TikTok Creativity Program: Eligibility, working, & payouts

How can TikTok creators earn more from their content? Many have struggled with low payouts despite racking up millions of TikTok views. To tackle this, TikTok introduced the Creator Rewards Program, now known as the TikTok Creativity Program designed to offer better earning opportunities for creators. This program rewards originality, longer videos, and content that keeps viewers engaged. It’s a clear shift toward encouraging quality over quantity.

But does it really help creators earn more? And what does it take to qualify? In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the TikTok Creativity Program, from eligibility requirements to how it works and what kind of payouts creators can expect.

What is the TikTok Creator Rewards Program?

TikTok launched the Creator Rewards Program to replace the discontinued Creator Fund. The new program focuses on rewarding creators for producing engaging, high-quality content. To qualify, videos must be over one minute long, promoting more substantial storytelling. Monetization now considers factors like originality, watch time, search value, and audience engagement.

Also Read: Instagram monetization: Make money with Instagram in 2025

Short-form content remains popular, but TikTok is shifting towards longer, more immersive videos. The new structure aims to increase creator earnings by prioritizing valuable interactions. Videos must reach at least 1,000 qualified views to generate earnings. A qualified view lasts at least five seconds and isn’t marked as “not interested” by viewers.

Unlike the previous fund, which had fixed payouts, the Creator Rewards Program adjusts earnings based on engagement. Creators can now earn more by focusing on content that drives discussions, shares, and repeat views. The program operates in select countries, with expansion plans underway. More details on eligibility and payouts follow.

TikTok Creativity Program: Eligibility, working, & payouts

TikTok Creator Rewards Program requirements

Creators must meet specific requirements before joining the TikTok Creator Rewards Program. The platform enforces guidelines to ensure participants produce original, high-quality content. Eligibility extends to select countries, and accounts must adhere to TikTok’s community standards. The program rewards creators who consistently engage audiences through longer videos.

Creators must meet the following criteria:

• Age requirement: Must be at least 18 (or 19 in South Korea).
• Location: Account must be registered in an eligible country.
• Account type: Only personal accounts qualify; business, political, and government accounts are ineligible.
• Account status: Must be in good standing with no history of guideline violations.
• Follower count: A minimum of 10,000 followers is required.
• Video views: Must have accumulated at least 100,000 video views in the last 30 days.
• Content standards: Videos must be at least one minute long and meet originality requirements.

TikTok Creativity Program beta countries

The program is available in select regions, with potential for expansion. Current eligible countries include:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• France
• Brazil
• Japan
• South Korea

Videos must also follow additional guidelines after program acceptance. Violations, including engagement fraud, unauthorized content manipulation, or misleading information, may result in removal. Content must not contain advertisements, false information, or copyrighted material beyond permitted use.

Videos require at least 1,000 qualified views to earn rewards. Qualified views must be from the For You feed, last at least five seconds, and not be marked as “not interested.” Engagement factors such as likes, comments, and shares also influence payouts.

How to join the TikTok Creator Rewards Program

Creators must apply through the TikTok app to join the program. The process ensures applicants meet all eligibility requirements before gaining access to rewards. Applications typically receive responses within three days.

Steps to apply:

• Open the TikTok App and tap Profile at the bottom of the screen to access the ☰ (Menu) button at the top right.

• Select TikTok Studio from the options.

• Scroll down and tap the ‘Creator Rewards Program’.

• Review the eligibility criteria before proceeding.
• Submit the application. Ensure account information, including region and follower count, meets requirements.
• Wait for approval. TikTok reviews applications within approximately three days.
• A notification will confirm acceptance or provide an option to appeal if rejected.

Key points to remember

• Age verification is based on the birth date entered at account creation.
• Account standing is reviewed for compliance with TikTok’s guidelines.
• Appeals can be submitted within 30 days if an application is rejected.
• Reapplication is allowed after 30 days if eligibility is later met.

Creators who join must comply with TikTok’s policies at all times. Violations, including fraudulent engagement tactics or repeated guideline breaches, may result in removal. Accounts involved in content manipulation, including artificially increasing views or followers, are subject to penalties.

How much does the TikTok Creativity Program pay?

TikTok’s Creator Rewards Program offers a new payout model based on engagement, replacing the Creator Fund’s fixed-rate system. Instead of a flat rate per 1,000 views, creators now earn based on qualified views, audience retention, and interaction levels. Payments fluctuate depending on content performance, rewarding creators whose videos attract more engaged viewers.

Payout structure

The Creator Rewards Program calculates earnings using Revenue Per Mille (RPM), which refers to revenue per 1,000 qualified views. Unlike the Creator Fund, which had a static and often low payout, the new program adjusts earnings dynamically.

• Base RPM range: Earnings typically range between $4.00 to $8.00 per 1,000 views.
• Variable earnings: For a video with 1 million views, earnings can fall anywhere between $100 to $600.
• High-performance payouts: Some high-engagement videos surpass $1,000 per million views, depending on retention and interaction levels.

Higher RPM rates are given to videos that meet TikTok’s quality benchmarks, including originality and audience retention.

Factors influencing earnings

TikTok calculates earnings based on multiple metrics beyond simple view counts. The most critical factors include:

• Play duration

Videos with higher watch times generate better payouts. TikTok prioritizes content that holds viewers’ attention for extended periods, ensuring they interact with the platform longer. Videos under one minute do not qualify for earnings.

• Engagement rate

Likes, shares, comments, and saves increase revenue potential. TikTok’s algorithm values videos encouraging audience participation, making them eligible for higher payouts. Videos with higher interaction rates will likely be recommended to broader audiences.

• Search value

Videos matching trending topics or having strong SEO-friendly elements, such as popular hashtags and optimized captions, tend to generate better rewards. Content that ranks well in search results can attract continuous views over time.

• Originality

TikTok rewards videos that demonstrate creativity and uniqueness. Content copied from others, including Duets, Stitches, or repurposed clips with minimal modifications, does not qualify for monetization. The platform prioritizes creators who produce fresh, high-quality content.

Qualified views and payment criteria

A qualified view is a unique video from the For You feed that meets TikTok’s engagement standards. Views that fail to meet the minimum criteria do not contribute to earnings. 

Qualified views must:

• Last at least five seconds.
• Come from unique viewers (multiple views from the same user count only once).
• Not be disliked or marked as “not interested.”
• Exclude paid promotions and boosted views.

A video must receive at least 1,000 qualified views before generating payouts.

Payment processing

TikTok processes payments through PayPal via Hyperwallet, ensuring secure transactions for eligible creators.

• Minimum withdrawal: Creators can withdraw earnings once they reach USD 50 or its local currency equivalent.
• Monthly payout schedule: Payments are disbursed on the 15th of each month.
• Balance expiration: The balance is forfeited if earnings remain unclaimed for two years.

Payment amounts may fluctuate due to exchange rates and third-party transaction fees. Creators should regularly check their balances to ensure they withdraw funds before expiration.

TikTok Creativity Program vs. TikTok Creator Fund

Monetization on TikTok has changed significantly over the years. The TikTok Creator Fund was launched in 2020 to reward content creators for their contributions. However, many creators were dissatisfied with the low payouts and unclear payment structure. To address concerns, TikTok introduced the Creativity Program 2023, offering improved earnings for eligible videos.

Comparing the TikTok Creativity Program with the TikTok Creator Fund highlights several key differences. The new program focuses on longer-form content, provides higher earnings potential, and applies a different payout model. Understanding how both programs operate helps creators decide which option aligns best with their content strategy.

1. Content requirements

The most significant difference between the two programs is the content length requirement.

• The Creator Fund rewarded all videos, regardless of length, as long as they met engagement and view count thresholds.
• The Creativity Program only monetizes videos over one minute long, encouraging more in-depth and engaging storytelling.

TikTok’s shift toward longer videos suggests an effort to compete with platforms like YouTube, where retention plays a major role in revenue generation. Short videos remain popular, but longer content offers better monetization under the new system.

Impact on creators:

Creators accustomed to short-form videos must adjust their content strategy to qualify for the Creativity Program. Adapting to longer video formats can be beneficial, especially for creators producing educational, story-driven, or tutorial-style content.

2. Payout structure

Earnings in both programs depend on views, engagement, and content performance. However, the Creativity Program uses a higher revenue-per-thousand-views (RPM) model, while the Creator Fund operates with a fixed budget. 

• The Creator Fund started with a $200 million budget, with TikTok promising to expand it to $1 billion over three years. Payments depended on the fund’s total pool size and the number of eligible creators.
• The Creativity Program does not have a fixed pool of funds. Instead, creators earn a dynamic RPM based on video performance.

Payout Estimates:

Program	Earnings Per 1,000 Views (RPM)	Earnings Per 1 Million Views
Creator Fund	$0.20 – $0.40	$200 – $400
Creativity Program	$4.00 – $8.00	$400 – $1,000+

The Creativity Program offers up to 20 times higher payouts, addressing one of the Creator Fund’s biggest criticisms.

Impact on creators:

Higher payouts benefit creators who are willing to produce longer, high-engagement videos. Short-form creators may need to rethink their approach to maximize earnings under the new system.

3. Payment calculation

Earnings under both programs depend on views and engagement, but the Creativity Program refines the calculation process. 

• The Creator Fund determined payouts using several views, authenticity, and engagement rates. TikTok never revealed specific formulas, frustrating creators who saw inconsistent earnings.
• The Creativity Program uses a qualified view model. Videos must reach at least 1,000 qualified views before generating earnings. A qualified view lasts at least five seconds and is not marked as “not interested” by viewers.

The Creativity Program also considers play duration, originality, and search value when determining payouts.

Impact on creators:

Creators need to ensure high audience retention and engagement to increase earnings. Under the new model, low-quality or recycled content is unlikely to perform well.

4. Eligibility requirements

Both programs share similar entry requirements, but the Creativity Program enforces stricter content guidelines.

Requirement	Creator Fund	Creativity Program
Age	18+	18+ (19+ in South Korea)
Followers	10,000+	10,000+
Video Views (Last 30 Days)	100,000+	100,000+
Content Length	No restriction	1-minute minimum
Monetized Countries	Select regions	Select regions

The Creativity Program restricts monetization to longer videos but promises better earnings.

Impact on creators:

Creators with 10,000 followers and high engagement can easily transition to the Creativity Program. However, those relying on short-form videos must adjust their content strategy.

5. Geographic availability

Both programs have limitations based on the creator’s location.

• The Creator Fund was originally launched in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.
• The Creativity Program is available in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Brazil, Japan, and South Korea.
• The Creator Fund remains active only in Italy and Spain, while other countries have transitioned to the Creativity Program.

Impact on creators:

Creators in Italy and Spain can still use the Creator Fund, but those in major markets must switch to the Creativity Program.

6. Content restrictions and originality

TikTok emphasizes originality under both programs but enforces stricter content policies in the Creativity Program.

Content Type	Creator Fund	Creativity Program
Original Content	Encouraged	Required
Short Videos	Allowed	Not Monetized
Duets & Stitches	Eligible	Not Eligible
Looping or Low-Quality Videos	Allowed	Not Monetized
Ads & Paid Promotions	Not Allowed	Not Allowed

The Creativity Program prohibits Duets, Stitches, slideshows, and low-quality content. Videos must be fully original, with unique production value.

Impact on creators:

Creators using reposted content, reaction videos, or Duets must shift toward self-produced videos. The change promotes higher-quality content, which benefits both creators and viewers.

7. Payment processing and withdrawal

Both programs use PayPal via Hyperwallet for payouts, but the Creativity Program offers more frequent withdrawals.

• Minimum Withdrawal: USD 50 (or local equivalent).
• Payment Schedule: Payments are sent on the 15th of each month.
• Balance Expiration: Funds expire after two years if unclaimed.

The Creator Fund required higher view counts for minimal earnings, while the Creativity Program allows earlier monetization due to higher RPM.

Impact on creators:

Higher payouts and more predictable payments make the Creativity Program a better long-term option for serious content creators.

Overall pros and cons

Factor	Creator Fund	Creativity Program
Earnings Potential	Low	High
RPM (Per 1,000 Views)	$0.20 – $0.40	$4.00 – $8.00
Content Flexibility	Any video length	Minimum 1-minute videos
Eligibility	10,000+ followers	10,000+ followers
Geographic Availability	Limited	Expanding
Originality Requirements	Moderate	Strict
Withdrawal Minimum	$50	$50

The Creativity Program provides higher earnings, better engagement rewards, and clearer payout structures. However, creators must commit to longer content and original production.

The TikTok Creativity Program is a major improvement over the Creator Fund, addressing concerns about low payouts and lack of transparency. The shift to longer videos aligns with TikTok’s focus on higher-quality content.

The Creativity Program is a superior choice for creators looking to maximize earnings. Those who prefer shorter content may need to explore alternative monetization strategies.

How to make more money with the TikTok Creator Rewards Program

Maximizing earnings under the TikTok Creator Rewards Program requires a strategic approach to content creation, audience engagement, and consistency. The program rewards high-quality, long-form content, making it essential for creators to refine their videos, optimize their posting schedule, and focus on viewer retention.

1. Create longer, engaging videos

Videos must be at least one minute long to qualify for monetization under the Creator Rewards Program. Longer content provides more opportunities to retain viewers, increasing watch time and engagement rates.

• Plan structured storytelling that keeps the audience interested from start to finish.
• Hook viewers in the first three seconds to prevent early drop-offs.
• Add engaging elements like on-screen text, voiceovers, and interactive questions to maintain attention.

Consistently producing high-retention videos improves Revenue Per Mille (RPM), leading to higher payouts.

Also Read: How to publish TikTok videos directly from ContentStudio?

2. Optimize videos for search discoverability

TikTok’s algorithm prioritizes videos that match trending searches and user interests. Optimizing content for discoverability increases views, leading to better monetization opportunities. Tools like ContentStudio allow you to search for trending topics to create content. You can also use its AI writing assistant to write engaging captions and relevant hashtags for them. 

• Use relevant hashtags that align with trending topics and challenges.
• Write SEO-friendly captions that include important keywords.
• Create videos based on popular search queries using TikTok’s Creator Search Insights.

Well-optimized content ranks higher on the For You page, making it more likely to attract qualified views contributing to earnings growth.

3. Post consistently to maintain audience engagement

Creators who post regularly are more likely to retain followers, improve video performance, and increase RPM. A consistent content schedule helps maintain engagement, ensuring videos meet the 1,000 qualified views requirement.

• Aim for three to five videos per week to stay relevant.
• Plan content in advance to avoid gaps in posting.
• Use a TikTok scheduler like ContentStudio to automate posting and maintain consistency.

Scheduling tools help creators streamline content management, ensuring videos go live at the best engagement times.

4. Encourage interaction and viewer engagement

Engagement plays a key role in TikTok’s monetization model. Videos with higher engagement rates are likelier to receive boosted visibility, leading to more views and earnings.

• Ask thought-provoking questions to encourage comments.
• Use polls, Q&A features, and challenges to create interactive content.
• Reply to comments with video responses to boost engagement.

Videos with strong engagement metrics perform better, leading to higher payouts under the Creator Rewards Program.

5. Use TikTok trends to increase visibility

Trending challenges, sounds, and effects significantly impact video performance. Incorporating popular trends improves the chances of content being recommended to a broader audience.

• Browse TikTok’s Trending Hashtags to identify popular content ideas.
• Adapt trends to match personal style while keeping them original.
• Combine viral sounds with unique storytelling for higher engagement.

Leveraging trending topics enhances video reach, resulting in more qualified views and higher earnings.

Related Read: The next big things: 15+ TikTok trends to watch for in 2025

6. Avoid low-quality or recycled content

TikTok prioritizes originality, meaning reused, low-effort, or promotional content does not qualify for monetization. Videos must be high-quality, informative, and engaging to be eligible for the Creator Rewards Program.

• Avoid using Duets, Stitches, or repurposed content from other creators.
• Ensure videos have a resolution of at least 720p for better quality.
• Use TikTok’s editing tools, text overlays, and effects to enhance production value.

High-quality content improves watch time and engagement, directly impacting earnings potential.

7. Experiment with different content formats

Creators exploring varied content formats are likelier to keep their audience engaged. Testing different video types helps determine what resonates most with viewers, improving video performance and RPM.

• Try educational videos, tutorials, and storytelling to engage audiences.
• Use a mix of behind-the-scenes content, Q&A sessions, and challenges.
• Analyze performance insights to identify the best-performing video styles.

Diversifying content improves retention rates, ensuring consistent earnings from the Creator Rewards Program.

8. Plan and manage content with scheduling tools

Managing a consistent posting schedule can be challenging without the right tools. A content management platform like ContentStudio simplifies the process by allowing creators to plan, schedule, and optimize their TikTok content.

• Schedule posts at peak engagement hours for maximum visibility.
• Track performance metrics to understand which videos generate the highest earnings.
• Use AI-generated captions and hashtags to enhance discoverability.

An organized approach to content creation improves efficiency, allowing creators to focus on producing high-quality videos that drive revenue.

Takeaway

The TikTok Creativity Program provides a better monetization model for creators, focusing on longer, high-quality content. Earnings depend on engagement, watch time, and originality, making strategic content creation essential. 

Creators can maximize revenue by optimizing videos for search, maintaining audience engagement, and posting consistently. Tools like ContentStudio help streamline scheduling and content management. Adapting to TikTok’s evolving content priorities allows creators to increase visibility and grow their earnings effectively.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the TikTok Creativity Program payout?

Payouts vary based on engagement, watch time, and originality. Revenue per 1,000 views (RPM) typically ranges from $4 to $8, with high-performing videos exceeding $1,000 per million views. Earnings depend on audience interaction and video quality.

What is TikTok Creativity Program Beta?

The TikTok Creativity Program Beta was an invite-only test launched in February 2023. It introduced higher payouts for longer videos over one minute. After successful trials, TikTok expanded the program, replacing the Creator Fund in select markets.

What countries are eligible for the TikTok Creativity Program?

The TikTok Creativity Program is available in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Brazil, Japan, and South Korea. TikTok may expand eligibility further, but creators in Italy and Spain still use the Creator Fund.

Can business accounts join the TikTok Creativity Program?

Business accounts are not eligible for the TikTok Creativity Program. Only personal creator accounts meeting the minimum follower and view requirements can apply. The program prioritizes independent creators producing original, high-quality, and engaging content.