibility requirements. You’ll need to have at least 10,000 followers to be eligible to create a Series.
  • Pricing. Research what rates other creators are charging for similar content so that you don’t price yourself out of the market.

• Tips to succeed

  • Build an audience first. You’ll need to establish a loyal following and a reputation for providing quality content before you can ask viewers to pay to watch any of your videos.
  • Tell a story. Create engaging content to take your viewers on a journey, such as a character-driven narrative or maybe a month-long weight-loss challenge.
  • Promote your series. Provide a free trailer or introductory episode to entice viewers to watch your Series.

9. Create courses

How much you can make: Varies.
How it works: If you have skills or knowledge in a specific area, you can create an online course and market it on TikTok. You can use your TikTok videos to give viewers a taste of the things they’ll learn when they take your course. Your course could be about anything—digital marketing, health and fitness, or even how to make money on TikTok.

• What to watch out for

  • Time and effort. There’s a significant investment of time and effort required to create an online course.
  • Competitive. You’ll need high-quality course content to be able to stand out in a competitive market.

• Tips to succeed

  • Find a niche. Find a niche market where your unique knowledge will help make your content highly sought after.
  • Make it interactive. Incorporate interactive elements like quizzes and gamification into your course to help make it fun and engaging.
  • Consider paid ads. If you need to reach a wider audience, you might want to run a paid ad campaign on TikTok.

10. Partner with brands

How much you can make: Varies depending on the project. Payment model can be base pay only, revenue share only, or a combination of both.
How it works: TikTok One is designed to make it easy for you to connect with brands that are willing to pay for sponsored content. It combines features that were previously available in TikTok Creative Challenge and TikTok Creator Marketplace. Once you’ve signed up for TikTok One, you can apply for available projects. Advertisers can also invite you to participate in a project.

• What to watch out for

  • Geographic restrictions. Brands can only pay creators registered in the same region as their business on TikTok One.
  • Review process. Once you upload a video for a project, it will need to go through advertiser and platform review, so changes may be requested.
  • Limits apply. There are weekly limits to the number of applications you can submit for projects.

• Tips to succeed

  • Read instructions closely. Check the requirements for a project carefully to ensure that you hit the brief perfectly each time.
  • Track your progress. Once your video is running as a post, you can tap “View analytics” to see how it is performing and refine your strategy for future projects.
  • Specialize. By focusing on a specific niche and building a large base of followers, you’ll be more likely to attract project invitations from brands.

11. Promote your business

How much you can make: Varies.
How it works: It’s not a direct money-making opportunity, but you can use TikTok to promote your business and generate sales. By sharing educational videos, client testimonials, expert knowledge and specialist tips, you can boost the profile of your business and attract new customers.

• What to watch out for

  • Younger demographic. TikTok’s user base is skewed towards a younger demographic, so make sure you know what your brand’s target audience is.
  • Time commitment. The investment of time required to create engaging and popular content can prove difficult for small businesses.
  • Limited features. You’ll find more detailed analytics and performance insights on other social media platforms.

• Tips to succeed

  • Knowledge is power. Sharing free tips or expert knowledge about a specialist subject is a great way to increase your following and generate exposure for your business.
  • Create a TikTok Business Account. With a TikTok Business Account, you can access analytics and performance insights to refine your promotional strategy, plus access a range of tools to help you create more engaging content.
  • Take advantage of trends. Stay up to date with the latest TikTok trends, and use them in your content to increase exposure for your brand.

12. Offer TikTok Shoutouts

How much you can make: Rates start at the equivalent of a few dollars per Shoutout but vary depending on how many followers you have.
How it works: Shoutouts are personalized messages you can create for other TikTok users. When a user requests a Shoutout Video from you which you then create, you’ll be paid the amount you specify as your Shoutout rate.

• What to watch out for

  • Coins. You’ll be paid in TikTok Coins, which can be used to access or activate other virtual items or services on TikTok, but which cannot be exchanged for cash.
  • Not going to make you rich. Shoutouts are unlikely to be a huge money spinner but rather a way to earn a little extra income.

• Tips to succeed

  • Research rates. Check what other creators with a similar fanbase are charging for their Shoutouts.
  • Be authentic and add a personal touch. Strengthen the connection with your followers by being yourself in Shoutouts and personalizing the message to suit each person.

13. Sell subscriptions

How much you can make: Subscription prices range from US$2.99 to US$99.99 per month. According to the TikTok website, “after app store fees, TikTok splits the revenue up to 50/50 with you.”
How it works: Use TikTok to create your own Subscription Community. When your viewers and followers sign up for a subscription, they can access exclusive videos, members-only TikTok LIVEs, special badges and other customizable perks.

• What to watch out for

  • Converting followers to subscribers. When users can already access plenty of your content for free, it can be difficult to convince them to switch over to a paid subscription.
  • Exchange rates. TikTok users will pay the subscription fee in their local currency, so if you have a global following, consider exchange rates when setting your prices.

• Tips to succeed

  • Make it unique. Think carefully about how you’ll make it worth a follower’s while to sign up for a subscription. What unique features and experiences will you offer to justify the price tag?
  • Offer discounts. Promoting products that you sell outside of TikTok? Give subscribers a discount to help generate sales.
  • Don’t over-promote subscriptions. While you can use your free content to promote subscriptions, don’t overdo it—if your viewers feel like you’re constantly trying to pressure them into signing up, they’ll keep on scrolling.

14. Create user-generated content

How much you can make: Rates start at approximately $100 per video.
How it works: User-generated content (UGC) is content created by real people rather than brands or their ambassadors. Once you build a TikTok profile where you share product reviews, unboxing videos and product demos, you’ll develop a loyal follower base. You can then pitch to brands looking to increase their social media footprint with authentic content.

• What to watch out for

  • Time commitment. Becoming a UGC creator takes plenty of time and effort.
  • Pitching. You’ll need to feel comfortable cold contacting brands and pitching your services, particularly when you’re first starting out.
  • Competition. Expect plenty of competition from other UGC creators when trying to make a name for yourself.

• Tips to succeed

  • Build your portfolio. You’ll need to take the time to develop a portfolio of quality content before pitching to brands.
  • Be genuine. Be yourself and offer genuine feedback on products—brands want someone who is authentic.
  • It’s all about the pitch. Don’t just use a template for your pitches, but take the time to personalize your approach to each different brand.

15. Join TikTok’s Creative Exchange

How much you can make: Varies.
How it works: TikTok’s Creative Exchange provides a platform for advertisers to connect with content creators and creative agencies. Register your services on the exchange to qualify for content creation projects and campaigns. Once your work has been submitted and approved, you’ll be paid by the advertiser.

• What to watch out for

  • Competition. You’ll be competing against large creative agencies, so it can be hard to make your services stand out.

• Tips to succeed

  • Check the brief closely. If you’re matched with an advertiser, check the brief details closely and communicate directly with the client to make sure you know exactly what the project requires.
  • Take feedback on board. Once you’ve submitted your content, collaborate with the advertiser to complete your finished product. Incorporate their feedback to ensure that you hit the brief perfectly.

What are fast, easy ways to make money on TikTok in Canada?

Making money on TikTok in Canada takes time and effort. Canadian content creators don’t have access to the full range of monetization options available to TikTok users in other countries — most notably the Creator Rewards Program and TikTok Shop—so don’t expect to be able to use the platform to get rich quick.

Instead, focus on building a loyal fanbase and working out the best way to turn that into a money-making opportunity. That could mean promoting your business to generate sales, selling subscriptions or even pitching your services to brands who are willing to pay for sponsored posts.

What are the best ways to make money on TikTok?

There’s no single “best” way to make money on TikTok in Canada for all content creators. The most lucrative option for you will depend on factors such as the type of content you create, your personal brand and your target audience.

For some influencers, partnering with brands for sponsored posts is the best way to make money. For others the best choice could be using TikTok as a platform to promote your business, sell merchandise or sell subscriptions.

Ultimately, there will probably be a bit of trial and error involved until you sort out what works best for you.

Frequently asked questions

• Can you get paid through TikTok in Canada?

  Yes, you can get paid through TikTok in Canada. Although the TikTok Creator Rewards Program is not available in Canada, there are several ways to make money through the social media platform. These include selling products, creating TikTok Series, partnering with brands for sponsored posts and collecting tips from viewers.

• How many views do you need to make money on TikTok Canada?

  There's no specific minimum number of views required to make money on TikTok in Canada. That's because the Creator Rewards Program, which pays rewards based on the number of views your content receives, is not available in Canada.

• Does TikTok have a referral program?

  Yes, but it's not available in Canada. TikTok Rewards is the platform's referral program, but it's only available to citizens of Indonesia, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Egypt, Japan and Korea.

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Leanne Escobal as part of our fact-checking process.

Written by

Tim Falk

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Tim Falk is a freelance writer for Finder. Over the course of his 20-year writing career, he has reported on a wide range of personal finance topics. Whether you're investing in stocks and ETFs, comparing savings accounts or choosing a credit card, Tim wants to make it easier for you to understand. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors. See full bio

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