5 Steps to Joining the TikTok Creativity Program

Ever wondered how to turn your TikTok hobby into something that actually pays? You’re not alone. The TikTok Creativity Program has become a hot topic for creators looking to monetise their content—but figuring out how to join can feel like a mystery.

Step 1: Are You Eligible for the Tiktok Creativity Program?

Before you get too excited, let’s get the basics out of the way. The TikTok Creativity Program isn’t a free-for-all—you’ve got to meet a few requirements first:

• Age: You need to be at least 18. If you’re underage, file this away for later—your time will come.

• Followers: TikTok typically wants you to have around 10,000 followers. If you’re not there yet, don’t panic—everyone starts somewhere.

• Views: You’ll also need a minimum of 100,000 views in the last 30 days. Time to dig into your analytics and see where you stand.

  
  

  I’ll admit, when I first checked if I was eligible, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. It’s like waiting to see if your favourite trainer’s gone on sale—it could go either way. But here’s the thing: even if you don’t meet the criteria now, that doesn’t mean you never will. Stay consistent, and those numbers will grow.

Step 2: Switch to a Pro Account

Still using a personal TikTok account? It’s time to switch gears. A Pro account is a must if you’re serious about joining the TikTok Creativity Program.

Here’s how you do it:

1. Open TikTok and head to Settings and Privacy.

2. Tap Manage Account and select Switch to Business Account.

3. Follow the prompts, and voilà—you’re officially Pro.

   
   

Why bother? Because Pro accounts unlock analytics—a treasure trove of data that shows who’s watching your videos, when they’re watching, and what they’re loving (or skipping). It’s like having a map for your content strategy.

Quick tip: Don’t obsess over the numbers. I remember refreshing my stats every hour when I first switched. It’s tempting, but trust me, you’ll save your sanity by checking once or twice a week instead.

Step 3: Create Content That Works

Here’s the part where the rubber meets the road: creating content. And not just any content—TikTok wants high-quality, engaging videos that keep people watching.

But what does “high-quality” actually mean? It’s not about expensive gear or a full production team. You just need:

• Decent lighting (a ring light works wonders).

• Clear audio (no one wants to strain their ears).

• A hook that grabs attention in the first three seconds.

  
  

For example, instead of filming your cat sleeping (again), try this:“Ever wondered what cats dream about? Let me show you what mine gets up to when I’m not looking...”

It’s all about making people curious enough to stick around.

Pro tip: Engagement is king. Ask questions, add captions, or even throw in a bit of humour. When I started doing this, my comments section blew up—and so did my watch time.

Step 4: Apply for the TikTok Creativity Program

Alright, now that you’ve got your content game on point, it’s time to apply. This step is straightforward, but it can feel a bit like sending your CV to your dream job—exciting, but nerve-wracking.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open TikTok and go to the Creator Portal.

2. If you’re eligible, you’ll see an option to join the TikTok Creativity Program.

3. Tap it, fill in your details, and hit submit.

   
   

   Then... you wait. TikTok reviews your application, which can take a few days. If you’re anything like me, you’ll check your email 10 times a day hoping for a “Congratulations!” message. But hey, patience is part of the process.

   
   

   While you’re waiting, keep creating. Think of it as your audition—show TikTok you’re serious about this.

   
   
   
   

Step 5: Start Earning

Congrats, you’re in! Now the real fun begins. The TikTok Creativity Program pays you based on your video performance, but let’s set some realistic expectations—it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme.

Here’s how it works:

• Payments depend on views, engagement, and content quality.

• Most creators start small (think a few pounds or dollars per video), but as your account grows, so does your earning potential.

Want to maximise your earnings?

• Consistency is key: Post regularly to keep your audience engaged.

• Experiment: Try different styles, trends, and niches to see what resonates.

• Cross-promote: Share your TikToks on Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and even Pinterest to reach more people.

The first time I saw money in my account, I won’t lie—I squealed a little. It wasn’t much, but it felt like proof that all those late-night editing sessions were worth it.

Joining the TikTok Creativity Program isn’t for everyone. If you’re already creating content regularly and love the process, it’s a no-brainer. But if you’re just in it for the cash, you might find yourself frustrated.

Here’s the thing: TikTok rewards passion. The creators who succeed are the ones who genuinely enjoy making videos, connecting with their audience, and experimenting with new ideas. The money? That’s just a bonus.