TikTok has become one of the fastest-growing social media platforms in the world, offering creators the opportunity to build an audience, grow influence, and make money online. Unlike other social networks, TikTok allows even new users to reach thousands of people if their content engages viewers.
If you’ve ever wondered how to become a TikTok influencer, this guide will show you the steps to grow followers, create high-quality content, and start monetising your account.
Understand How TikTok Works
Before diving in, it’s essential to understand how TikTok promotes content.
The TikTok algorithm focuses on:
- Watch time: how long viewers watch your video
- Completion rate: whether people watch the entire video
- Engagement: likes, comments, shares, and saves
- Consistency: posting regularly
Unlike platforms such as Instagram, TikTok does not prioritise follower count. This means even new accounts can go viral if their content keeps viewers engaged.
Choose the Right Niche on TikTok
One of the most important steps in learning how to become an influencer on TikTok is selecting a niche.
A niche helps TikTok understand your target audience and allows viewers to know why they should follow you. Popular TikTok niches include:
- Education and tutorials
- Fitness and health
- Beauty and fashion
- Travel
- Business and finance
- Entertainment and lifestyle
Focusing on a niche allows you to post consistently and attract an audience that values your content.
Set Up and Optimise Your TikTok Profile
Your profile is the first impression for potential followers. To grow and become a social media influencer on TikTok, you should:
- Choose a clear and memorable username
- Use a professional and recognisable profile photo
- Write a concise bio explaining who you are and what value you offer
- Add a call-to-action, such as “Follow for daily tips”
A professional profile increases trust and encourages users to follow your account.
Create High-Quality Videos for TikTok
Content quality plays a significant role in TikTok success. While videos don’t need to be cinematic, they must be clear, well-lit, and formatted correctly.
TikTok prefers vertical videos in MP4 format. If you record videos on an iPhone, they are often saved as MOV files. You can use a MOV to MP4 converter to ensure better compatibility, faster uploads, and smoother playback.
Tips for high-quality TikTok videos:
- Start with a strong hook in the first 2–3 seconds
- Use clear visuals and readable subtitles
- Keep videos concise but engaging
- Include trending sounds or effects when relevant
Post Consistently and at the Best Time
Consistency is key to growth. Posting regularly signals to TikTok that your account is active, increasing the chance of content distribution.
Recommended posting strategy:
- Post 1–3 videos per day if possible
- Maintain a consistent schedule
Finding the best time to post on TikTok varies depending on your audience. Early mornings and evenings are usually effective, but testing different posting times is essential to see what works best for your niche.
How to Gain Followers on TikTok
Gaining followers on TikTok requires focus and engagement rather than relying on viral luck.
Proven strategies include:
- Using trending sounds and hashtags relevant to your niche
- Responding to comments with new videos
- Engaging with other creators through duets and stitches
- Encouraging viewers to interact with questions or call-to-actions
Remember, engagement often matters more than the number of followers when starting. TikTok rewards creators who keep audiences watching and interacting.
Analyse and Improve Your TikTok Performance
Regularly reviewing your analytics helps you refine content and grow faster. Track metrics like:
- Total views and average watch time
- Where viewers drop off
- Which videos generate follows or engagement
Testing, analysing, and iterating your content strategy is crucial to becoming a successful TikTok influencer.
How to Make Money on TikTok (How Payments Work and How Much You Get Paid)
TikTok offers multiple ways for creators to earn, including the Creator Rewards Programme, brand deals, affiliate marketing, TikTok Shop, and Live Gifts. Payments are typically processed monthly once creators reach a minimum threshold of $50.
TikTok Creator Rewards Programme
The Creator Rewards Programme pays creators for original, long videos (1+ minute) and replaced the older, lower-paying Creator Fund.
- Payment: $0.40–$1 per 1,000 views
- Example: 1 million views ≈ $400–$1,000
- Eligibility: Must be 18+, meet follower/view thresholds, and follow TikTok’s content rules
This is an excellent starting point for creators who post high-quality, engaging videos consistently.
Brand Deals and Sponsorships
Brands pay creators to feature or promote products. This is often the most lucrative revenue source.
Estimated rates:
- 1,000–10,000 followers: £50–£250 per post
- 10,000–50,000 followers: £250–£1,000 per post
- 50,000–100,000 followers: £1,000–£3,000 per post
- 100,000+ followers: £3,000–£10,000+ per post
Payment depends more on engagement and niche than follower count.
Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing allows creators to earn commissions on product sales.
- Commission: 5–10% for physical products, 20–50% for digital products
- Example: £40 product with 10% commission = £4 per sale
- 10 sales/day = £1,200/month
This method scales well and does not require direct brand sponsorships.
TikTok Shop
TikTok Shop lets creators tag products in their videos and earn commissions.
- Commission: 5–20% per sale
- Example: £25 product with 15% commission = £3.75 per sale
- 10 sales/day = £1,000/month
This works particularly well for beauty, fashion, and lifestyle niches.
Live Gifts and Tips
During TikTok LIVE sessions, viewers can send virtual gifts.
- Small creators: £50–£300/month
- Larger creators: £1,000+/month
Live gifts are best for creators who maintain high interaction with their audience.
Payouts and How You Receive Money
Creators link a PayPal account or bank details in the TikTok Balance section. Identity verification and tax information are required. Payments are processed monthly once earnings exceed $50.
TikTok also allows creators to track earnings directly in the app and set up automatic payments.
How Much Can TikTok Influencers Make Overall?
Estimated monthly income:
- Beginner: £100–£500
- Growing influencer: £1,000–£5,000
- Established influencer: £10,000+
Most successful TikTok creators combine Creator Rewards, sponsorships, affiliate links, and TikTok Shop for multiple income streams.
How to Become a TikTok Shop Influencer
TikTok Shop allows creators to monetise directly through product promotion. By tagging products in videos, you can earn a commission for each sale, making this a fast-growing revenue source.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Posting inconsistently
- Switching niches too often
- Ignoring analytics
- Over-editing videos
- Focusing solely on follower count
Avoiding these mistakes ensures sustainable growth.
Conclusion
Learning how to become a TikTok influencer is about strategy, consistency, and providing value. By understanding the algorithm, selecting the right niche, posting high-quality videos, growing followers, and monetising effectively, anyone can turn TikTok into a source of income.
