TikTok isn’t just about trends and memes anymore. For many creators, those short clips turned into income streams through ads, brand deals, and fan support. And now, crypto opens even more doors, giving them new ways to earn directly without intermediary and with global reach.
Let’s break down how it works and who’s already doing it.
TikTok creators have several ways to earn money, starting with the Creator Rewards Program — a TikTok’s version of a fund for longer, high-engagement videos. Creators with at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 views in the past month can apply and earn roughly $0.40 to $1 per 1,000 views, so a video with 500,000 views might bring in $200–$500.
Beyond that, creators monetize through TikTok Shop, where they tag products and earn affiliate commissions, and TikTok Live, where fans send virtual gifts that convert into cash. Features like Series (exclusive content) and subscriptions also help influencers deepen engagement and income.
These tools give creators a baseline — good money for putting in work and engaging fans. But with crypto, there’s a chance to go even further.
Blockchain technology and crypto open more than one way of monetizing TikTok content:
Creators can team up with NFT artists or collections to show limited editions, for example, with unboxing or mint alerts that drive interest. NFTs also come with creator royalties, earning creators a slice every time their media sells again.
For instance, Khaby Lame, TikTok’s most-followed creator, has worked with digital fashion drops and brands. And while this wasn’t for NFT or crypto projects, his reach makes him a prime candidate for NFT campaigns.
Affiliate programs pay creators when followers sign up via their links. TikTok supports affiliate links through shoppable videos and bios. Crypto services, like wallets, exchanges, or betting platforms, offer affiliate deals too.
For instance, an influencer could review an app with in-play crypto bets if they create sports or iGaming content. Drop an affiliate code, and earn commissions whenever someone places their first bet.
TikTok is full of short explainer videos, from Web3 breakdowns to project overviews. For example, a person who runs a “Crypto 101” series can cut beginner-friendly shorts. High demand, easy to make, and perfect for monetizing via affiliate links and crypto tips.
Some of the influencers are already on this trek: Crypto Mason has 1.5 million followers, and CryptoCita reached over 730,000 followers, and they both focus on crypto education that earns them trust and millions of views.
Beyond NFTs, affiliate links, and educational content, creators have several ways to monetize with crypto on TikTok.
Sure, these methods lead followers from TikTok to other platforms, but they are as effective as monetizing from views on short videos, especially with the convenience of blockchain and crypto transactions.
Crypto gives creators a way to go beyond the usual without much extra work. NFTs, affiliate deals, explainer videos, viral challenges, and tokenized access all open fresh income doors. The trick is staying genuine and pushing content that fits your voice and audience. When done right, crypto isn’t hype but a smarter monetization method in 2025 and beyond.