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Everything you need to know about sharing a post to your Instagram Stories (and why it could be great for your reach and engagement).

You're spoiled for choice when it comes to Facebook ads — from images and videos to carousels and collections, there’s a format (and placement) for just about every goal. Advertising on Facebook also gives you the chance to experiment and find just the right approach for your brand. 

But with so many options, it’s important to keep up with the latest Facebook ad specs. Facebook offers a world of creative opportunities, and getting the specs right is your first step to making the most of them. If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “Facebook ad sizes” or “Meta ad specs” five minutes before launching a campaign, we’ve got you covered.

In this fully updated guide, you’ll find all the current Facebook ad dimensions, file types, and technical details you need to create standout ads in 2025. 

Quick Tip: Add this article as a bookmark so that you never have to go spec-hunting again.

Technical terms you need to know

If all the talk about Facebook ad specs, sizes, and file types feels a little overwhelming, I hear you. But take it from a writer: the good news is that you don’t need to be a designer or a tech whiz to create Facebook ads that work. 

To help you cut through the jargon, here’s a quick rundown of the most common terms you’ll see when reading this article and creating your ads: 

• Audience network: Allows your Facebook ads to appear in apps and websites outside of Facebook and Instagram that are part of Meta’s ad network.
• Aspect ratio: The shape of your image or video (for example, 1:1 is a square)
• Aspect ratio tolerance: How much your ad’s shape can be slightly off from the ideal shape and still be OK.
• GIF: A short, looping animation made from several images that’s good for quick, fun visuals (Read our Ultimate Guide to GIFS to learn how to create and use them).
• JPEG: A common type of image file that works well for photos with lots of colours.
• MOV: A type of video file, mostly used by Apple devices. Facebook accepts it, too.
• MP4: A popular video file type that Facebook likes because it looks good and loads quickly.
• Pixels (px): Tiny dots that make up your image or video. More pixels usually means better quality.
• PNG: Another image file type that’s good for pictures with text, sharp edges, or transparent backgrounds.
• Resolution: The clarity of your image or video. Higher resolution means it looks sharper and more professional.

The anatomy of a Facebook ad

Every Facebook ad is built around your objective, your conversion location, and your call to action (CTA). Think of them as your ad’s purpose, destination, and invitation, which all work together to move people toward your goal.

Objective: This is what you want your ad to do. Do you want more people to visit your website? Watch your video? Download your app? Facebook offers a wide range of ad objectives so you can choose what fits your goal best.

Conversion location: This is where you want the action to happen. Depending on your objective, it could be your website, a mobile app, Instagram profile, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or even a physical store. 

Note: You need to have a Facebook Page to run ads using the Meta Ads manager. You can then link your Page and Instagram account to run ads on Instagram. You can only link one Instagram account to one Facebook Page.

Call to action (CTA): This is the button or prompt that encourages people to take the next step. Options include things like “Shop Now,” “Learn More,” “Send Message,” or “Download.” Picking the right one helps set clear expectations and gives your audience a helpful nudge.

Once you’ve chosen an objective, you’ll be able to choose a conversion location and a call to action: 

Here's a table showing relevant conversion locations and call-to-action (CTA) options based on each Facebook ad objective:

Ad Objective	Conversion Locations	Call-to-Action Options
Brand Awareness	Facebook Instagram Audience network	Learn More
Reach	Facebook Instagram Messenger Audience network	Learn More Send Message Call Now
Traffic	Website App Messenger WhatsApp	Learn More Shop Now Sign Up Contact Us Book Now Get Offer Download
Engagement	Post Page Event	Like Page RSVP Comment Share Learn More
App Installs	App Store (iOS/Android)	Install Now Download
Video Views	Facebook video player Instagram	Watch More Learn More
Lead Generation	Instant form Website Messenger Instagram direct	Sign Up Get Quote Subscribe Apply Now Learn More
Messages	Messenger WhatsApp Instagram direct	Send Message Send WhatsApp Message
Conversions	Website App	Shop Now Sign Up Subscribe Contact Us Learn More Get Offer
Catalogue Sales	Website (linked to product catalogue)	Shop Now View Collection
Store Traffic	Physical store (with map directions or store finder feature)	Get Directions Call Now Learn More Visit Us

Create the perfect Facebook ad: design specs for different ad types 

I once uploaded an ad that looked great on desktop but got weirdly cropped in Facebook Stories; lesson learned. Now I always double-check my dimensions. 

Using the correct Facebook ad sizes and specs is so important. When your creative meets the recommended guidelines, your ads are more likely to look great, perform better, and help you reach your goals.

Quick Tip: I like using Canva to get my visuals sized just right, fast. Just set up a custom image or video using the pixel dimensions below. It makes the whole process so much easier.

As an added bonus, when you’re creating organic posts, Buffer’s Canva integration allows you to create scroll-stopping images without leaving the platform. 

Choose the right Facebook ad format

Once you select an objective for your ad, you’ll be guided through the process of creating your ad and get to choose one of four ad types to serve your target audience. Meta offers different types of ads for different products, objectives, and goals:

1. Single image ad: Shows one picture with a message to grab attention.
2. Single video ad: Plays one video to tell a story or show a product.
3. Carousel ad: Several images or videos you can swipe through.
4. Collection ad: Shows a big image or video with smaller pictures underneath to explore more.

1. Single image ad specs

Want to drive traffic to your website or app? Start with eye-catching, high-quality visuals. You can use your own photos or tap into stock images to help tell your brand’s story in a way that grabs attention and encourages clicks.

Design recommendations

• File type: JPG or PNG
• Ratio: 1.91:1 to 4:5
• Resolution:
  • 1:1 ratio: 1440 x 1440 pixels
  • 4:5 ratio: 1440 x 1800 pixels

Text recommendations

• Primary text: 50-150 characters
• Headline: 27 characters

Technical requirements

• Maximum file size: 30MB
• Minimum width: 600 pixels
• Minimum height:
  • 1:1 ratio: 600 pixels.
  • 4:5 ratio: 750 pixels.
• Aspect ratio tolerance: 3%

2. Single video ad specs

Show off your product’s best features and capture attention with the power of sound and motion. You can upload a video you’ve already created, or use Facebook’s built-in video tools in Ads Manager to put something together.

Design recommendations

• File type: MP4, MOV, or GIF. (Here’s a complete list of supported video formats)
• Ratio: 1:1 (for desktop or mobile) or 4:5 (for mobile only) 
• Video settings: H.264 compression, square pixels, fixed frame rate, progressive scan and stereo AAC audio compression at 128kbps+
• Resolution: 
  • 1:1 ratio: 1440 x 1440 pixels
  • 4:5 ratio: 1440 x 1800 pixels
• Video captions: optional, but recommended
• Video sound: optional, but recommended

Text recommendations

• Primary text: 50-150 characters 
• Headline: 27 characters 

Technical requirements

• Video duration: 1 second to 241 minutes
• Maximum file size: 4GB
• Minimum width: 120 pixels
• Minimum height: 120 pixels

360 videos

With some objectives, you can use a 360 video. When people see this type of ad, they can turn their device or drag their finger to move around within the video and explore every angle.

3. Carousel ad specs

Carousel ads let you showcase up to ten images or videos in a single ad, each with its own link. They're perfect for highlighting different features of the same product, or even creating one long, swipeable image to tell a visual story. 

Design recommendations

• Image file type: JPG or PNG 
• Video file type: MP4, MOV or GIF 
• Ratio: 1:1 or 4:5
• Resolution: At least 1080 x 1080 pixels 

Text recommendations

• Primary text: 80 characters 
• Headline: 45 characters 
• Description: 18 characters 
• Landing page URL: Required

Technical requirements

• Number of carousel cards: 2 to 10
• Image maximum file size: 30MB
• Video maximum file size: 4GB
• Video duration: 1 second to 240 minutes
• Aspect ratio tolerance: 3%

4. Collection ad specs

Make it easier for people to shop by displaying items from your product catalog, automatically tailored to each person who sees your ad.

When people tap on the collection ad, it opens up and they’re taken into an immersive, full-screen experience (known as instant experience) where they can interact with your branded content — with the option to exit out of the ad at any time, of course.

Design recommendations

• Image type: JPG or PNG 
• Video file type: MP4, MOV or GIF 
• Ratio: 1:1 
• Resolution: at least 1080 x 1080 pixels 

Text recommendations

• Primary text: 125 characters 
• Headline: 40 characters 
• Landing page URL: Required

Technical requirements

• Instant experience: Required
• Image maximum file size: 30MB
• Video maximum file size: 4GB

Facebook ad specs and sizes at a glance

Ad Type	Design Recommendations	Text Recommendations	Technical Requirements
Single Image Ad	File type: JPG or PNG Ratio: 1.91:1 to 4:5 Resolution: 1:1 — 1440 × 1440 px 4:5 — 1440 × 1800 px	Primary text: 50–150 characters Headline: 27 characters	Max file size: 30MB Min width: 600 px Min height: 1:1 — 600 px, 4:5 — 750 px Aspect ratio tolerance: 3%
Single Video Ad	File type: MP4, MOV, or GIF Ratio: 1:1 (desktop & mobile) or 4:5 (mobile) Resolution: same as image Captions & sound: Optional but recommended Thumbnail: From selected video thumbnail	Primary text: 50–150 characters Headline: 27 characters	Duration: 1 sec to 241 min Max file size: 4GB Min size: 120 × 120 px
Carousel Ad	Image type: JPG or PNG Video type: MP4, MOV, or GIF Ratio: 1:1 or 4:5 Resolution: At least 1080 × 1080 px	Primary text: 80 characters Headline: 45 characters Description: 18 characters	Cards: 2 to 10 Image max file size: 30MB Video max file size: 4GB Video duration: 1 sec to 240 min Aspect ratio tolerance: 3%
Collection Ad	Image type: JPG or PNG Video type: MP4, MOV, or GIF Ratio: 1:1 Resolution: At least 1080 × 1080 px Cover: First media in instant experience	Primary text: 125 characters Headline: 40 characters	Instant experience: Required Image max file size: 30MB Video max file size: 4GB

5 quick tips for creating standout Facebook ads

1. Start with a clear goal: Before you even open Ads Manager, ask yourself: What do I want this ad to achieve? This will help you select the right format, objective, conversion location, and CTA.
2. Keep the text to a minimum: Facebook recommends using images with little or no text overlay, as these tend to perform better and reach more people.
3. Use music legally: Facebook is strict about copyright, and using unlicensed music can get your ad taken down. 
4. Watch out for restricted content: Facebook has clear rules about what can and can’t be advertised. I once tried to run ads for a weight loss coach using before-and-after photos, and Facebook disallowed them. All that hard work wasted. Learn the rules and save yourself the headache.
5. Make use of the Meta Ad Library: It’s a great tool for researching trends, checking out competitors, or just gathering ideas for your next campaign. Here’s a guide on using this tool effectively.

Keep these guidelines handy

Having these image size guidelines on hand will help you create awesome ads that stop the scroll and get you closer to your goals. 

And when it comes to organic content planning, scheduling, and analytics, Buffer makes getting in front of your audience a breeze. 

Sign up for Buffer (for free!) to start scheduling posts to Facebook and other platforms, storing content ideas, using AI to make your life easier, and so much more. 

Facebook ad specs FAQ

What’s the best size for Facebook ads in 2025?

The sweet spot for single image ads is 1080 x 1080 pixels — that’s a perfect square and works great in most places. But if you're going for Facebook Stories or Reels, 1080 x 1920 (vertical) is your go-to. 

Pro tip: No matter the objective or the ad types, always aim for high quality and a clear image. 

Can I use the same creative across all placements?

I get it; repurposing is a time-saver. While you can use the same creative across all placements, it’s not always ideal. A square image might look great in the feed, but not so much in Stories. It’s best to tweak your ad for each placement. 

What file types work best for Facebook video ads?

Stick with MP4 or MOV; they’re the most reliable and Facebook-friendly. Keep the video short, clear, and under 4GB, and you’re good to go.

What is the format of a Facebook ad?

A Facebook ad usually has a visual (image or video), headline, primary text, description, and a call-to-action button (like “Shop Now” or “Learn More”). You can also choose from different styles like single image, video, carousel, or collection, depending on your goals.

More Facebook resources 

• How to Run Facebook Ads: Beginner's Guide to Advertising on Facebook
• Best Time to Post on Facebook: We Analyzed 1 Million Posts
• Meta Ad Library 101: 7 Ways to Use the Facebook Ad Library to Improve Your Ads
• The Ideal Facebook Cover Photo Size and How To Make Yours Stand Out (+ 11 Ideas and Examples)
• How to Schedule Facebook Posts in 3 Easy Ways (+ Save Hours Every Week)
• Inside the Facebook Algorithm in 2025: All the Updates You Need to Know

Tried and tested: These AI image generators consistently delivered the best results. Here’s a look at how they work, how much they cost, and how they handled a specific prompt.

You're spoiled for choice when it comes to Facebook ads — from images and videos to carousels and collections, there’s a format (and placement) for just about every goal. Advertising on Facebook also gives you the chance to experiment and find just the right approach for your brand. 

But with so many options, it’s important to keep up with the latest Facebook ad specs. Facebook offers a world of creative opportunities, and getting the specs right is your first step to making the most of them. If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “Facebook ad sizes” or “Meta ad specs” five minutes before launching a campaign, we’ve got you covered.

In this fully updated guide, you’ll find all the current Facebook ad dimensions, file types, and technical details you need to create standout ads in 2025. 

Quick Tip: Add this article as a bookmark so that you never have to go spec-hunting again.

Technical terms you need to know

If all the talk about Facebook ad specs, sizes, and file types feels a little overwhelming, I hear you. But take it from a writer: the good news is that you don’t need to be a designer or a tech whiz to create Facebook ads that work. 

To help you cut through the jargon, here’s a quick rundown of the most common terms you’ll see when reading this article and creating your ads: 

• Audience network: Allows your Facebook ads to appear in apps and websites outside of Facebook and Instagram that are part of Meta’s ad network.
• Aspect ratio: The shape of your image or video (for example, 1:1 is a square)
• Aspect ratio tolerance: How much your ad’s shape can be slightly off from the ideal shape and still be OK.
• GIF: A short, looping animation made from several images that’s good for quick, fun visuals (Read our Ultimate Guide to GIFS to learn how to create and use them).
• JPEG: A common type of image file that works well for photos with lots of colours.
• MOV: A type of video file, mostly used by Apple devices. Facebook accepts it, too.
• MP4: A popular video file type that Facebook likes because it looks good and loads quickly.
• Pixels (px): Tiny dots that make up your image or video. More pixels usually means better quality.
• PNG: Another image file type that’s good for pictures with text, sharp edges, or transparent backgrounds.
• Resolution: The clarity of your image or video. Higher resolution means it looks sharper and more professional.

The anatomy of a Facebook ad

Every Facebook ad is built around your objective, your conversion location, and your call to action (CTA). Think of them as your ad’s purpose, destination, and invitation, which all work together to move people toward your goal.

Objective: This is what you want your ad to do. Do you want more people to visit your website? Watch your video? Download your app? Facebook offers a wide range of ad objectives so you can choose what fits your goal best.

Conversion location: This is where you want the action to happen. Depending on your objective, it could be your website, a mobile app, Instagram profile, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or even a physical store. 

Note: You need to have a Facebook Page to run ads using the Meta Ads manager. You can then link your Page and Instagram account to run ads on Instagram. You can only link one Instagram account to one Facebook Page.

Call to action (CTA): This is the button or prompt that encourages people to take the next step. Options include things like “Shop Now,” “Learn More,” “Send Message,” or “Download.” Picking the right one helps set clear expectations and gives your audience a helpful nudge.

Once you’ve chosen an objective, you’ll be able to choose a conversion location and a call to action: 

Here's a table showing relevant conversion locations and call-to-action (CTA) options based on each Facebook ad objective:

Ad Objective	Conversion Locations	Call-to-Action Options
Brand Awareness	Facebook Instagram Audience network	Learn More
Reach	Facebook Instagram Messenger Audience network	Learn More Send Message Call Now
Traffic	Website App Messenger WhatsApp	Learn More Shop Now Sign Up Contact Us Book Now Get Offer Download
Engagement	Post Page Event	Like Page RSVP Comment Share Learn More
App Installs	App Store (iOS/Android)	Install Now Download
Video Views	Facebook video player Instagram	Watch More Learn More
Lead Generation	Instant form Website Messenger Instagram direct	Sign Up Get Quote Subscribe Apply Now Learn More
Messages	Messenger WhatsApp Instagram direct	Send Message Send WhatsApp Message
Conversions	Website App	Shop Now Sign Up Subscribe Contact Us Learn More Get Offer
Catalogue Sales	Website (linked to product catalogue)	Shop Now View Collection
Store Traffic	Physical store (with map directions or store finder feature)	Get Directions Call Now Learn More Visit Us

Create the perfect Facebook ad: design specs for different ad types 

I once uploaded an ad that looked great on desktop but got weirdly cropped in Facebook Stories; lesson learned. Now I always double-check my dimensions. 

Using the correct Facebook ad sizes and specs is so important. When your creative meets the recommended guidelines, your ads are more likely to look great, perform better, and help you reach your goals.

Quick Tip: I like using Canva to get my visuals sized just right, fast. Just set up a custom image or video using the pixel dimensions below. It makes the whole process so much easier.

As an added bonus, when you’re creating organic posts, Buffer’s Canva integration allows you to create scroll-stopping images without leaving the platform. 

Choose the right Facebook ad format

Once you select an objective for your ad, you’ll be guided through the process of creating your ad and get to choose one of four ad types to serve your target audience. Meta offers different types of ads for different products, objectives, and goals:

1. Single image ad: Shows one picture with a message to grab attention.
2. Single video ad: Plays one video to tell a story or show a product.
3. Carousel ad: Several images or videos you can swipe through.
4. Collection ad: Shows a big image or video with smaller pictures underneath to explore more.

1. Single image ad specs

Want to drive traffic to your website or app? Start with eye-catching, high-quality visuals. You can use your own photos or tap into stock images to help tell your brand’s story in a way that grabs attention and encourages clicks.

Design recommendations

• File type: JPG or PNG
• Ratio: 1.91:1 to 4:5
• Resolution:
  • 1:1 ratio: 1440 x 1440 pixels
  • 4:5 ratio: 1440 x 1800 pixels

Text recommendations

• Primary text: 50-150 characters
• Headline: 27 characters

Technical requirements

• Maximum file size: 30MB
• Minimum width: 600 pixels
• Minimum height:
  • 1:1 ratio: 600 pixels.
  • 4:5 ratio: 750 pixels.
• Aspect ratio tolerance: 3%

2. Single video ad specs

Show off your product’s best features and capture attention with the power of sound and motion. You can upload a video you’ve already created, or use Facebook’s built-in video tools in Ads Manager to put something together.

Design recommendations

• File type: MP4, MOV, or GIF. (Here’s a complete list of supported video formats)
• Ratio: 1:1 (for desktop or mobile) or 4:5 (for mobile only) 
• Video settings: H.264 compression, square pixels, fixed frame rate, progressive scan and stereo AAC audio compression at 128kbps+
• Resolution: 
  • 1:1 ratio: 1440 x 1440 pixels
  • 4:5 ratio: 1440 x 1800 pixels
• Video captions: optional, but recommended
• Video sound: optional, but recommended

Text recommendations

• Primary text: 50-150 characters 
• Headline: 27 characters 

Technical requirements

• Video duration: 1 second to 241 minutes
• Maximum file size: 4GB
• Minimum width: 120 pixels
• Minimum height: 120 pixels

360 videos

With some objectives, you can use a 360 video. When people see this type of ad, they can turn their device or drag their finger to move around within the video and explore every angle.

3. Carousel ad specs

Carousel ads let you showcase up to ten images or videos in a single ad, each with its own link. They're perfect for highlighting different features of the same product, or even creating one long, swipeable image to tell a visual story. 

Design recommendations

• Image file type: JPG or PNG 
• Video file type: MP4, MOV or GIF 
• Ratio: 1:1 or 4:5
• Resolution: At least 1080 x 1080 pixels 

Text recommendations

• Primary text: 80 characters 
• Headline: 45 characters 
• Description: 18 characters 
• Landing page URL: Required

Technical requirements

• Number of carousel cards: 2 to 10
• Image maximum file size: 30MB
• Video maximum file size: 4GB
• Video duration: 1 second to 240 minutes
• Aspect ratio tolerance: 3%

4. Collection ad specs

Make it easier for people to shop by displaying items from your product catalog, automatically tailored to each person who sees your ad.

When people tap on the collection ad, it opens up and they’re taken into an immersive, full-screen experience (known as instant experience) where they can interact with your branded content — with the option to exit out of the ad at any time, of course.

Design recommendations

• Image type: JPG or PNG 
• Video file type: MP4, MOV or GIF 
• Ratio: 1:1 
• Resolution: at least 1080 x 1080 pixels 

Text recommendations

• Primary text: 125 characters 
• Headline: 40 characters 
• Landing page URL: Required

Technical requirements

• Instant experience: Required
• Image maximum file size: 30MB
• Video maximum file size: 4GB

Facebook ad specs and sizes at a glance

Ad Type	Design Recommendations	Text Recommendations	Technical Requirements
Single Image Ad	File type: JPG or PNG Ratio: 1.91:1 to 4:5 Resolution: 1:1 — 1440 × 1440 px 4:5 — 1440 × 1800 px	Primary text: 50–150 characters Headline: 27 characters	Max file size: 30MB Min width: 600 px Min height: 1:1 — 600 px, 4:5 — 750 px Aspect ratio tolerance: 3%
Single Video Ad	File type: MP4, MOV, or GIF Ratio: 1:1 (desktop & mobile) or 4:5 (mobile) Resolution: same as image Captions & sound: Optional but recommended Thumbnail: From selected video thumbnail	Primary text: 50–150 characters Headline: 27 characters	Duration: 1 sec to 241 min Max file size: 4GB Min size: 120 × 120 px
Carousel Ad	Image type: JPG or PNG Video type: MP4, MOV, or GIF Ratio: 1:1 or 4:5 Resolution: At least 1080 × 1080 px	Primary text: 80 characters Headline: 45 characters Description: 18 characters	Cards: 2 to 10 Image max file size: 30MB Video max file size: 4GB Video duration: 1 sec to 240 min Aspect ratio tolerance: 3%
Collection Ad	Image type: JPG or PNG Video type: MP4, MOV, or GIF Ratio: 1:1 Resolution: At least 1080 × 1080 px Cover: First media in instant experience	Primary text: 125 characters Headline: 40 characters	Instant experience: Required Image max file size: 30MB Video max file size: 4GB

5 quick tips for creating standout Facebook ads

1. Start with a clear goal: Before you even open Ads Manager, ask yourself: What do I want this ad to achieve? This will help you select the right format, objective, conversion location, and CTA.
2. Keep the text to a minimum: Facebook recommends using images with little or no text overlay, as these tend to perform better and reach more people.
3. Use music legally: Facebook is strict about copyright, and using unlicensed music can get your ad taken down. 
4. Watch out for restricted content: Facebook has clear rules about what can and can’t be advertised. I once tried to run ads for a weight loss coach using before-and-after photos, and Facebook disallowed them. All that hard work wasted. Learn the rules and save yourself the headache.
5. Make use of the Meta Ad Library: It’s a great tool for researching trends, checking out competitors, or just gathering ideas for your next campaign. Here’s a guide on using this tool effectively.

Keep these guidelines handy

Having these image size guidelines on hand will help you create awesome ads that stop the scroll and get you closer to your goals. 

And when it comes to organic content planning, scheduling, and analytics, Buffer makes getting in front of your audience a breeze. 

Sign up for Buffer (for free!) to start scheduling posts to Facebook and other platforms, storing content ideas, using AI to make your life easier, and so much more. 

Facebook ad specs FAQ

What’s the best size for Facebook ads in 2025?

The sweet spot for single image ads is 1080 x 1080 pixels — that’s a perfect square and works great in most places. But if you're going for Facebook Stories or Reels, 1080 x 1920 (vertical) is your go-to. 

Pro tip: No matter the objective or the ad types, always aim for high quality and a clear image. 

Can I use the same creative across all placements?

I get it; repurposing is a time-saver. While you can use the same creative across all placements, it’s not always ideal. A square image might look great in the feed, but not so much in Stories. It’s best to tweak your ad for each placement. 

What file types work best for Facebook video ads?

Stick with MP4 or MOV; they’re the most reliable and Facebook-friendly. Keep the video short, clear, and under 4GB, and you’re good to go.

What is the format of a Facebook ad?

A Facebook ad usually has a visual (image or video), headline, primary text, description, and a call-to-action button (like “Shop Now” or “Learn More”). You can also choose from different styles like single image, video, carousel, or collection, depending on your goals.

More Facebook resources 

• How to Run Facebook Ads: Beginner's Guide to Advertising on Facebook
• Best Time to Post on Facebook: We Analyzed 1 Million Posts
• Meta Ad Library 101: 7 Ways to Use the Facebook Ad Library to Improve Your Ads
• The Ideal Facebook Cover Photo Size and How To Make Yours Stand Out (+ 11 Ideas and Examples)
• How to Schedule Facebook Posts in 3 Easy Ways (+ Save Hours Every Week)
• Inside the Facebook Algorithm in 2025: All the Updates You Need to Know

Everything you need to know about selling on Instagram — from the different options for people to buy to tips on making the most of your Instagram sales strategy.

You're spoiled for choice when it comes to Facebook ads — from images and videos to carousels and collections, there’s a format (and placement) for just about every goal. Advertising on Facebook also gives you the chance to experiment and find just the right approach for your brand. 

But with so many options, it’s important to keep up with the latest Facebook ad specs. Facebook offers a world of creative opportunities, and getting the specs right is your first step to making the most of them. If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “Facebook ad sizes” or “Meta ad specs” five minutes before launching a campaign, we’ve got you covered.

In this fully updated guide, you’ll find all the current Facebook ad dimensions, file types, and technical details you need to create standout ads in 2025. 

Quick Tip: Add this article as a bookmark so that you never have to go spec-hunting again.

Technical terms you need to know

If all the talk about Facebook ad specs, sizes, and file types feels a little overwhelming, I hear you. But take it from a writer: the good news is that you don’t need to be a designer or a tech whiz to create Facebook ads that work. 

To help you cut through the jargon, here’s a quick rundown of the most common terms you’ll see when reading this article and creating your ads: 

• Audience network: Allows your Facebook ads to appear in apps and websites outside of Facebook and Instagram that are part of Meta’s ad network.
• Aspect ratio: The shape of your image or video (for example, 1:1 is a square)
• Aspect ratio tolerance: How much your ad’s shape can be slightly off from the ideal shape and still be OK.
• GIF: A short, looping animation made from several images that’s good for quick, fun visuals (Read our Ultimate Guide to GIFS to learn how to create and use them).
• JPEG: A common type of image file that works well for photos with lots of colours.
• MOV: A type of video file, mostly used by Apple devices. Facebook accepts it, too.
• MP4: A popular video file type that Facebook likes because it looks good and loads quickly.
• Pixels (px): Tiny dots that make up your image or video. More pixels usually means better quality.
• PNG: Another image file type that’s good for pictures with text, sharp edges, or transparent backgrounds.
• Resolution: The clarity of your image or video. Higher resolution means it looks sharper and more professional.

The anatomy of a Facebook ad

Every Facebook ad is built around your objective, your conversion location, and your call to action (CTA). Think of them as your ad’s purpose, destination, and invitation, which all work together to move people toward your goal.

Objective: This is what you want your ad to do. Do you want more people to visit your website? Watch your video? Download your app? Facebook offers a wide range of ad objectives so you can choose what fits your goal best.

Conversion location: This is where you want the action to happen. Depending on your objective, it could be your website, a mobile app, Instagram profile, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or even a physical store. 

Note: You need to have a Facebook Page to run ads using the Meta Ads manager. You can then link your Page and Instagram account to run ads on Instagram. You can only link one Instagram account to one Facebook Page.

Call to action (CTA): This is the button or prompt that encourages people to take the next step. Options include things like “Shop Now,” “Learn More,” “Send Message,” or “Download.” Picking the right one helps set clear expectations and gives your audience a helpful nudge.

Once you’ve chosen an objective, you’ll be able to choose a conversion location and a call to action: 

Here's a table showing relevant conversion locations and call-to-action (CTA) options based on each Facebook ad objective:

Ad Objective	Conversion Locations	Call-to-Action Options
Brand Awareness	Facebook Instagram Audience network	Learn More
Reach	Facebook Instagram Messenger Audience network	Learn More Send Message Call Now
Traffic	Website App Messenger WhatsApp	Learn More Shop Now Sign Up Contact Us Book Now Get Offer Download
Engagement	Post Page Event	Like Page RSVP Comment Share Learn More
App Installs	App Store (iOS/Android)	Install Now Download
Video Views	Facebook video player Instagram	Watch More Learn More
Lead Generation	Instant form Website Messenger Instagram direct	Sign Up Get Quote Subscribe Apply Now Learn More
Messages	Messenger WhatsApp Instagram direct	Send Message Send WhatsApp Message
Conversions	Website App	Shop Now Sign Up Subscribe Contact Us Learn More Get Offer
Catalogue Sales	Website (linked to product catalogue)	Shop Now View Collection
Store Traffic	Physical store (with map directions or store finder feature)	Get Directions Call Now Learn More Visit Us

Create the perfect Facebook ad: design specs for different ad types 

I once uploaded an ad that looked great on desktop but got weirdly cropped in Facebook Stories; lesson learned. Now I always double-check my dimensions. 

Using the correct Facebook ad sizes and specs is so important. When your creative meets the recommended guidelines, your ads are more likely to look great, perform better, and help you reach your goals.

Quick Tip: I like using Canva to get my visuals sized just right, fast. Just set up a custom image or video using the pixel dimensions below. It makes the whole process so much easier.

As an added bonus, when you’re creating organic posts, Buffer’s Canva integration allows you to create scroll-stopping images without leaving the platform. 

Choose the right Facebook ad format

Once you select an objective for your ad, you’ll be guided through the process of creating your ad and get to choose one of four ad types to serve your target audience. Meta offers different types of ads for different products, objectives, and goals:

1. Single image ad: Shows one picture with a message to grab attention.
2. Single video ad: Plays one video to tell a story or show a product.
3. Carousel ad: Several images or videos you can swipe through.
4. Collection ad: Shows a big image or video with smaller pictures underneath to explore more.

1. Single image ad specs

Want to drive traffic to your website or app? Start with eye-catching, high-quality visuals. You can use your own photos or tap into stock images to help tell your brand’s story in a way that grabs attention and encourages clicks.

Design recommendations

• File type: JPG or PNG
• Ratio: 1.91:1 to 4:5
• Resolution:
  • 1:1 ratio: 1440 x 1440 pixels
  • 4:5 ratio: 1440 x 1800 pixels

Text recommendations

• Primary text: 50-150 characters
• Headline: 27 characters

Technical requirements

• Maximum file size: 30MB
• Minimum width: 600 pixels
• Minimum height:
  • 1:1 ratio: 600 pixels.
  • 4:5 ratio: 750 pixels.
• Aspect ratio tolerance: 3%

2. Single video ad specs

Show off your product’s best features and capture attention with the power of sound and motion. You can upload a video you’ve already created, or use Facebook’s built-in video tools in Ads Manager to put something together.

Design recommendations

• File type: MP4, MOV, or GIF. (Here’s a complete list of supported video formats)
• Ratio: 1:1 (for desktop or mobile) or 4:5 (for mobile only) 
• Video settings: H.264 compression, square pixels, fixed frame rate, progressive scan and stereo AAC audio compression at 128kbps+
• Resolution: 
  • 1:1 ratio: 1440 x 1440 pixels
  • 4:5 ratio: 1440 x 1800 pixels
• Video captions: optional, but recommended
• Video sound: optional, but recommended

Text recommendations

• Primary text: 50-150 characters 
• Headline: 27 characters 

Technical requirements

• Video duration: 1 second to 241 minutes
• Maximum file size: 4GB
• Minimum width: 120 pixels
• Minimum height: 120 pixels

360 videos

With some objectives, you can use a 360 video. When people see this type of ad, they can turn their device or drag their finger to move around within the video and explore every angle.

3. Carousel ad specs

Carousel ads let you showcase up to ten images or videos in a single ad, each with its own link. They're perfect for highlighting different features of the same product, or even creating one long, swipeable image to tell a visual story. 

Design recommendations

• Image file type: JPG or PNG 
• Video file type: MP4, MOV or GIF 
• Ratio: 1:1 or 4:5
• Resolution: At least 1080 x 1080 pixels 

Text recommendations

• Primary text: 80 characters 
• Headline: 45 characters 
• Description: 18 characters 
• Landing page URL: Required

Technical requirements

• Number of carousel cards: 2 to 10
• Image maximum file size: 30MB
• Video maximum file size: 4GB
• Video duration: 1 second to 240 minutes
• Aspect ratio tolerance: 3%

4. Collection ad specs

Make it easier for people to shop by displaying items from your product catalog, automatically tailored to each person who sees your ad.

When people tap on the collection ad, it opens up and they’re taken into an immersive, full-screen experience (known as instant experience) where they can interact with your branded content — with the option to exit out of the ad at any time, of course.

Design recommendations

• Image type: JPG or PNG 
• Video file type: MP4, MOV or GIF 
• Ratio: 1:1 
• Resolution: at least 1080 x 1080 pixels 

Text recommendations

• Primary text: 125 characters 
• Headline: 40 characters 
• Landing page URL: Required

Technical requirements

• Instant experience: Required
• Image maximum file size: 30MB
• Video maximum file size: 4GB

Facebook ad specs and sizes at a glance

Ad Type	Design Recommendations	Text Recommendations	Technical Requirements
Single Image Ad	File type: JPG or PNG Ratio: 1.91:1 to 4:5 Resolution: 1:1 — 1440 × 1440 px 4:5 — 1440 × 1800 px	Primary text: 50–150 characters Headline: 27 characters	Max file size: 30MB Min width: 600 px Min height: 1:1 — 600 px, 4:5 — 750 px Aspect ratio tolerance: 3%
Single Video Ad	File type: MP4, MOV, or GIF Ratio: 1:1 (desktop & mobile) or 4:5 (mobile) Resolution: same as image Captions & sound: Optional but recommended Thumbnail: From selected video thumbnail	Primary text: 50–150 characters Headline: 27 characters	Duration: 1 sec to 241 min Max file size: 4GB Min size: 120 × 120 px
Carousel Ad	Image type: JPG or PNG Video type: MP4, MOV, or GIF Ratio: 1:1 or 4:5 Resolution: At least 1080 × 1080 px	Primary text: 80 characters Headline: 45 characters Description: 18 characters	Cards: 2 to 10 Image max file size: 30MB Video max file size: 4GB Video duration: 1 sec to 240 min Aspect ratio tolerance: 3%
Collection Ad	Image type: JPG or PNG Video type: MP4, MOV, or GIF Ratio: 1:1 Resolution: At least 1080 × 1080 px Cover: First media in instant experience	Primary text: 125 characters Headline: 40 characters	Instant experience: Required Image max file size: 30MB Video max file size: 4GB

5 quick tips for creating standout Facebook ads

1. Start with a clear goal: Before you even open Ads Manager, ask yourself: What do I want this ad to achieve? This will help you select the right format, objective, conversion location, and CTA.
2. Keep the text to a minimum: Facebook recommends using images with little or no text overlay, as these tend to perform better and reach more people.
3. Use music legally: Facebook is strict about copyright, and using unlicensed music can get your ad taken down. 
4. Watch out for restricted content: Facebook has clear rules about what can and can’t be advertised. I once tried to run ads for a weight loss coach using before-and-after photos, and Facebook disallowed them. All that hard work wasted. Learn the rules and save yourself the headache.
5. Make use of the Meta Ad Library: It’s a great tool for researching trends, checking out competitors, or just gathering ideas for your next campaign. Here’s a guide on using this tool effectively.

Keep these guidelines handy

Having these image size guidelines on hand will help you create awesome ads that stop the scroll and get you closer to your goals. 

And when it comes to organic content planning, scheduling, and analytics, Buffer makes getting in front of your audience a breeze. 

Sign up for Buffer (for free!) to start scheduling posts to Facebook and other platforms, storing content ideas, using AI to make your life easier, and so much more. 

Facebook ad specs FAQ

What’s the best size for Facebook ads in 2025?

The sweet spot for single image ads is 1080 x 1080 pixels — that’s a perfect square and works great in most places. But if you're going for Facebook Stories or Reels, 1080 x 1920 (vertical) is your go-to. 

Pro tip: No matter the objective or the ad types, always aim for high quality and a clear image. 

Can I use the same creative across all placements?

I get it; repurposing is a time-saver. While you can use the same creative across all placements, it’s not always ideal. A square image might look great in the feed, but not so much in Stories. It’s best to tweak your ad for each placement. 

What file types work best for Facebook video ads?

Stick with MP4 or MOV; they’re the most reliable and Facebook-friendly. Keep the video short, clear, and under 4GB, and you’re good to go.

What is the format of a Facebook ad?

A Facebook ad usually has a visual (image or video), headline, primary text, description, and a call-to-action button (like “Shop Now” or “Learn More”). You can also choose from different styles like single image, video, carousel, or collection, depending on your goals.

More Facebook resources 

• How to Run Facebook Ads: Beginner's Guide to Advertising on Facebook
• Best Time to Post on Facebook: We Analyzed 1 Million Posts
• Meta Ad Library 101: 7 Ways to Use the Facebook Ad Library to Improve Your Ads
• The Ideal Facebook Cover Photo Size and How To Make Yours Stand Out (+ 11 Ideas and Examples)
• How to Schedule Facebook Posts in 3 Easy Ways (+ Save Hours Every Week)
• Inside the Facebook Algorithm in 2025: All the Updates You Need to Know

We’ve rounded up 26 free Instagram tools for creators, marketers, and small businesses

You're spoiled for choice when it comes to Facebook ads — from images and videos to carousels and collections, there’s a format (and placement) for just about every goal. Advertising on Facebook also gives you the chance to experiment and find just the right approach for your brand. 

But with so many options, it’s important to keep up with the latest Facebook ad specs. Facebook offers a world of creative opportunities, and getting the specs right is your first step to making the most of them. If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “Facebook ad sizes” or “Meta ad specs” five minutes before launching a campaign, we’ve got you covered.

In this fully updated guide, you’ll find all the current Facebook ad dimensions, file types, and technical details you need to create standout ads in 2025. 

Quick Tip: Add this article as a bookmark so that you never have to go spec-hunting again.

Technical terms you need to know

If all the talk about Facebook ad specs, sizes, and file types feels a little overwhelming, I hear you. But take it from a writer: the good news is that you don’t need to be a designer or a tech whiz to create Facebook ads that work. 

To help you cut through the jargon, here’s a quick rundown of the most common terms you’ll see when reading this article and creating your ads: 

• Audience network: Allows your Facebook ads to appear in apps and websites outside of Facebook and Instagram that are part of Meta’s ad network.
• Aspect ratio: The shape of your image or video (for example, 1:1 is a square)
• Aspect ratio tolerance: How much your ad’s shape can be slightly off from the ideal shape and still be OK.
• GIF: A short, looping animation made from several images that’s good for quick, fun visuals (Read our Ultimate Guide to GIFS to learn how to create and use them).
• JPEG: A common type of image file that works well for photos with lots of colours.
• MOV: A type of video file, mostly used by Apple devices. Facebook accepts it, too.
• MP4: A popular video file type that Facebook likes because it looks good and loads quickly.
• Pixels (px): Tiny dots that make up your image or video. More pixels usually means better quality.
• PNG: Another image file type that’s good for pictures with text, sharp edges, or transparent backgrounds.
• Resolution: The clarity of your image or video. Higher resolution means it looks sharper and more professional.

The anatomy of a Facebook ad

Every Facebook ad is built around your objective, your conversion location, and your call to action (CTA). Think of them as your ad’s purpose, destination, and invitation, which all work together to move people toward your goal.

Objective: This is what you want your ad to do. Do you want more people to visit your website? Watch your video? Download your app? Facebook offers a wide range of ad objectives so you can choose what fits your goal best.

Conversion location: This is where you want the action to happen. Depending on your objective, it could be your website, a mobile app, Instagram profile, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or even a physical store. 

Note: You need to have a Facebook Page to run ads using the Meta Ads manager. You can then link your Page and Instagram account to run ads on Instagram. You can only link one Instagram account to one Facebook Page.

Call to action (CTA): This is the button or prompt that encourages people to take the next step. Options include things like “Shop Now,” “Learn More,” “Send Message,” or “Download.” Picking the right one helps set clear expectations and gives your audience a helpful nudge.

Once you’ve chosen an objective, you’ll be able to choose a conversion location and a call to action: 

Here's a table showing relevant conversion locations and call-to-action (CTA) options based on each Facebook ad objective:

Ad Objective	Conversion Locations	Call-to-Action Options
Brand Awareness	Facebook Instagram Audience network	Learn More
Reach	Facebook Instagram Messenger Audience network	Learn More Send Message Call Now
Traffic	Website App Messenger WhatsApp	Learn More Shop Now Sign Up Contact Us Book Now Get Offer Download
Engagement	Post Page Event	Like Page RSVP Comment Share Learn More
App Installs	App Store (iOS/Android)	Install Now Download
Video Views	Facebook video player Instagram	Watch More Learn More
Lead Generation	Instant form Website Messenger Instagram direct	Sign Up Get Quote Subscribe Apply Now Learn More
Messages	Messenger WhatsApp Instagram direct	Send Message Send WhatsApp Message
Conversions	Website App	Shop Now Sign Up Subscribe Contact Us Learn More Get Offer
Catalogue Sales	Website (linked to product catalogue)	Shop Now View Collection
Store Traffic	Physical store (with map directions or store finder feature)	Get Directions Call Now Learn More Visit Us

Create the perfect Facebook ad: design specs for different ad types 

I once uploaded an ad that looked great on desktop but got weirdly cropped in Facebook Stories; lesson learned. Now I always double-check my dimensions. 

Using the correct Facebook ad sizes and specs is so important. When your creative meets the recommended guidelines, your ads are more likely to look great, perform better, and help you reach your goals.

Quick Tip: I like using Canva to get my visuals sized just right, fast. Just set up a custom image or video using the pixel dimensions below. It makes the whole process so much easier.

As an added bonus, when you’re creating organic posts, Buffer’s Canva integration allows you to create scroll-stopping images without leaving the platform. 

Choose the right Facebook ad format

Once you select an objective for your ad, you’ll be guided through the process of creating your ad and get to choose one of four ad types to serve your target audience. Meta offers different types of ads for different products, objectives, and goals:

1. Single image ad: Shows one picture with a message to grab attention.
2. Single video ad: Plays one video to tell a story or show a product.
3. Carousel ad: Several images or videos you can swipe through.
4. Collection ad: Shows a big image or video with smaller pictures underneath to explore more.

1. Single image ad specs

Want to drive traffic to your website or app? Start with eye-catching, high-quality visuals. You can use your own photos or tap into stock images to help tell your brand’s story in a way that grabs attention and encourages clicks.

Design recommendations

• File type: JPG or PNG
• Ratio: 1.91:1 to 4:5
• Resolution:
  • 1:1 ratio: 1440 x 1440 pixels
  • 4:5 ratio: 1440 x 1800 pixels

Text recommendations

• Primary text: 50-150 characters
• Headline: 27 characters

Technical requirements

• Maximum file size: 30MB
• Minimum width: 600 pixels
• Minimum height:
  • 1:1 ratio: 600 pixels.
  • 4:5 ratio: 750 pixels.
• Aspect ratio tolerance: 3%

2. Single video ad specs

Show off your product’s best features and capture attention with the power of sound and motion. You can upload a video you’ve already created, or use Facebook’s built-in video tools in Ads Manager to put something together.

Design recommendations

• File type: MP4, MOV, or GIF. (Here’s a complete list of supported video formats)
• Ratio: 1:1 (for desktop or mobile) or 4:5 (for mobile only) 
• Video settings: H.264 compression, square pixels, fixed frame rate, progressive scan and stereo AAC audio compression at 128kbps+
• Resolution: 
  • 1:1 ratio: 1440 x 1440 pixels
  • 4:5 ratio: 1440 x 1800 pixels
• Video captions: optional, but recommended
• Video sound: optional, but recommended

Text recommendations

• Primary text: 50-150 characters 
• Headline: 27 characters 

Technical requirements

• Video duration: 1 second to 241 minutes
• Maximum file size: 4GB
• Minimum width: 120 pixels
• Minimum height: 120 pixels

360 videos

With some objectives, you can use a 360 video. When people see this type of ad, they can turn their device or drag their finger to move around within the video and explore every angle.

3. Carousel ad specs

Carousel ads let you showcase up to ten images or videos in a single ad, each with its own link. They're perfect for highlighting different features of the same product, or even creating one long, swipeable image to tell a visual story. 

Design recommendations

• Image file type: JPG or PNG 
• Video file type: MP4, MOV or GIF 
• Ratio: 1:1 or 4:5
• Resolution: At least 1080 x 1080 pixels 

Text recommendations

• Primary text: 80 characters 
• Headline: 45 characters 
• Description: 18 characters 
• Landing page URL: Required

Technical requirements

• Number of carousel cards: 2 to 10
• Image maximum file size: 30MB
• Video maximum file size: 4GB
• Video duration: 1 second to 240 minutes
• Aspect ratio tolerance: 3%

4. Collection ad specs

Make it easier for people to shop by displaying items from your product catalog, automatically tailored to each person who sees your ad.

When people tap on the collection ad, it opens up and they’re taken into an immersive, full-screen experience (known as instant experience) where they can interact with your branded content — with the option to exit out of the ad at any time, of course.

Design recommendations

• Image type: JPG or PNG 
• Video file type: MP4, MOV or GIF 
• Ratio: 1:1 
• Resolution: at least 1080 x 1080 pixels 

Text recommendations

• Primary text: 125 characters 
• Headline: 40 characters 
• Landing page URL: Required

Technical requirements

• Instant experience: Required
• Image maximum file size: 30MB
• Video maximum file size: 4GB

Facebook ad specs and sizes at a glance

Ad Type	Design Recommendations	Text Recommendations	Technical Requirements
Single Image Ad	File type: JPG or PNG Ratio: 1.91:1 to 4:5 Resolution: 1:1 — 1440 × 1440 px 4:5 — 1440 × 1800 px	Primary text: 50–150 characters Headline: 27 characters	Max file size: 30MB Min width: 600 px Min height: 1:1 — 600 px, 4:5 — 750 px Aspect ratio tolerance: 3%
Single Video Ad	File type: MP4, MOV, or GIF Ratio: 1:1 (desktop & mobile) or 4:5 (mobile) Resolution: same as image Captions & sound: Optional but recommended Thumbnail: From selected video thumbnail	Primary text: 50–150 characters Headline: 27 characters	Duration: 1 sec to 241 min Max file size: 4GB Min size: 120 × 120 px
Carousel Ad	Image type: JPG or PNG Video type: MP4, MOV, or GIF Ratio: 1:1 or 4:5 Resolution: At least 1080 × 1080 px	Primary text: 80 characters Headline: 45 characters Description: 18 characters	Cards: 2 to 10 Image max file size: 30MB Video max file size: 4GB Video duration: 1 sec to 240 min Aspect ratio tolerance: 3%
Collection Ad	Image type: JPG or PNG Video type: MP4, MOV, or GIF Ratio: 1:1 Resolution: At least 1080 × 1080 px Cover: First media in instant experience	Primary text: 125 characters Headline: 40 characters	Instant experience: Required Image max file size: 30MB Video max file size: 4GB

5 quick tips for creating standout Facebook ads

1. Start with a clear goal: Before you even open Ads Manager, ask yourself: What do I want this ad to achieve? This will help you select the right format, objective, conversion location, and CTA.
2. Keep the text to a minimum: Facebook recommends using images with little or no text overlay, as these tend to perform better and reach more people.
3. Use music legally: Facebook is strict about copyright, and using unlicensed music can get your ad taken down. 
4. Watch out for restricted content: Facebook has clear rules about what can and can’t be advertised. I once tried to run ads for a weight loss coach using before-and-after photos, and Facebook disallowed them. All that hard work wasted. Learn the rules and save yourself the headache.
5. Make use of the Meta Ad Library: It’s a great tool for researching trends, checking out competitors, or just gathering ideas for your next campaign. Here’s a guide on using this tool effectively.

Keep these guidelines handy

Having these image size guidelines on hand will help you create awesome ads that stop the scroll and get you closer to your goals. 

And when it comes to organic content planning, scheduling, and analytics, Buffer makes getting in front of your audience a breeze. 

Sign up for Buffer (for free!) to start scheduling posts to Facebook and other platforms, storing content ideas, using AI to make your life easier, and so much more. 

Facebook ad specs FAQ

What’s the best size for Facebook ads in 2025?

The sweet spot for single image ads is 1080 x 1080 pixels — that’s a perfect square and works great in most places. But if you're going for Facebook Stories or Reels, 1080 x 1920 (vertical) is your go-to. 

Pro tip: No matter the objective or the ad types, always aim for high quality and a clear image. 

Can I use the same creative across all placements?

I get it; repurposing is a time-saver. While you can use the same creative across all placements, it’s not always ideal. A square image might look great in the feed, but not so much in Stories. It’s best to tweak your ad for each placement. 

What file types work best for Facebook video ads?

Stick with MP4 or MOV; they’re the most reliable and Facebook-friendly. Keep the video short, clear, and under 4GB, and you’re good to go.

What is the format of a Facebook ad?

A Facebook ad usually has a visual (image or video), headline, primary text, description, and a call-to-action button (like “Shop Now” or “Learn More”). You can also choose from different styles like single image, video, carousel, or collection, depending on your goals.

More Facebook resources 

• How to Run Facebook Ads: Beginner's Guide to Advertising on Facebook
• Best Time to Post on Facebook: We Analyzed 1 Million Posts
• Meta Ad Library 101: 7 Ways to Use the Facebook Ad Library to Improve Your Ads
• The Ideal Facebook Cover Photo Size and How To Make Yours Stand Out (+ 11 Ideas and Examples)
• How to Schedule Facebook Posts in 3 Easy Ways (+ Save Hours Every Week)
• Inside the Facebook Algorithm in 2025: All the Updates You Need to Know

Want to give your Facebook content a boost? Here are all the Meta ad specs and image sizes you need to create Facebook ads that get the job done. 

You're spoiled for choice when it comes to Facebook ads — from images and videos to carousels and collections, there’s a format (and placement) for just about every goal. Advertising on Facebook also gives you the chance to experiment and find just the right approach for your brand. 

But with so many options, it’s important to keep up with the latest Facebook ad specs. Facebook offers a world of creative opportunities, and getting the specs right is your first step to making the most of them. If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “Facebook ad sizes” or “Meta ad specs” five minutes before launching a campaign, we’ve got you covered.

In this fully updated guide, you’ll find all the current Facebook ad dimensions, file types, and technical details you need to create standout ads in 2025. 

Quick Tip: Add this article as a bookmark so that you never have to go spec-hunting again.

Technical terms you need to know

If all the talk about Facebook ad specs, sizes, and file types feels a little overwhelming, I hear you. But take it from a writer: the good news is that you don’t need to be a designer or a tech whiz to create Facebook ads that work. 

To help you cut through the jargon, here’s a quick rundown of the most common terms you’ll see when reading this article and creating your ads: 

• Audience network: Allows your Facebook ads to appear in apps and websites outside of Facebook and Instagram that are part of Meta’s ad network.
• Aspect ratio: The shape of your image or video (for example, 1:1 is a square)
• Aspect ratio tolerance: How much your ad’s shape can be slightly off from the ideal shape and still be OK.
• GIF: A short, looping animation made from several images that’s good for quick, fun visuals (Read our Ultimate Guide to GIFS to learn how to create and use them).
• JPEG: A common type of image file that works well for photos with lots of colours.
• MOV: A type of video file, mostly used by Apple devices. Facebook accepts it, too.
• MP4: A popular video file type that Facebook likes because it looks good and loads quickly.
• Pixels (px): Tiny dots that make up your image or video. More pixels usually means better quality.
• PNG: Another image file type that’s good for pictures with text, sharp edges, or transparent backgrounds.
• Resolution: The clarity of your image or video. Higher resolution means it looks sharper and more professional.

The anatomy of a Facebook ad

Every Facebook ad is built around your objective, your conversion location, and your call to action (CTA). Think of them as your ad’s purpose, destination, and invitation, which all work together to move people toward your goal.

Objective: This is what you want your ad to do. Do you want more people to visit your website? Watch your video? Download your app? Facebook offers a wide range of ad objectives so you can choose what fits your goal best.

Conversion location: This is where you want the action to happen. Depending on your objective, it could be your website, a mobile app, Instagram profile, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or even a physical store. 

Note: You need to have a Facebook Page to run ads using the Meta Ads manager. You can then link your Page and Instagram account to run ads on Instagram. You can only link one Instagram account to one Facebook Page.

Call to action (CTA): This is the button or prompt that encourages people to take the next step. Options include things like “Shop Now,” “Learn More,” “Send Message,” or “Download.” Picking the right one helps set clear expectations and gives your audience a helpful nudge.

Once you’ve chosen an objective, you’ll be able to choose a conversion location and a call to action: 

Here's a table showing relevant conversion locations and call-to-action (CTA) options based on each Facebook ad objective:

Ad Objective	Conversion Locations	Call-to-Action Options
Brand Awareness	Facebook Instagram Audience network	Learn More
Reach	Facebook Instagram Messenger Audience network	Learn More Send Message Call Now
Traffic	Website App Messenger WhatsApp	Learn More Shop Now Sign Up Contact Us Book Now Get Offer Download
Engagement	Post Page Event	Like Page RSVP Comment Share Learn More
App Installs	App Store (iOS/Android)	Install Now Download
Video Views	Facebook video player Instagram	Watch More Learn More
Lead Generation	Instant form Website Messenger Instagram direct	Sign Up Get Quote Subscribe Apply Now Learn More
Messages	Messenger WhatsApp Instagram direct	Send Message Send WhatsApp Message
Conversions	Website App	Shop Now Sign Up Subscribe Contact Us Learn More Get Offer
Catalogue Sales	Website (linked to product catalogue)	Shop Now View Collection
Store Traffic	Physical store (with map directions or store finder feature)	Get Directions Call Now Learn More Visit Us

Create the perfect Facebook ad: design specs for different ad types 

I once uploaded an ad that looked great on desktop but got weirdly cropped in Facebook Stories; lesson learned. Now I always double-check my dimensions. 

Using the correct Facebook ad sizes and specs is so important. When your creative meets the recommended guidelines, your ads are more likely to look great, perform better, and help you reach your goals.

Quick Tip: I like using Canva to get my visuals sized just right, fast. Just set up a custom image or video using the pixel dimensions below. It makes the whole process so much easier.

As an added bonus, when you’re creating organic posts, Buffer’s Canva integration allows you to create scroll-stopping images without leaving the platform. 

Choose the right Facebook ad format

Once you select an objective for your ad, you’ll be guided through the process of creating your ad and get to choose one of four ad types to serve your target audience. Meta offers different types of ads for different products, objectives, and goals:

1. Single image ad: Shows one picture with a message to grab attention.
2. Single video ad: Plays one video to tell a story or show a product.
3. Carousel ad: Several images or videos you can swipe through.
4. Collection ad: Shows a big image or video with smaller pictures underneath to explore more.

1. Single image ad specs

Want to drive traffic to your website or app? Start with eye-catching, high-quality visuals. You can use your own photos or tap into stock images to help tell your brand’s story in a way that grabs attention and encourages clicks.

Design recommendations

• File type: JPG or PNG
• Ratio: 1.91:1 to 4:5
• Resolution:
  • 1:1 ratio: 1440 x 1440 pixels
  • 4:5 ratio: 1440 x 1800 pixels

Text recommendations

• Primary text: 50-150 characters
• Headline: 27 characters

Technical requirements

• Maximum file size: 30MB
• Minimum width: 600 pixels
• Minimum height:
  • 1:1 ratio: 600 pixels.
  • 4:5 ratio: 750 pixels.
• Aspect ratio tolerance: 3%

2. Single video ad specs

Show off your product’s best features and capture attention with the power of sound and motion. You can upload a video you’ve already created, or use Facebook’s built-in video tools in Ads Manager to put something together.

Design recommendations

• File type: MP4, MOV, or GIF. (Here’s a complete list of supported video formats)
• Ratio: 1:1 (for desktop or mobile) or 4:5 (for mobile only) 
• Video settings: H.264 compression, square pixels, fixed frame rate, progressive scan and stereo AAC audio compression at 128kbps+
• Resolution: 
  • 1:1 ratio: 1440 x 1440 pixels
  • 4:5 ratio: 1440 x 1800 pixels
• Video captions: optional, but recommended
• Video sound: optional, but recommended

Text recommendations

• Primary text: 50-150 characters 
• Headline: 27 characters 

Technical requirements

• Video duration: 1 second to 241 minutes
• Maximum file size: 4GB
• Minimum width: 120 pixels
• Minimum height: 120 pixels

360 videos

With some objectives, you can use a 360 video. When people see this type of ad, they can turn their device or drag their finger to move around within the video and explore every angle.

3. Carousel ad specs

Carousel ads let you showcase up to ten images or videos in a single ad, each with its own link. They're perfect for highlighting different features of the same product, or even creating one long, swipeable image to tell a visual story. 

Design recommendations

• Image file type: JPG or PNG 
• Video file type: MP4, MOV or GIF 
• Ratio: 1:1 or 4:5
• Resolution: At least 1080 x 1080 pixels 

Text recommendations

• Primary text: 80 characters 
• Headline: 45 characters 
• Description: 18 characters 
• Landing page URL: Required

Technical requirements

• Number of carousel cards: 2 to 10
• Image maximum file size: 30MB
• Video maximum file size: 4GB
• Video duration: 1 second to 240 minutes
• Aspect ratio tolerance: 3%

4. Collection ad specs

Make it easier for people to shop by displaying items from your product catalog, automatically tailored to each person who sees your ad.

When people tap on the collection ad, it opens up and they’re taken into an immersive, full-screen experience (known as instant experience) where they can interact with your branded content — with the option to exit out of the ad at any time, of course.

Design recommendations

• Image type: JPG or PNG 
• Video file type: MP4, MOV or GIF 
• Ratio: 1:1 
• Resolution: at least 1080 x 1080 pixels 

Text recommendations

• Primary text: 125 characters 
• Headline: 40 characters 
• Landing page URL: Required

Technical requirements

• Instant experience: Required
• Image maximum file size: 30MB
• Video maximum file size: 4GB

Facebook ad specs and sizes at a glance

Ad Type	Design Recommendations	Text Recommendations	Technical Requirements
Single Image Ad	File type: JPG or PNG Ratio: 1.91:1 to 4:5 Resolution: 1:1 — 1440 × 1440 px 4:5 — 1440 × 1800 px	Primary text: 50–150 characters Headline: 27 characters	Max file size: 30MB Min width: 600 px Min height: 1:1 — 600 px, 4:5 — 750 px Aspect ratio tolerance: 3%
Single Video Ad	File type: MP4, MOV, or GIF Ratio: 1:1 (desktop & mobile) or 4:5 (mobile) Resolution: same as image Captions & sound: Optional but recommended Thumbnail: From selected video thumbnail	Primary text: 50–150 characters Headline: 27 characters	Duration: 1 sec to 241 min Max file size: 4GB Min size: 120 × 120 px
Carousel Ad	Image type: JPG or PNG Video type: MP4, MOV, or GIF Ratio: 1:1 or 4:5 Resolution: At least 1080 × 1080 px	Primary text: 80 characters Headline: 45 characters Description: 18 characters	Cards: 2 to 10 Image max file size: 30MB Video max file size: 4GB Video duration: 1 sec to 240 min Aspect ratio tolerance: 3%
Collection Ad	Image type: JPG or PNG Video type: MP4, MOV, or GIF Ratio: 1:1 Resolution: At least 1080 × 1080 px Cover: First media in instant experience	Primary text: 125 characters Headline: 40 characters	Instant experience: Required Image max file size: 30MB Video max file size: 4GB

5 quick tips for creating standout Facebook ads

1. Start with a clear goal: Before you even open Ads Manager, ask yourself: What do I want this ad to achieve? This will help you select the right format, objective, conversion location, and CTA.
2. Keep the text to a minimum: Facebook recommends using images with little or no text overlay, as these tend to perform better and reach more people.
3. Use music legally: Facebook is strict about copyright, and using unlicensed music can get your ad taken down. 
4. Watch out for restricted content: Facebook has clear rules about what can and can’t be advertised. I once tried to run ads for a weight loss coach using before-and-after photos, and Facebook disallowed them. All that hard work wasted. Learn the rules and save yourself the headache.
5. Make use of the Meta Ad Library: It’s a great tool for researching trends, checking out competitors, or just gathering ideas for your next campaign. Here’s a guide on using this tool effectively.

Keep these guidelines handy

Having these image size guidelines on hand will help you create awesome ads that stop the scroll and get you closer to your goals. 

And when it comes to organic content planning, scheduling, and analytics, Buffer makes getting in front of your audience a breeze. 

Sign up for Buffer (for free!) to start scheduling posts to Facebook and other platforms, storing content ideas, using AI to make your life easier, and so much more. 

Facebook ad specs FAQ

What’s the best size for Facebook ads in 2025?

The sweet spot for single image ads is 1080 x 1080 pixels — that’s a perfect square and works great in most places. But if you're going for Facebook Stories or Reels, 1080 x 1920 (vertical) is your go-to. 

Pro tip: No matter the objective or the ad types, always aim for high quality and a clear image. 

Can I use the same creative across all placements?

I get it; repurposing is a time-saver. While you can use the same creative across all placements, it’s not always ideal. A square image might look great in the feed, but not so much in Stories. It’s best to tweak your ad for each placement. 

What file types work best for Facebook video ads?

Stick with MP4 or MOV; they’re the most reliable and Facebook-friendly. Keep the video short, clear, and under 4GB, and you’re good to go.

What is the format of a Facebook ad?

A Facebook ad usually has a visual (image or video), headline, primary text, description, and a call-to-action button (like “Shop Now” or “Learn More”). You can also choose from different styles like single image, video, carousel, or collection, depending on your goals.

More Facebook resources 

• How to Run Facebook Ads: Beginner's Guide to Advertising on Facebook
• Best Time to Post on Facebook: We Analyzed 1 Million Posts
• Meta Ad Library 101: 7 Ways to Use the Facebook Ad Library to Improve Your Ads
• The Ideal Facebook Cover Photo Size and How To Make Yours Stand Out (+ 11 Ideas and Examples)
• How to Schedule Facebook Posts in 3 Easy Ways (+ Save Hours Every Week)
• Inside the Facebook Algorithm in 2025: All the Updates You Need to Know

Real-life social media campaign examples from trailblazing brands to inspire your next big project.

You probably won't have to scroll TikTok for more than a few minutes before stumbling upon a video about how someone has just quit their day job to become a full-time creator. (Not just my algorithm, is it?)

It makes for great content, of course, but there really are loads of ways to earn on TikTok — and I don’t just mean through sponsored posts. TikTok is a standout social media platform when it comes to the sheer volume of ways you can earn — without even leaving the app.

The platform is constantly experimenting with new ways creators can monetize their content, from participating in challenges with cash incentives to receiving rewards for high-performing content.

Whether you're looking for a modest income boost or are ready to become a full-time creator, TikTok can be a rewarding way to monetize as a creator.

Plus, if you’re a creator with a small business, you’ll be pleased to hear TikTok is popular for shopping, too — 71% of consumers say they have bought something after stumbling across it on TikTok. That's good news, whether you want to engage in brand partnerships or sell your own products and merch.

Suffice it to say, there are many ways to make money on TikTok. Most are built right into the platform, others allow you to make money through partnerships or directly from your followers — great if you have a presence on other platforms, too. 

Consider what suits your content and audience, and try out some of these effective methods for making money on TikTok.

An important consideration: At the time of writing, TikTok's fate in the US is still in limbo after a ban on the app was extended. But with an increase in ad spend and only a small dip in active users, it appears businesses and TikTok users alike are still scrolling, even in the face of uncertainty.

If you're a creator in the US looking to make money on TikTok, we recommend diversifying your efforts and growing your following simultaneously on TikTok alternatives like Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and Pinterest. You can crosspost your TikTok videos to these other social media platforms so you're not reliant on a single network — a smart choice regardless of a potential ban.

10 ways to make money on TikTok

There are plenty of ways to earn money on TikTok for creators at any stage of their journey. Some in-platform methods require specific follower counts or content types, but others are accessible even to those just starting out.

Here are 10 of the best ways to make money on TikTok to help you find the right fit for your content style and audience:

Many TikTok creators combine several revenue streams for a consistent income. Learn how each of these works and decide which ones feel authentic to your personal brand.

1. Join the TikTok Creator Rewards program

One of the best-known ways to get started making money on TikTok is to join the TikTok Creator Rewards program, which rewards creators for their engaging content.

TikTok's Creator Rewards program pays content creators based on factors like video length, views, engagement, and region-specific performance. TikTok isn’t clear on exactly how much, but some sources say creators could earn $0.40 – $1 for every 1,000 views, and others say the range is $4 – 8. Either way, it's an upgrade from the now-defunct TikTok Creator Fund. TikTok says creators are now making 250% more from this new and improved program.

Still, there are some requirements you’ll need to meet if you hope to join the Creator Rewards program. For starters, it’s only available for creators in the U.S., Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the UK, though it seems likely the platform will continue expanding to other countries. As long as you're in the right location, you must also:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have at least 10K TikTok followers.
• Have a minimum of 100K video views in the last 30 days.
• Have a personal TikTok account in good standing (meaning you follow the platform's Community Guidelines and Terms of Service).
• Post high-quality, original content that's at least one minute long and aligns with TikTok's mission of inspiring joy and creativity.

Review TikTok's full program FAQ to ensure your content is eligible.

2. Partner with brands on sponsored content

In 2025, 77% of brands are planning to use TikTok for influencer marketing. So, promoting a brand's products or services is another great way to make money on TikTok. You don't have to have a large following to get sponsored on TikTok, either.

In fact, according to a recent report by Influencer Marketing Hub, 88% of TikTok influencers are nano-influencers (creators with 1,000 – 10K followers), and an additional 8% are micro-influencers (those with 10K – 50K followers. Many brands flock to nano- and micro-influencers for their high engagement rates, niche audience, and more personal follower relationships. So there's plenty of opportunity here for you if you're just starting out.

Disability educator Tiffany Yu has earned six figures from TikTok brand partnerships and started monetizing on the platform while she was still within the micro-influencer range.

There are several ways to find brands to partner with as a TikTok influencer. You can start by joining the TikTok Creator Marketplace, now baked into TikTok One, a platform that allows brands to connect with creators and collaborate on TikTok marketing campaigns.

Creators need to meet certain eligibility requirements to be invited to the platform, including a 10K follower minimum. But once you are you'll be added to the database so brands can find you.

You can also find brand partnerships outside the platform, particularly if you don't meet the Creator Marketplace's follower minimum yet.

An easy way in? Think about the products you already use and love that your audience would also be excited to hear about. Your followers are more likely to resonate with something you genuinely like using. Put together a media kit and pitch these brands on a potential sponsorship.

For example, sunny.tsao is a skincare influencer who frequently talks about the product she uses, like this morning skincare routine video:

@sunny.tsao

happy Sunday morning! Products: @Fresh Beauty soy face cleanser, @SkinCeuticals CE ferulic vitamin c serum, @Summer Fridays jet lag mask, @URIAGE bariederm cica cream, @KraveBeauty beet the sun spf, @Versed Skin tinted lip serum in bake #skincare #makeup

♬ Vintage Vibe – Dutrex

This kind of content would be easy to turn into a sponsored ad for any of the products she uses.

3. Submit video ads to brands' Creative Challenges

TikTok’s Creative Challenges (now also a part of TikTok One) effectively let creators skip ahead a couple of steps in the partnership process. No pitching, no waiting around for approvals before filming — you jump right into the content creation.

You choose a campaign from a list of active challenges, create and submit your video, and get rewarded based on how well it performs. 

Each Creative Challenge comes with a brief that outlines what the brand is looking for, the rules, and the potential reward pool. Your video doesn’t appear on your profile — it becomes part of the brand’s ad campaign and is run on the For You feed if approved.

TikTok recommends submitting original, high-quality content that’s well-edited and sticks to the challenge brief. Rewards are based on performance factors like views, clicks, and conversions.

Once your video is live, you’ll be able to track its performance and check your monthly earnings within the app.

To be eligible, you’ll need:

• A U.S.-based TikTok account
• At least 50K followers
• To be 18 years or older
• Content that aligns with TikTok’s Community Guidelines

4. Tap into affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is a powerful strategy to monetize your TikTok account by promoting products or services and earning a commission on sales generated through your unique affiliate links.

While affiliate marketing can be considered a form of brand sponsorship, you can also join affiliate programs independently for more control and less back-and-forth brand interaction.

The TikTok for Business affiliate program is run through impact.com and enables creators to apply to be an affiliate for a brand.

The cool thing about joining this native affiliate program is that you'll get access to a special Shop tab in your TikTok profile where you can showcase all your featured products — as lifestyle creator Nicki Marie does:

Some other popular affiliate marketing platforms you can join include:

• Amazon Associates: Offers a wide range of products to promote.
• AvantLink: A platform that boasts a vigorous vetting process for a high-quality partner directory.
• CJ Affiliate: Features many well-known brands and products.
• Rakuten Advertising: Provides access to global brands and products.

After signing up for an affiliate program, you'll get unique affiliate links that will track the sales generated through your promotions, ensuring you earn your commission.

You can add affiliate links to your TikTok bio, but you'll likely want to feature multiple links over time. So you can consider using a landing page tool like Buffer’s Start Page to include multiple affiliate links. In your TikTok posts, prompt viewers to visit the link in your bio to buy the products you're promoting.

Here are a few ways to incorporate affiliate links into your TikTok content effectively:

• Product reviews: Create engaging and honest reviews of the products you're promoting. Highlight their benefits and how they solve problems for your audience.
• Tutorials and how-tos: Demonstrate how to use the product in a tutorial or step-by-step guide.
• Unboxing videos: Share the excitement of opening new products and giving your first impression.

Transparency is crucial in affiliate marketing. Always disclose your affiliate relationships to your audience. This builds trust and complies with legal requirements. A simple statement like “This video contains affiliate links and I may earn a commission if you make a purchase” can suffice.

5. Receive virtual gifts by going LIVE and turning on Video Gifts

Gifts on TikTok are digital icons worth varying amounts of virtual ‘coins,’ which followers buy with (real-life) money. Followers can send in-app gifts to show their appreciation, either on your feed content or during TikTok LIVEs.

To be able to go LIVE on TikTok, you’ll need:

• To have at least 1,000 followers
• Be older than 18

Once you’re there, you’ll be able to start receiving gifts. These gifts are one factor that helps make your content more popular by signaling to TikTok's algorithm that users are enjoying it. TikTok then rewards you with Diamonds (their virtual currency) based on the popularity of your content. Diamonds can then be converted into cash.

To receive gifts on TikTok LIVE, head to your LIVE screen. Tap ‘Settings,’ then turn the ‘LIVE Gifts’ setting on. 

LIVE Gifts are delivered in real time and appear on your stream so you can thank followers for the gift.

To enable TikTok Video Gifts for your feed content, turn on video gifts in the ‘Monetization’ section of TikTok Studio:

Then, the ‘Gift’ button will appear on your content in the ‘Comments’ section.

You'll need at least 10K followers to be eligible for Video Gifts.

6. Launch a TikTok Subscription to give your most dedicated fans exclusive perks

TikTok Subscriptions are a great way to strengthen your bond with your most loyal followers — and earn a (fairly) reliable monthly income while you're at it. 

Launching a subscription is a bit like having a VIP section (or a Patreon): a place where your most engaged followers can tap into exclusive content, perks, and recognition for their ongoing support.

To be eligible for this feature, you’ll need to have at least:

• 10K followers
• 100K video views in the last calendar month

With TikTok Subscriptions, creators can offer subscriber-only videos, exclusive LIVEs, custom emotes and stickers, and fun bonuses like badges that evolve over time. 

While creators only keep around 50% of subscription revenue, TikTok does have some ways to help you boost that:

• Video Creator Bonus: Earn an extra 20% if you’ve hit 10K followers and 1M views in the previous month.
• Growth Bonus: Get up to 15% more as your subscriber base grows.

Setting up is straightforward via TikTok Studio in the app — if you meet the eligibility requirements. Once you’re in, you can choose your subscription tier (starting at $2.99/month) and customize your benefits.

7. Set up a virtual tip jar to collect donations from your audience

Give your followers a way to share their appreciation for you any time they feel like it with a tipping platform. Some popular options to collect tips are:

• Tip Top Jar: A straightforward option that takes your followers to a simple landing page to send a tip.
• Buy Me a Coffee: With this platform, followers can choose to buy you any number of “coffees” for a set price. The platform also offers a membership option for your fans for ongoing income.
• Ko-fi: Consider this if you want more extensive options to offer audiences. Your followers can send tips, sign up for memberships, shop your products, and request commissions for personalized content.

Once you choose a platform, add a link to your TikTok bio and let your fans know they can support you there, like wardrobe stylist Payton Dale has done. This is her "Buy Me a Coffee" page:

8. Get paid to promote music artists' work

TikTok’s Work with Artists feature is rather clever — you create viral content to help boost new music from an artist, and you get paid. 

There’s no clear-cut documentation on TikTok on it, though they do explain on the Creator Academy:“Love using popular music in your videos? The Work With Artists program lets you do just that without worrying about demonetization or getting muted. Participate in campaigns using popular songs and earn rewards based on your participation.”

To be eligible, you need to:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have 1,000 followers

If you meet those requirements, tap over to the ‘Monetization’ section in TikTok Studio, then ‘Work with Artists.’ Follow the prompts to sign up, then choose a ‘campaign’ (read: song) you like, and create a video featuring that track. 

The better your video performs, the more you’ll earn, though payment varies from track to track, as you can see from the screenshot below. 

9. Crowdfund a project with your fans

If you're looking to fund a specific project, like developing an app or product, crowdfunding is a great option.

A couple of popular sites to consider are:

• Kickstarter: Consider Kickstarter if you need a lot of eyes and a trusted platform for your fundraising.
• Indiegogo: If you don't have a specific amount you're trying to raise, you might prefer Indiegogo, which offers more flexible fundraising goals and lets you collect funds even after your deadline.

Once you choose your platform, you can use TikTok to help spread the word about your campaign.

Osien Gwynned used TikTok and Kickstarter to launch his denim brand Antur Supply Co:

@antursupplyco

AHH! We’re LIVE on Kickstarter! Click the link in bio and grab them early! #denim #antursupplyco #fashiontiktok #business

♬ you n me flume remix – favsoundds

Before launching on Kickstarter, Osien spent 18 months building his TikTok audience by sharing behind-the-scenes footage. The investment paid off, reaching his £25K goal just 9.5 hours after the campaign went live.

10. Sell your own products or merch on TikTok Shop

Already have an existing line of products or merch? TikTok can help you sell them. You can, of course, link to your online shop in your bio. But if you have a TikTok Business account and are based in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Mexico, Spain, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, or Vietnam, you can also set up TikTok Shop for your business via the TikTok Seller Center.

Then, you'll gain access to a whole host of promotional features to sell your products right on TikTok, like:

• Shop Page: A tab on your profile featuring all the products you sell on TikTok.
• Shop Tab: A tab on the TikTok home screen featuring all the products for sale on the platform that recommends relevant items to users.
• Product links: Any time you feature one of your products in your TikTok videos, add a link to take interested shoppers to check it out on your TikTok Shop.
• TikTok Shop Ads: Amp up discovery for your brand with paid advertising on TikTok through shoppable videos, Shop Tab features, and LIVE Shopping Ads.

See The Way I See is a mental health-focused apparel and accessories brand started by creator and artist Sophie Nistico. She credits her success to marketing on social media and currently has a solid 612K followers on TikTok alone.

She takes full advantage of TikTok's shopping features and, as a result, has sold over 43K items.

To effectively drive sales on the platform, you'll want to create content that resonates with specific subcultures and interests within the TikTok community. Understanding and engaging with TikTok audiences is crucial for success.

Sophie nails this with See The Way I See. Her brand's content fits right in with the platform's casual, fast-paced nature:

@seethewayisee

a surprise for those who watch until the end 👀 #mentalhealthbrand #sharktankproducts #seethewayisee

♬ original sound – seethewayisee

Many brands also have success going LIVE on TikTok to promote their business. Packing customers' orders, giving freebies to viewers, offering product demos and Q&As, and giving sneak peeks are a few popular ways brands take advantage of TikTok LIVE.

Diversify your income streams to maximize your TikTok earnings

As you can see, there are several great ways to make money on TikTok — many built right into the platform. But this is just the beginning of what's possible.

• Keep up with TikTok's evolving features: Check the Monetization section in your TikTok Studio for new opportunities. Follow TikTok's Creator Academy, where they detail out the latest monetization features and best practices for using them.
• Look beyond TikTok's native options: Particularly if you don't meet TikTok's eligibility requirements, there are plenty of off-platform options to use TikTok to make money — like brand partnerships, affiliate programs, paid communities, virtual tip jars, and crowdfunding. 

Regardless of which monetization methods you choose, providing genuine value to your audience through authentic content comes first. This earns the trust needed to sell products to your audience or earn tips and gifts.

Ready to turn your TikTok creativity into an income source?

Start by exploring one or two methods that feel most natural for your content style and audience. Then expand your strategy once you master those. The most successful TikTok creators typically combine multiple monetization methods for financial stability.

Finally, remember to post consistently, regardless of whether a piece of content will be monetized or not. Regular engagement with your audience is essential for maintaining your presence and ultimately earning money.

Buffer can help you stay consistent:

• Brainstorm and save your TikTok ideas.
• Schedule your videos ahead of time to publish when your followers are most active.
• Crosspost to different platforms to safeguard against individual platform changes.

The best part? You can start scheduling TikTok videos on Buffer for free.

How to make money on TikTok FAQ

How many followers do you need to make money on TikTok?

The number of followers you need depends on which monetization method you choose:

• No minimum required: On-platform, you can create TikTok effects with no minimum follower count. Third-party options like brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, selling your own products, and tip jar platforms have no follower requirement. Remember: Many brands actively seek micro-influencers (50K or fewer followers) due to their high engagement rates.
• 1,000 followers: You can participate in the Work With Artists program, receive gifts during TikTok LIVE streams, and launch Subscriptions if you have LIVE access.
• 10K followers: This unlocks eligibility for Video Gifts, the TikTok Creator Marketplace, the Creator Rewards program, and Subscriptions for those without LIVE access.
• 50K followers: Allows you to apply for Creative Challenges for brand ads.
• 100K followers: Allows you to participate in the LIVE Incentive Program.

Since TikTok updates its eligibility requirements regularly, and they can vary by region, you'll want to check the current requirements of your desired program.

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

There's no hard-and-fast rule about how many views you need to make money on TikTok. Some of the platform's native monetization options do have view count requirements. External options don't have minimum requirements, but more views can entice brands to work with you. And some monetization options rely on views to earn money. For example, to earn an affiliate commission, you'll need TikTok users to first watch and then purchase from your content.

TikTok's in-platform view count requirements are as follows:

• Creator Rewards program: Requires 100K video views in the last 30 days to sign up.
• Creator Marketplace: A minimum of 10K post views in the last 30 days is required to join.
• TikTok Subscriptions: For LIVE creators, you must have conducted a LIVE for at least 30 minutes in the last 28 days. Or without LIVE, you need to have had 100K video views in the past calendar month.
• Branded Missions and Creative Challenges: While there's no official minimum view count, brands may look for creators whose content performs well consistently to ensure campaign success.
• Video Gifts and LIVE Gifts: No specific view requirements, but more views naturally lead to more gift opportunities from your audience.
• Work With Artists and TikTok LIVE Incentive Program: Also have no view requirements.
• Creator Effects: You need 100K videos to use your effects before you start earning.

The quality of your views matters as much as the quantity. A highly engaged audience that watches your videos to completion, leaves comments, and shares your content is more valuable to partners and TikTok's algorithm than passive viewers who quickly scroll past.

So focus on creating high-quality content for a specific niche rather than chasing views. Consistent, targeted content typically leads to better monetization opportunities in the long run.

How to make money on TikTok without followers

There are opportunities to make money on TikTok even if you're just starting out and have a small follower base:

• Create TikTok effects: The Effects Creator Rewards Program has no follower minimum and just requires at least 100K videos to use your effects before you can start earning.
• Affiliate marketing: You can promote products to a small audience to earn commissions on their purchases.
• Collaborate with brands: Many brands partner with nano- and micro-influencers for their higher engagement rate. But promotion isn't the only service you can offer them. Try pitching your content creation services. You can create authentic product reviews and reactions or capture photos and videos of their product for them to use on their website or in marketing campaigns.
• Sell your own products and merch: Use TikTok to showcase your products or services and direct your audience to your website or TikTok Shop.

Keep posting consistently to grow your TikTok following. As you grow your follower base, you'll unlock more monetization options. Read our guide to learn how to get your first 1,000 followers.

Related Articles

• How to Get More Followers on TikTok in 2025
• The Best Time to Post on TikTok in 2025 — New Data
• How to Use TikTok for Business in 2025

Here’s how to edit TikTok videos and tips for making your next video the best yet.

You probably won't have to scroll TikTok for more than a few minutes before stumbling upon a video about how someone has just quit their day job to become a full-time creator. (Not just my algorithm, is it?)

It makes for great content, of course, but there really are loads of ways to earn on TikTok — and I don’t just mean through sponsored posts. TikTok is a standout social media platform when it comes to the sheer volume of ways you can earn — without even leaving the app.

The platform is constantly experimenting with new ways creators can monetize their content, from participating in challenges with cash incentives to receiving rewards for high-performing content.

Whether you're looking for a modest income boost or are ready to become a full-time creator, TikTok can be a rewarding way to monetize as a creator.

Plus, if you’re a creator with a small business, you’ll be pleased to hear TikTok is popular for shopping, too — 71% of consumers say they have bought something after stumbling across it on TikTok. That's good news, whether you want to engage in brand partnerships or sell your own products and merch.

Suffice it to say, there are many ways to make money on TikTok. Most are built right into the platform, others allow you to make money through partnerships or directly from your followers — great if you have a presence on other platforms, too. 

Consider what suits your content and audience, and try out some of these effective methods for making money on TikTok.

An important consideration: At the time of writing, TikTok's fate in the US is still in limbo after a ban on the app was extended. But with an increase in ad spend and only a small dip in active users, it appears businesses and TikTok users alike are still scrolling, even in the face of uncertainty.

If you're a creator in the US looking to make money on TikTok, we recommend diversifying your efforts and growing your following simultaneously on TikTok alternatives like Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and Pinterest. You can crosspost your TikTok videos to these other social media platforms so you're not reliant on a single network — a smart choice regardless of a potential ban.

10 ways to make money on TikTok

There are plenty of ways to earn money on TikTok for creators at any stage of their journey. Some in-platform methods require specific follower counts or content types, but others are accessible even to those just starting out.

Here are 10 of the best ways to make money on TikTok to help you find the right fit for your content style and audience:

Many TikTok creators combine several revenue streams for a consistent income. Learn how each of these works and decide which ones feel authentic to your personal brand.

1. Join the TikTok Creator Rewards program

One of the best-known ways to get started making money on TikTok is to join the TikTok Creator Rewards program, which rewards creators for their engaging content.

TikTok's Creator Rewards program pays content creators based on factors like video length, views, engagement, and region-specific performance. TikTok isn’t clear on exactly how much, but some sources say creators could earn $0.40 – $1 for every 1,000 views, and others say the range is $4 – 8. Either way, it's an upgrade from the now-defunct TikTok Creator Fund. TikTok says creators are now making 250% more from this new and improved program.

Still, there are some requirements you’ll need to meet if you hope to join the Creator Rewards program. For starters, it’s only available for creators in the U.S., Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the UK, though it seems likely the platform will continue expanding to other countries. As long as you're in the right location, you must also:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have at least 10K TikTok followers.
• Have a minimum of 100K video views in the last 30 days.
• Have a personal TikTok account in good standing (meaning you follow the platform's Community Guidelines and Terms of Service).
• Post high-quality, original content that's at least one minute long and aligns with TikTok's mission of inspiring joy and creativity.

Review TikTok's full program FAQ to ensure your content is eligible.

2. Partner with brands on sponsored content

In 2025, 77% of brands are planning to use TikTok for influencer marketing. So, promoting a brand's products or services is another great way to make money on TikTok. You don't have to have a large following to get sponsored on TikTok, either.

In fact, according to a recent report by Influencer Marketing Hub, 88% of TikTok influencers are nano-influencers (creators with 1,000 – 10K followers), and an additional 8% are micro-influencers (those with 10K – 50K followers. Many brands flock to nano- and micro-influencers for their high engagement rates, niche audience, and more personal follower relationships. So there's plenty of opportunity here for you if you're just starting out.

Disability educator Tiffany Yu has earned six figures from TikTok brand partnerships and started monetizing on the platform while she was still within the micro-influencer range.

There are several ways to find brands to partner with as a TikTok influencer. You can start by joining the TikTok Creator Marketplace, now baked into TikTok One, a platform that allows brands to connect with creators and collaborate on TikTok marketing campaigns.

Creators need to meet certain eligibility requirements to be invited to the platform, including a 10K follower minimum. But once you are you'll be added to the database so brands can find you.

You can also find brand partnerships outside the platform, particularly if you don't meet the Creator Marketplace's follower minimum yet.

An easy way in? Think about the products you already use and love that your audience would also be excited to hear about. Your followers are more likely to resonate with something you genuinely like using. Put together a media kit and pitch these brands on a potential sponsorship.

For example, sunny.tsao is a skincare influencer who frequently talks about the product she uses, like this morning skincare routine video:

@sunny.tsao

happy Sunday morning! Products: @Fresh Beauty soy face cleanser, @SkinCeuticals CE ferulic vitamin c serum, @Summer Fridays jet lag mask, @URIAGE bariederm cica cream, @KraveBeauty beet the sun spf, @Versed Skin tinted lip serum in bake #skincare #makeup

♬ Vintage Vibe – Dutrex

This kind of content would be easy to turn into a sponsored ad for any of the products she uses.

3. Submit video ads to brands' Creative Challenges

TikTok’s Creative Challenges (now also a part of TikTok One) effectively let creators skip ahead a couple of steps in the partnership process. No pitching, no waiting around for approvals before filming — you jump right into the content creation.

You choose a campaign from a list of active challenges, create and submit your video, and get rewarded based on how well it performs. 

Each Creative Challenge comes with a brief that outlines what the brand is looking for, the rules, and the potential reward pool. Your video doesn’t appear on your profile — it becomes part of the brand’s ad campaign and is run on the For You feed if approved.

TikTok recommends submitting original, high-quality content that’s well-edited and sticks to the challenge brief. Rewards are based on performance factors like views, clicks, and conversions.

Once your video is live, you’ll be able to track its performance and check your monthly earnings within the app.

To be eligible, you’ll need:

• A U.S.-based TikTok account
• At least 50K followers
• To be 18 years or older
• Content that aligns with TikTok’s Community Guidelines

4. Tap into affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is a powerful strategy to monetize your TikTok account by promoting products or services and earning a commission on sales generated through your unique affiliate links.

While affiliate marketing can be considered a form of brand sponsorship, you can also join affiliate programs independently for more control and less back-and-forth brand interaction.

The TikTok for Business affiliate program is run through impact.com and enables creators to apply to be an affiliate for a brand.

The cool thing about joining this native affiliate program is that you'll get access to a special Shop tab in your TikTok profile where you can showcase all your featured products — as lifestyle creator Nicki Marie does:

Some other popular affiliate marketing platforms you can join include:

• Amazon Associates: Offers a wide range of products to promote.
• AvantLink: A platform that boasts a vigorous vetting process for a high-quality partner directory.
• CJ Affiliate: Features many well-known brands and products.
• Rakuten Advertising: Provides access to global brands and products.

After signing up for an affiliate program, you'll get unique affiliate links that will track the sales generated through your promotions, ensuring you earn your commission.

You can add affiliate links to your TikTok bio, but you'll likely want to feature multiple links over time. So you can consider using a landing page tool like Buffer’s Start Page to include multiple affiliate links. In your TikTok posts, prompt viewers to visit the link in your bio to buy the products you're promoting.

Here are a few ways to incorporate affiliate links into your TikTok content effectively:

• Product reviews: Create engaging and honest reviews of the products you're promoting. Highlight their benefits and how they solve problems for your audience.
• Tutorials and how-tos: Demonstrate how to use the product in a tutorial or step-by-step guide.
• Unboxing videos: Share the excitement of opening new products and giving your first impression.

Transparency is crucial in affiliate marketing. Always disclose your affiliate relationships to your audience. This builds trust and complies with legal requirements. A simple statement like “This video contains affiliate links and I may earn a commission if you make a purchase” can suffice.

5. Receive virtual gifts by going LIVE and turning on Video Gifts

Gifts on TikTok are digital icons worth varying amounts of virtual ‘coins,’ which followers buy with (real-life) money. Followers can send in-app gifts to show their appreciation, either on your feed content or during TikTok LIVEs.

To be able to go LIVE on TikTok, you’ll need:

• To have at least 1,000 followers
• Be older than 18

Once you’re there, you’ll be able to start receiving gifts. These gifts are one factor that helps make your content more popular by signaling to TikTok's algorithm that users are enjoying it. TikTok then rewards you with Diamonds (their virtual currency) based on the popularity of your content. Diamonds can then be converted into cash.

To receive gifts on TikTok LIVE, head to your LIVE screen. Tap ‘Settings,’ then turn the ‘LIVE Gifts’ setting on. 

LIVE Gifts are delivered in real time and appear on your stream so you can thank followers for the gift.

To enable TikTok Video Gifts for your feed content, turn on video gifts in the ‘Monetization’ section of TikTok Studio:

Then, the ‘Gift’ button will appear on your content in the ‘Comments’ section.

You'll need at least 10K followers to be eligible for Video Gifts.

6. Launch a TikTok Subscription to give your most dedicated fans exclusive perks

TikTok Subscriptions are a great way to strengthen your bond with your most loyal followers — and earn a (fairly) reliable monthly income while you're at it. 

Launching a subscription is a bit like having a VIP section (or a Patreon): a place where your most engaged followers can tap into exclusive content, perks, and recognition for their ongoing support.

To be eligible for this feature, you’ll need to have at least:

• 10K followers
• 100K video views in the last calendar month

With TikTok Subscriptions, creators can offer subscriber-only videos, exclusive LIVEs, custom emotes and stickers, and fun bonuses like badges that evolve over time. 

While creators only keep around 50% of subscription revenue, TikTok does have some ways to help you boost that:

• Video Creator Bonus: Earn an extra 20% if you’ve hit 10K followers and 1M views in the previous month.
• Growth Bonus: Get up to 15% more as your subscriber base grows.

Setting up is straightforward via TikTok Studio in the app — if you meet the eligibility requirements. Once you’re in, you can choose your subscription tier (starting at $2.99/month) and customize your benefits.

7. Set up a virtual tip jar to collect donations from your audience

Give your followers a way to share their appreciation for you any time they feel like it with a tipping platform. Some popular options to collect tips are:

• Tip Top Jar: A straightforward option that takes your followers to a simple landing page to send a tip.
• Buy Me a Coffee: With this platform, followers can choose to buy you any number of “coffees” for a set price. The platform also offers a membership option for your fans for ongoing income.
• Ko-fi: Consider this if you want more extensive options to offer audiences. Your followers can send tips, sign up for memberships, shop your products, and request commissions for personalized content.

Once you choose a platform, add a link to your TikTok bio and let your fans know they can support you there, like wardrobe stylist Payton Dale has done. This is her "Buy Me a Coffee" page:

8. Get paid to promote music artists' work

TikTok’s Work with Artists feature is rather clever — you create viral content to help boost new music from an artist, and you get paid. 

There’s no clear-cut documentation on TikTok on it, though they do explain on the Creator Academy:“Love using popular music in your videos? The Work With Artists program lets you do just that without worrying about demonetization or getting muted. Participate in campaigns using popular songs and earn rewards based on your participation.”

To be eligible, you need to:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have 1,000 followers

If you meet those requirements, tap over to the ‘Monetization’ section in TikTok Studio, then ‘Work with Artists.’ Follow the prompts to sign up, then choose a ‘campaign’ (read: song) you like, and create a video featuring that track. 

The better your video performs, the more you’ll earn, though payment varies from track to track, as you can see from the screenshot below. 

9. Crowdfund a project with your fans

If you're looking to fund a specific project, like developing an app or product, crowdfunding is a great option.

A couple of popular sites to consider are:

• Kickstarter: Consider Kickstarter if you need a lot of eyes and a trusted platform for your fundraising.
• Indiegogo: If you don't have a specific amount you're trying to raise, you might prefer Indiegogo, which offers more flexible fundraising goals and lets you collect funds even after your deadline.

Once you choose your platform, you can use TikTok to help spread the word about your campaign.

Osien Gwynned used TikTok and Kickstarter to launch his denim brand Antur Supply Co:

@antursupplyco

AHH! We’re LIVE on Kickstarter! Click the link in bio and grab them early! #denim #antursupplyco #fashiontiktok #business

♬ you n me flume remix – favsoundds

Before launching on Kickstarter, Osien spent 18 months building his TikTok audience by sharing behind-the-scenes footage. The investment paid off, reaching his £25K goal just 9.5 hours after the campaign went live.

10. Sell your own products or merch on TikTok Shop

Already have an existing line of products or merch? TikTok can help you sell them. You can, of course, link to your online shop in your bio. But if you have a TikTok Business account and are based in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Mexico, Spain, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, or Vietnam, you can also set up TikTok Shop for your business via the TikTok Seller Center.

Then, you'll gain access to a whole host of promotional features to sell your products right on TikTok, like:

• Shop Page: A tab on your profile featuring all the products you sell on TikTok.
• Shop Tab: A tab on the TikTok home screen featuring all the products for sale on the platform that recommends relevant items to users.
• Product links: Any time you feature one of your products in your TikTok videos, add a link to take interested shoppers to check it out on your TikTok Shop.
• TikTok Shop Ads: Amp up discovery for your brand with paid advertising on TikTok through shoppable videos, Shop Tab features, and LIVE Shopping Ads.

See The Way I See is a mental health-focused apparel and accessories brand started by creator and artist Sophie Nistico. She credits her success to marketing on social media and currently has a solid 612K followers on TikTok alone.

She takes full advantage of TikTok's shopping features and, as a result, has sold over 43K items.

To effectively drive sales on the platform, you'll want to create content that resonates with specific subcultures and interests within the TikTok community. Understanding and engaging with TikTok audiences is crucial for success.

Sophie nails this with See The Way I See. Her brand's content fits right in with the platform's casual, fast-paced nature:

@seethewayisee

a surprise for those who watch until the end 👀 #mentalhealthbrand #sharktankproducts #seethewayisee

♬ original sound – seethewayisee

Many brands also have success going LIVE on TikTok to promote their business. Packing customers' orders, giving freebies to viewers, offering product demos and Q&As, and giving sneak peeks are a few popular ways brands take advantage of TikTok LIVE.

Diversify your income streams to maximize your TikTok earnings

As you can see, there are several great ways to make money on TikTok — many built right into the platform. But this is just the beginning of what's possible.

• Keep up with TikTok's evolving features: Check the Monetization section in your TikTok Studio for new opportunities. Follow TikTok's Creator Academy, where they detail out the latest monetization features and best practices for using them.
• Look beyond TikTok's native options: Particularly if you don't meet TikTok's eligibility requirements, there are plenty of off-platform options to use TikTok to make money — like brand partnerships, affiliate programs, paid communities, virtual tip jars, and crowdfunding. 

Regardless of which monetization methods you choose, providing genuine value to your audience through authentic content comes first. This earns the trust needed to sell products to your audience or earn tips and gifts.

Ready to turn your TikTok creativity into an income source?

Start by exploring one or two methods that feel most natural for your content style and audience. Then expand your strategy once you master those. The most successful TikTok creators typically combine multiple monetization methods for financial stability.

Finally, remember to post consistently, regardless of whether a piece of content will be monetized or not. Regular engagement with your audience is essential for maintaining your presence and ultimately earning money.

Buffer can help you stay consistent:

• Brainstorm and save your TikTok ideas.
• Schedule your videos ahead of time to publish when your followers are most active.
• Crosspost to different platforms to safeguard against individual platform changes.

The best part? You can start scheduling TikTok videos on Buffer for free.

How to make money on TikTok FAQ

How many followers do you need to make money on TikTok?

The number of followers you need depends on which monetization method you choose:

• No minimum required: On-platform, you can create TikTok effects with no minimum follower count. Third-party options like brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, selling your own products, and tip jar platforms have no follower requirement. Remember: Many brands actively seek micro-influencers (50K or fewer followers) due to their high engagement rates.
• 1,000 followers: You can participate in the Work With Artists program, receive gifts during TikTok LIVE streams, and launch Subscriptions if you have LIVE access.
• 10K followers: This unlocks eligibility for Video Gifts, the TikTok Creator Marketplace, the Creator Rewards program, and Subscriptions for those without LIVE access.
• 50K followers: Allows you to apply for Creative Challenges for brand ads.
• 100K followers: Allows you to participate in the LIVE Incentive Program.

Since TikTok updates its eligibility requirements regularly, and they can vary by region, you'll want to check the current requirements of your desired program.

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

There's no hard-and-fast rule about how many views you need to make money on TikTok. Some of the platform's native monetization options do have view count requirements. External options don't have minimum requirements, but more views can entice brands to work with you. And some monetization options rely on views to earn money. For example, to earn an affiliate commission, you'll need TikTok users to first watch and then purchase from your content.

TikTok's in-platform view count requirements are as follows:

• Creator Rewards program: Requires 100K video views in the last 30 days to sign up.
• Creator Marketplace: A minimum of 10K post views in the last 30 days is required to join.
• TikTok Subscriptions: For LIVE creators, you must have conducted a LIVE for at least 30 minutes in the last 28 days. Or without LIVE, you need to have had 100K video views in the past calendar month.
• Branded Missions and Creative Challenges: While there's no official minimum view count, brands may look for creators whose content performs well consistently to ensure campaign success.
• Video Gifts and LIVE Gifts: No specific view requirements, but more views naturally lead to more gift opportunities from your audience.
• Work With Artists and TikTok LIVE Incentive Program: Also have no view requirements.
• Creator Effects: You need 100K videos to use your effects before you start earning.

The quality of your views matters as much as the quantity. A highly engaged audience that watches your videos to completion, leaves comments, and shares your content is more valuable to partners and TikTok's algorithm than passive viewers who quickly scroll past.

So focus on creating high-quality content for a specific niche rather than chasing views. Consistent, targeted content typically leads to better monetization opportunities in the long run.

How to make money on TikTok without followers

There are opportunities to make money on TikTok even if you're just starting out and have a small follower base:

• Create TikTok effects: The Effects Creator Rewards Program has no follower minimum and just requires at least 100K videos to use your effects before you can start earning.
• Affiliate marketing: You can promote products to a small audience to earn commissions on their purchases.
• Collaborate with brands: Many brands partner with nano- and micro-influencers for their higher engagement rate. But promotion isn't the only service you can offer them. Try pitching your content creation services. You can create authentic product reviews and reactions or capture photos and videos of their product for them to use on their website or in marketing campaigns.
• Sell your own products and merch: Use TikTok to showcase your products or services and direct your audience to your website or TikTok Shop.

Keep posting consistently to grow your TikTok following. As you grow your follower base, you'll unlock more monetization options. Read our guide to learn how to get your first 1,000 followers.

Related Articles

• How to Get More Followers on TikTok in 2025
• The Best Time to Post on TikTok in 2025 — New Data
• How to Use TikTok for Business in 2025

Social media analytics can be a goldmine of insights to inform your strategy. But how do you stitch them together? Here are 11 social media analytics tools that can help.

You probably won't have to scroll TikTok for more than a few minutes before stumbling upon a video about how someone has just quit their day job to become a full-time creator. (Not just my algorithm, is it?)

It makes for great content, of course, but there really are loads of ways to earn on TikTok — and I don’t just mean through sponsored posts. TikTok is a standout social media platform when it comes to the sheer volume of ways you can earn — without even leaving the app.

The platform is constantly experimenting with new ways creators can monetize their content, from participating in challenges with cash incentives to receiving rewards for high-performing content.

Whether you're looking for a modest income boost or are ready to become a full-time creator, TikTok can be a rewarding way to monetize as a creator.

Plus, if you’re a creator with a small business, you’ll be pleased to hear TikTok is popular for shopping, too — 71% of consumers say they have bought something after stumbling across it on TikTok. That's good news, whether you want to engage in brand partnerships or sell your own products and merch.

Suffice it to say, there are many ways to make money on TikTok. Most are built right into the platform, others allow you to make money through partnerships or directly from your followers — great if you have a presence on other platforms, too. 

Consider what suits your content and audience, and try out some of these effective methods for making money on TikTok.

An important consideration: At the time of writing, TikTok's fate in the US is still in limbo after a ban on the app was extended. But with an increase in ad spend and only a small dip in active users, it appears businesses and TikTok users alike are still scrolling, even in the face of uncertainty.

If you're a creator in the US looking to make money on TikTok, we recommend diversifying your efforts and growing your following simultaneously on TikTok alternatives like Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and Pinterest. You can crosspost your TikTok videos to these other social media platforms so you're not reliant on a single network — a smart choice regardless of a potential ban.

10 ways to make money on TikTok

There are plenty of ways to earn money on TikTok for creators at any stage of their journey. Some in-platform methods require specific follower counts or content types, but others are accessible even to those just starting out.

Here are 10 of the best ways to make money on TikTok to help you find the right fit for your content style and audience:

Many TikTok creators combine several revenue streams for a consistent income. Learn how each of these works and decide which ones feel authentic to your personal brand.

1. Join the TikTok Creator Rewards program

One of the best-known ways to get started making money on TikTok is to join the TikTok Creator Rewards program, which rewards creators for their engaging content.

TikTok's Creator Rewards program pays content creators based on factors like video length, views, engagement, and region-specific performance. TikTok isn’t clear on exactly how much, but some sources say creators could earn $0.40 – $1 for every 1,000 views, and others say the range is $4 – 8. Either way, it's an upgrade from the now-defunct TikTok Creator Fund. TikTok says creators are now making 250% more from this new and improved program.

Still, there are some requirements you’ll need to meet if you hope to join the Creator Rewards program. For starters, it’s only available for creators in the U.S., Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the UK, though it seems likely the platform will continue expanding to other countries. As long as you're in the right location, you must also:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have at least 10K TikTok followers.
• Have a minimum of 100K video views in the last 30 days.
• Have a personal TikTok account in good standing (meaning you follow the platform's Community Guidelines and Terms of Service).
• Post high-quality, original content that's at least one minute long and aligns with TikTok's mission of inspiring joy and creativity.

Review TikTok's full program FAQ to ensure your content is eligible.

2. Partner with brands on sponsored content

In 2025, 77% of brands are planning to use TikTok for influencer marketing. So, promoting a brand's products or services is another great way to make money on TikTok. You don't have to have a large following to get sponsored on TikTok, either.

In fact, according to a recent report by Influencer Marketing Hub, 88% of TikTok influencers are nano-influencers (creators with 1,000 – 10K followers), and an additional 8% are micro-influencers (those with 10K – 50K followers. Many brands flock to nano- and micro-influencers for their high engagement rates, niche audience, and more personal follower relationships. So there's plenty of opportunity here for you if you're just starting out.

Disability educator Tiffany Yu has earned six figures from TikTok brand partnerships and started monetizing on the platform while she was still within the micro-influencer range.

There are several ways to find brands to partner with as a TikTok influencer. You can start by joining the TikTok Creator Marketplace, now baked into TikTok One, a platform that allows brands to connect with creators and collaborate on TikTok marketing campaigns.

Creators need to meet certain eligibility requirements to be invited to the platform, including a 10K follower minimum. But once you are you'll be added to the database so brands can find you.

You can also find brand partnerships outside the platform, particularly if you don't meet the Creator Marketplace's follower minimum yet.

An easy way in? Think about the products you already use and love that your audience would also be excited to hear about. Your followers are more likely to resonate with something you genuinely like using. Put together a media kit and pitch these brands on a potential sponsorship.

For example, sunny.tsao is a skincare influencer who frequently talks about the product she uses, like this morning skincare routine video:

@sunny.tsao

happy Sunday morning! Products: @Fresh Beauty soy face cleanser, @SkinCeuticals CE ferulic vitamin c serum, @Summer Fridays jet lag mask, @URIAGE bariederm cica cream, @KraveBeauty beet the sun spf, @Versed Skin tinted lip serum in bake #skincare #makeup

♬ Vintage Vibe – Dutrex

This kind of content would be easy to turn into a sponsored ad for any of the products she uses.

3. Submit video ads to brands' Creative Challenges

TikTok’s Creative Challenges (now also a part of TikTok One) effectively let creators skip ahead a couple of steps in the partnership process. No pitching, no waiting around for approvals before filming — you jump right into the content creation.

You choose a campaign from a list of active challenges, create and submit your video, and get rewarded based on how well it performs. 

Each Creative Challenge comes with a brief that outlines what the brand is looking for, the rules, and the potential reward pool. Your video doesn’t appear on your profile — it becomes part of the brand’s ad campaign and is run on the For You feed if approved.

TikTok recommends submitting original, high-quality content that’s well-edited and sticks to the challenge brief. Rewards are based on performance factors like views, clicks, and conversions.

Once your video is live, you’ll be able to track its performance and check your monthly earnings within the app.

To be eligible, you’ll need:

• A U.S.-based TikTok account
• At least 50K followers
• To be 18 years or older
• Content that aligns with TikTok’s Community Guidelines

4. Tap into affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is a powerful strategy to monetize your TikTok account by promoting products or services and earning a commission on sales generated through your unique affiliate links.

While affiliate marketing can be considered a form of brand sponsorship, you can also join affiliate programs independently for more control and less back-and-forth brand interaction.

The TikTok for Business affiliate program is run through impact.com and enables creators to apply to be an affiliate for a brand.

The cool thing about joining this native affiliate program is that you'll get access to a special Shop tab in your TikTok profile where you can showcase all your featured products — as lifestyle creator Nicki Marie does:

Some other popular affiliate marketing platforms you can join include:

• Amazon Associates: Offers a wide range of products to promote.
• AvantLink: A platform that boasts a vigorous vetting process for a high-quality partner directory.
• CJ Affiliate: Features many well-known brands and products.
• Rakuten Advertising: Provides access to global brands and products.

After signing up for an affiliate program, you'll get unique affiliate links that will track the sales generated through your promotions, ensuring you earn your commission.

You can add affiliate links to your TikTok bio, but you'll likely want to feature multiple links over time. So you can consider using a landing page tool like Buffer’s Start Page to include multiple affiliate links. In your TikTok posts, prompt viewers to visit the link in your bio to buy the products you're promoting.

Here are a few ways to incorporate affiliate links into your TikTok content effectively:

• Product reviews: Create engaging and honest reviews of the products you're promoting. Highlight their benefits and how they solve problems for your audience.
• Tutorials and how-tos: Demonstrate how to use the product in a tutorial or step-by-step guide.
• Unboxing videos: Share the excitement of opening new products and giving your first impression.

Transparency is crucial in affiliate marketing. Always disclose your affiliate relationships to your audience. This builds trust and complies with legal requirements. A simple statement like “This video contains affiliate links and I may earn a commission if you make a purchase” can suffice.

5. Receive virtual gifts by going LIVE and turning on Video Gifts

Gifts on TikTok are digital icons worth varying amounts of virtual ‘coins,’ which followers buy with (real-life) money. Followers can send in-app gifts to show their appreciation, either on your feed content or during TikTok LIVEs.

To be able to go LIVE on TikTok, you’ll need:

• To have at least 1,000 followers
• Be older than 18

Once you’re there, you’ll be able to start receiving gifts. These gifts are one factor that helps make your content more popular by signaling to TikTok's algorithm that users are enjoying it. TikTok then rewards you with Diamonds (their virtual currency) based on the popularity of your content. Diamonds can then be converted into cash.

To receive gifts on TikTok LIVE, head to your LIVE screen. Tap ‘Settings,’ then turn the ‘LIVE Gifts’ setting on. 

LIVE Gifts are delivered in real time and appear on your stream so you can thank followers for the gift.

To enable TikTok Video Gifts for your feed content, turn on video gifts in the ‘Monetization’ section of TikTok Studio:

Then, the ‘Gift’ button will appear on your content in the ‘Comments’ section.

You'll need at least 10K followers to be eligible for Video Gifts.

6. Launch a TikTok Subscription to give your most dedicated fans exclusive perks

TikTok Subscriptions are a great way to strengthen your bond with your most loyal followers — and earn a (fairly) reliable monthly income while you're at it. 

Launching a subscription is a bit like having a VIP section (or a Patreon): a place where your most engaged followers can tap into exclusive content, perks, and recognition for their ongoing support.

To be eligible for this feature, you’ll need to have at least:

• 10K followers
• 100K video views in the last calendar month

With TikTok Subscriptions, creators can offer subscriber-only videos, exclusive LIVEs, custom emotes and stickers, and fun bonuses like badges that evolve over time. 

While creators only keep around 50% of subscription revenue, TikTok does have some ways to help you boost that:

• Video Creator Bonus: Earn an extra 20% if you’ve hit 10K followers and 1M views in the previous month.
• Growth Bonus: Get up to 15% more as your subscriber base grows.

Setting up is straightforward via TikTok Studio in the app — if you meet the eligibility requirements. Once you’re in, you can choose your subscription tier (starting at $2.99/month) and customize your benefits.

7. Set up a virtual tip jar to collect donations from your audience

Give your followers a way to share their appreciation for you any time they feel like it with a tipping platform. Some popular options to collect tips are:

• Tip Top Jar: A straightforward option that takes your followers to a simple landing page to send a tip.
• Buy Me a Coffee: With this platform, followers can choose to buy you any number of “coffees” for a set price. The platform also offers a membership option for your fans for ongoing income.
• Ko-fi: Consider this if you want more extensive options to offer audiences. Your followers can send tips, sign up for memberships, shop your products, and request commissions for personalized content.

Once you choose a platform, add a link to your TikTok bio and let your fans know they can support you there, like wardrobe stylist Payton Dale has done. This is her "Buy Me a Coffee" page:

8. Get paid to promote music artists' work

TikTok’s Work with Artists feature is rather clever — you create viral content to help boost new music from an artist, and you get paid. 

There’s no clear-cut documentation on TikTok on it, though they do explain on the Creator Academy:“Love using popular music in your videos? The Work With Artists program lets you do just that without worrying about demonetization or getting muted. Participate in campaigns using popular songs and earn rewards based on your participation.”

To be eligible, you need to:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have 1,000 followers

If you meet those requirements, tap over to the ‘Monetization’ section in TikTok Studio, then ‘Work with Artists.’ Follow the prompts to sign up, then choose a ‘campaign’ (read: song) you like, and create a video featuring that track. 

The better your video performs, the more you’ll earn, though payment varies from track to track, as you can see from the screenshot below. 

9. Crowdfund a project with your fans

If you're looking to fund a specific project, like developing an app or product, crowdfunding is a great option.

A couple of popular sites to consider are:

• Kickstarter: Consider Kickstarter if you need a lot of eyes and a trusted platform for your fundraising.
• Indiegogo: If you don't have a specific amount you're trying to raise, you might prefer Indiegogo, which offers more flexible fundraising goals and lets you collect funds even after your deadline.

Once you choose your platform, you can use TikTok to help spread the word about your campaign.

Osien Gwynned used TikTok and Kickstarter to launch his denim brand Antur Supply Co:

@antursupplyco

AHH! We’re LIVE on Kickstarter! Click the link in bio and grab them early! #denim #antursupplyco #fashiontiktok #business

♬ you n me flume remix – favsoundds

Before launching on Kickstarter, Osien spent 18 months building his TikTok audience by sharing behind-the-scenes footage. The investment paid off, reaching his £25K goal just 9.5 hours after the campaign went live.

10. Sell your own products or merch on TikTok Shop

Already have an existing line of products or merch? TikTok can help you sell them. You can, of course, link to your online shop in your bio. But if you have a TikTok Business account and are based in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Mexico, Spain, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, or Vietnam, you can also set up TikTok Shop for your business via the TikTok Seller Center.

Then, you'll gain access to a whole host of promotional features to sell your products right on TikTok, like:

• Shop Page: A tab on your profile featuring all the products you sell on TikTok.
• Shop Tab: A tab on the TikTok home screen featuring all the products for sale on the platform that recommends relevant items to users.
• Product links: Any time you feature one of your products in your TikTok videos, add a link to take interested shoppers to check it out on your TikTok Shop.
• TikTok Shop Ads: Amp up discovery for your brand with paid advertising on TikTok through shoppable videos, Shop Tab features, and LIVE Shopping Ads.

See The Way I See is a mental health-focused apparel and accessories brand started by creator and artist Sophie Nistico. She credits her success to marketing on social media and currently has a solid 612K followers on TikTok alone.

She takes full advantage of TikTok's shopping features and, as a result, has sold over 43K items.

To effectively drive sales on the platform, you'll want to create content that resonates with specific subcultures and interests within the TikTok community. Understanding and engaging with TikTok audiences is crucial for success.

Sophie nails this with See The Way I See. Her brand's content fits right in with the platform's casual, fast-paced nature:

@seethewayisee

a surprise for those who watch until the end 👀 #mentalhealthbrand #sharktankproducts #seethewayisee

♬ original sound – seethewayisee

Many brands also have success going LIVE on TikTok to promote their business. Packing customers' orders, giving freebies to viewers, offering product demos and Q&As, and giving sneak peeks are a few popular ways brands take advantage of TikTok LIVE.

Diversify your income streams to maximize your TikTok earnings

As you can see, there are several great ways to make money on TikTok — many built right into the platform. But this is just the beginning of what's possible.

• Keep up with TikTok's evolving features: Check the Monetization section in your TikTok Studio for new opportunities. Follow TikTok's Creator Academy, where they detail out the latest monetization features and best practices for using them.
• Look beyond TikTok's native options: Particularly if you don't meet TikTok's eligibility requirements, there are plenty of off-platform options to use TikTok to make money — like brand partnerships, affiliate programs, paid communities, virtual tip jars, and crowdfunding. 

Regardless of which monetization methods you choose, providing genuine value to your audience through authentic content comes first. This earns the trust needed to sell products to your audience or earn tips and gifts.

Ready to turn your TikTok creativity into an income source?

Start by exploring one or two methods that feel most natural for your content style and audience. Then expand your strategy once you master those. The most successful TikTok creators typically combine multiple monetization methods for financial stability.

Finally, remember to post consistently, regardless of whether a piece of content will be monetized or not. Regular engagement with your audience is essential for maintaining your presence and ultimately earning money.

Buffer can help you stay consistent:

• Brainstorm and save your TikTok ideas.
• Schedule your videos ahead of time to publish when your followers are most active.
• Crosspost to different platforms to safeguard against individual platform changes.

The best part? You can start scheduling TikTok videos on Buffer for free.

How to make money on TikTok FAQ

How many followers do you need to make money on TikTok?

The number of followers you need depends on which monetization method you choose:

• No minimum required: On-platform, you can create TikTok effects with no minimum follower count. Third-party options like brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, selling your own products, and tip jar platforms have no follower requirement. Remember: Many brands actively seek micro-influencers (50K or fewer followers) due to their high engagement rates.
• 1,000 followers: You can participate in the Work With Artists program, receive gifts during TikTok LIVE streams, and launch Subscriptions if you have LIVE access.
• 10K followers: This unlocks eligibility for Video Gifts, the TikTok Creator Marketplace, the Creator Rewards program, and Subscriptions for those without LIVE access.
• 50K followers: Allows you to apply for Creative Challenges for brand ads.
• 100K followers: Allows you to participate in the LIVE Incentive Program.

Since TikTok updates its eligibility requirements regularly, and they can vary by region, you'll want to check the current requirements of your desired program.

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

There's no hard-and-fast rule about how many views you need to make money on TikTok. Some of the platform's native monetization options do have view count requirements. External options don't have minimum requirements, but more views can entice brands to work with you. And some monetization options rely on views to earn money. For example, to earn an affiliate commission, you'll need TikTok users to first watch and then purchase from your content.

TikTok's in-platform view count requirements are as follows:

• Creator Rewards program: Requires 100K video views in the last 30 days to sign up.
• Creator Marketplace: A minimum of 10K post views in the last 30 days is required to join.
• TikTok Subscriptions: For LIVE creators, you must have conducted a LIVE for at least 30 minutes in the last 28 days. Or without LIVE, you need to have had 100K video views in the past calendar month.
• Branded Missions and Creative Challenges: While there's no official minimum view count, brands may look for creators whose content performs well consistently to ensure campaign success.
• Video Gifts and LIVE Gifts: No specific view requirements, but more views naturally lead to more gift opportunities from your audience.
• Work With Artists and TikTok LIVE Incentive Program: Also have no view requirements.
• Creator Effects: You need 100K videos to use your effects before you start earning.

The quality of your views matters as much as the quantity. A highly engaged audience that watches your videos to completion, leaves comments, and shares your content is more valuable to partners and TikTok's algorithm than passive viewers who quickly scroll past.

So focus on creating high-quality content for a specific niche rather than chasing views. Consistent, targeted content typically leads to better monetization opportunities in the long run.

How to make money on TikTok without followers

There are opportunities to make money on TikTok even if you're just starting out and have a small follower base:

• Create TikTok effects: The Effects Creator Rewards Program has no follower minimum and just requires at least 100K videos to use your effects before you can start earning.
• Affiliate marketing: You can promote products to a small audience to earn commissions on their purchases.
• Collaborate with brands: Many brands partner with nano- and micro-influencers for their higher engagement rate. But promotion isn't the only service you can offer them. Try pitching your content creation services. You can create authentic product reviews and reactions or capture photos and videos of their product for them to use on their website or in marketing campaigns.
• Sell your own products and merch: Use TikTok to showcase your products or services and direct your audience to your website or TikTok Shop.

Keep posting consistently to grow your TikTok following. As you grow your follower base, you'll unlock more monetization options. Read our guide to learn how to get your first 1,000 followers.

Related Articles

• How to Get More Followers on TikTok in 2025
• The Best Time to Post on TikTok in 2025 — New Data
• How to Use TikTok for Business in 2025

In a recent hiring round, we tried something new. I asked a candidate in the final stages of interviewing to spend a full day working with us.

You probably won't have to scroll TikTok for more than a few minutes before stumbling upon a video about how someone has just quit their day job to become a full-time creator. (Not just my algorithm, is it?)

It makes for great content, of course, but there really are loads of ways to earn on TikTok — and I don’t just mean through sponsored posts. TikTok is a standout social media platform when it comes to the sheer volume of ways you can earn — without even leaving the app.

The platform is constantly experimenting with new ways creators can monetize their content, from participating in challenges with cash incentives to receiving rewards for high-performing content.

Whether you're looking for a modest income boost or are ready to become a full-time creator, TikTok can be a rewarding way to monetize as a creator.

Plus, if you’re a creator with a small business, you’ll be pleased to hear TikTok is popular for shopping, too — 71% of consumers say they have bought something after stumbling across it on TikTok. That's good news, whether you want to engage in brand partnerships or sell your own products and merch.

Suffice it to say, there are many ways to make money on TikTok. Most are built right into the platform, others allow you to make money through partnerships or directly from your followers — great if you have a presence on other platforms, too. 

Consider what suits your content and audience, and try out some of these effective methods for making money on TikTok.

An important consideration: At the time of writing, TikTok's fate in the US is still in limbo after a ban on the app was extended. But with an increase in ad spend and only a small dip in active users, it appears businesses and TikTok users alike are still scrolling, even in the face of uncertainty.

If you're a creator in the US looking to make money on TikTok, we recommend diversifying your efforts and growing your following simultaneously on TikTok alternatives like Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and Pinterest. You can crosspost your TikTok videos to these other social media platforms so you're not reliant on a single network — a smart choice regardless of a potential ban.

10 ways to make money on TikTok

There are plenty of ways to earn money on TikTok for creators at any stage of their journey. Some in-platform methods require specific follower counts or content types, but others are accessible even to those just starting out.

Here are 10 of the best ways to make money on TikTok to help you find the right fit for your content style and audience:

Many TikTok creators combine several revenue streams for a consistent income. Learn how each of these works and decide which ones feel authentic to your personal brand.

1. Join the TikTok Creator Rewards program

One of the best-known ways to get started making money on TikTok is to join the TikTok Creator Rewards program, which rewards creators for their engaging content.

TikTok's Creator Rewards program pays content creators based on factors like video length, views, engagement, and region-specific performance. TikTok isn’t clear on exactly how much, but some sources say creators could earn $0.40 – $1 for every 1,000 views, and others say the range is $4 – 8. Either way, it's an upgrade from the now-defunct TikTok Creator Fund. TikTok says creators are now making 250% more from this new and improved program.

Still, there are some requirements you’ll need to meet if you hope to join the Creator Rewards program. For starters, it’s only available for creators in the U.S., Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the UK, though it seems likely the platform will continue expanding to other countries. As long as you're in the right location, you must also:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have at least 10K TikTok followers.
• Have a minimum of 100K video views in the last 30 days.
• Have a personal TikTok account in good standing (meaning you follow the platform's Community Guidelines and Terms of Service).
• Post high-quality, original content that's at least one minute long and aligns with TikTok's mission of inspiring joy and creativity.

Review TikTok's full program FAQ to ensure your content is eligible.

2. Partner with brands on sponsored content

In 2025, 77% of brands are planning to use TikTok for influencer marketing. So, promoting a brand's products or services is another great way to make money on TikTok. You don't have to have a large following to get sponsored on TikTok, either.

In fact, according to a recent report by Influencer Marketing Hub, 88% of TikTok influencers are nano-influencers (creators with 1,000 – 10K followers), and an additional 8% are micro-influencers (those with 10K – 50K followers. Many brands flock to nano- and micro-influencers for their high engagement rates, niche audience, and more personal follower relationships. So there's plenty of opportunity here for you if you're just starting out.

Disability educator Tiffany Yu has earned six figures from TikTok brand partnerships and started monetizing on the platform while she was still within the micro-influencer range.

There are several ways to find brands to partner with as a TikTok influencer. You can start by joining the TikTok Creator Marketplace, now baked into TikTok One, a platform that allows brands to connect with creators and collaborate on TikTok marketing campaigns.

Creators need to meet certain eligibility requirements to be invited to the platform, including a 10K follower minimum. But once you are you'll be added to the database so brands can find you.

You can also find brand partnerships outside the platform, particularly if you don't meet the Creator Marketplace's follower minimum yet.

An easy way in? Think about the products you already use and love that your audience would also be excited to hear about. Your followers are more likely to resonate with something you genuinely like using. Put together a media kit and pitch these brands on a potential sponsorship.

For example, sunny.tsao is a skincare influencer who frequently talks about the product she uses, like this morning skincare routine video:

@sunny.tsao

happy Sunday morning! Products: @Fresh Beauty soy face cleanser, @SkinCeuticals CE ferulic vitamin c serum, @Summer Fridays jet lag mask, @URIAGE bariederm cica cream, @KraveBeauty beet the sun spf, @Versed Skin tinted lip serum in bake #skincare #makeup

♬ Vintage Vibe – Dutrex

This kind of content would be easy to turn into a sponsored ad for any of the products she uses.

3. Submit video ads to brands' Creative Challenges

TikTok’s Creative Challenges (now also a part of TikTok One) effectively let creators skip ahead a couple of steps in the partnership process. No pitching, no waiting around for approvals before filming — you jump right into the content creation.

You choose a campaign from a list of active challenges, create and submit your video, and get rewarded based on how well it performs. 

Each Creative Challenge comes with a brief that outlines what the brand is looking for, the rules, and the potential reward pool. Your video doesn’t appear on your profile — it becomes part of the brand’s ad campaign and is run on the For You feed if approved.

TikTok recommends submitting original, high-quality content that’s well-edited and sticks to the challenge brief. Rewards are based on performance factors like views, clicks, and conversions.

Once your video is live, you’ll be able to track its performance and check your monthly earnings within the app.

To be eligible, you’ll need:

• A U.S.-based TikTok account
• At least 50K followers
• To be 18 years or older
• Content that aligns with TikTok’s Community Guidelines

4. Tap into affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is a powerful strategy to monetize your TikTok account by promoting products or services and earning a commission on sales generated through your unique affiliate links.

While affiliate marketing can be considered a form of brand sponsorship, you can also join affiliate programs independently for more control and less back-and-forth brand interaction.

The TikTok for Business affiliate program is run through impact.com and enables creators to apply to be an affiliate for a brand.

The cool thing about joining this native affiliate program is that you'll get access to a special Shop tab in your TikTok profile where you can showcase all your featured products — as lifestyle creator Nicki Marie does:

Some other popular affiliate marketing platforms you can join include:

• Amazon Associates: Offers a wide range of products to promote.
• AvantLink: A platform that boasts a vigorous vetting process for a high-quality partner directory.
• CJ Affiliate: Features many well-known brands and products.
• Rakuten Advertising: Provides access to global brands and products.

After signing up for an affiliate program, you'll get unique affiliate links that will track the sales generated through your promotions, ensuring you earn your commission.

You can add affiliate links to your TikTok bio, but you'll likely want to feature multiple links over time. So you can consider using a landing page tool like Buffer’s Start Page to include multiple affiliate links. In your TikTok posts, prompt viewers to visit the link in your bio to buy the products you're promoting.

Here are a few ways to incorporate affiliate links into your TikTok content effectively:

• Product reviews: Create engaging and honest reviews of the products you're promoting. Highlight their benefits and how they solve problems for your audience.
• Tutorials and how-tos: Demonstrate how to use the product in a tutorial or step-by-step guide.
• Unboxing videos: Share the excitement of opening new products and giving your first impression.

Transparency is crucial in affiliate marketing. Always disclose your affiliate relationships to your audience. This builds trust and complies with legal requirements. A simple statement like “This video contains affiliate links and I may earn a commission if you make a purchase” can suffice.

5. Receive virtual gifts by going LIVE and turning on Video Gifts

Gifts on TikTok are digital icons worth varying amounts of virtual ‘coins,’ which followers buy with (real-life) money. Followers can send in-app gifts to show their appreciation, either on your feed content or during TikTok LIVEs.

To be able to go LIVE on TikTok, you’ll need:

• To have at least 1,000 followers
• Be older than 18

Once you’re there, you’ll be able to start receiving gifts. These gifts are one factor that helps make your content more popular by signaling to TikTok's algorithm that users are enjoying it. TikTok then rewards you with Diamonds (their virtual currency) based on the popularity of your content. Diamonds can then be converted into cash.

To receive gifts on TikTok LIVE, head to your LIVE screen. Tap ‘Settings,’ then turn the ‘LIVE Gifts’ setting on. 

LIVE Gifts are delivered in real time and appear on your stream so you can thank followers for the gift.

To enable TikTok Video Gifts for your feed content, turn on video gifts in the ‘Monetization’ section of TikTok Studio:

Then, the ‘Gift’ button will appear on your content in the ‘Comments’ section.

You'll need at least 10K followers to be eligible for Video Gifts.

6. Launch a TikTok Subscription to give your most dedicated fans exclusive perks

TikTok Subscriptions are a great way to strengthen your bond with your most loyal followers — and earn a (fairly) reliable monthly income while you're at it. 

Launching a subscription is a bit like having a VIP section (or a Patreon): a place where your most engaged followers can tap into exclusive content, perks, and recognition for their ongoing support.

To be eligible for this feature, you’ll need to have at least:

• 10K followers
• 100K video views in the last calendar month

With TikTok Subscriptions, creators can offer subscriber-only videos, exclusive LIVEs, custom emotes and stickers, and fun bonuses like badges that evolve over time. 

While creators only keep around 50% of subscription revenue, TikTok does have some ways to help you boost that:

• Video Creator Bonus: Earn an extra 20% if you’ve hit 10K followers and 1M views in the previous month.
• Growth Bonus: Get up to 15% more as your subscriber base grows.

Setting up is straightforward via TikTok Studio in the app — if you meet the eligibility requirements. Once you’re in, you can choose your subscription tier (starting at $2.99/month) and customize your benefits.

7. Set up a virtual tip jar to collect donations from your audience

Give your followers a way to share their appreciation for you any time they feel like it with a tipping platform. Some popular options to collect tips are:

• Tip Top Jar: A straightforward option that takes your followers to a simple landing page to send a tip.
• Buy Me a Coffee: With this platform, followers can choose to buy you any number of “coffees” for a set price. The platform also offers a membership option for your fans for ongoing income.
• Ko-fi: Consider this if you want more extensive options to offer audiences. Your followers can send tips, sign up for memberships, shop your products, and request commissions for personalized content.

Once you choose a platform, add a link to your TikTok bio and let your fans know they can support you there, like wardrobe stylist Payton Dale has done. This is her "Buy Me a Coffee" page:

8. Get paid to promote music artists' work

TikTok’s Work with Artists feature is rather clever — you create viral content to help boost new music from an artist, and you get paid. 

There’s no clear-cut documentation on TikTok on it, though they do explain on the Creator Academy:“Love using popular music in your videos? The Work With Artists program lets you do just that without worrying about demonetization or getting muted. Participate in campaigns using popular songs and earn rewards based on your participation.”

To be eligible, you need to:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have 1,000 followers

If you meet those requirements, tap over to the ‘Monetization’ section in TikTok Studio, then ‘Work with Artists.’ Follow the prompts to sign up, then choose a ‘campaign’ (read: song) you like, and create a video featuring that track. 

The better your video performs, the more you’ll earn, though payment varies from track to track, as you can see from the screenshot below. 

9. Crowdfund a project with your fans

If you're looking to fund a specific project, like developing an app or product, crowdfunding is a great option.

A couple of popular sites to consider are:

• Kickstarter: Consider Kickstarter if you need a lot of eyes and a trusted platform for your fundraising.
• Indiegogo: If you don't have a specific amount you're trying to raise, you might prefer Indiegogo, which offers more flexible fundraising goals and lets you collect funds even after your deadline.

Once you choose your platform, you can use TikTok to help spread the word about your campaign.

Osien Gwynned used TikTok and Kickstarter to launch his denim brand Antur Supply Co:

@antursupplyco

AHH! We’re LIVE on Kickstarter! Click the link in bio and grab them early! #denim #antursupplyco #fashiontiktok #business

♬ you n me flume remix – favsoundds

Before launching on Kickstarter, Osien spent 18 months building his TikTok audience by sharing behind-the-scenes footage. The investment paid off, reaching his £25K goal just 9.5 hours after the campaign went live.

10. Sell your own products or merch on TikTok Shop

Already have an existing line of products or merch? TikTok can help you sell them. You can, of course, link to your online shop in your bio. But if you have a TikTok Business account and are based in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Mexico, Spain, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, or Vietnam, you can also set up TikTok Shop for your business via the TikTok Seller Center.

Then, you'll gain access to a whole host of promotional features to sell your products right on TikTok, like:

• Shop Page: A tab on your profile featuring all the products you sell on TikTok.
• Shop Tab: A tab on the TikTok home screen featuring all the products for sale on the platform that recommends relevant items to users.
• Product links: Any time you feature one of your products in your TikTok videos, add a link to take interested shoppers to check it out on your TikTok Shop.
• TikTok Shop Ads: Amp up discovery for your brand with paid advertising on TikTok through shoppable videos, Shop Tab features, and LIVE Shopping Ads.

See The Way I See is a mental health-focused apparel and accessories brand started by creator and artist Sophie Nistico. She credits her success to marketing on social media and currently has a solid 612K followers on TikTok alone.

She takes full advantage of TikTok's shopping features and, as a result, has sold over 43K items.

To effectively drive sales on the platform, you'll want to create content that resonates with specific subcultures and interests within the TikTok community. Understanding and engaging with TikTok audiences is crucial for success.

Sophie nails this with See The Way I See. Her brand's content fits right in with the platform's casual, fast-paced nature:

@seethewayisee

a surprise for those who watch until the end 👀 #mentalhealthbrand #sharktankproducts #seethewayisee

♬ original sound – seethewayisee

Many brands also have success going LIVE on TikTok to promote their business. Packing customers' orders, giving freebies to viewers, offering product demos and Q&As, and giving sneak peeks are a few popular ways brands take advantage of TikTok LIVE.

Diversify your income streams to maximize your TikTok earnings

As you can see, there are several great ways to make money on TikTok — many built right into the platform. But this is just the beginning of what's possible.

• Keep up with TikTok's evolving features: Check the Monetization section in your TikTok Studio for new opportunities. Follow TikTok's Creator Academy, where they detail out the latest monetization features and best practices for using them.
• Look beyond TikTok's native options: Particularly if you don't meet TikTok's eligibility requirements, there are plenty of off-platform options to use TikTok to make money — like brand partnerships, affiliate programs, paid communities, virtual tip jars, and crowdfunding. 

Regardless of which monetization methods you choose, providing genuine value to your audience through authentic content comes first. This earns the trust needed to sell products to your audience or earn tips and gifts.

Ready to turn your TikTok creativity into an income source?

Start by exploring one or two methods that feel most natural for your content style and audience. Then expand your strategy once you master those. The most successful TikTok creators typically combine multiple monetization methods for financial stability.

Finally, remember to post consistently, regardless of whether a piece of content will be monetized or not. Regular engagement with your audience is essential for maintaining your presence and ultimately earning money.

Buffer can help you stay consistent:

• Brainstorm and save your TikTok ideas.
• Schedule your videos ahead of time to publish when your followers are most active.
• Crosspost to different platforms to safeguard against individual platform changes.

The best part? You can start scheduling TikTok videos on Buffer for free.

How to make money on TikTok FAQ

How many followers do you need to make money on TikTok?

The number of followers you need depends on which monetization method you choose:

• No minimum required: On-platform, you can create TikTok effects with no minimum follower count. Third-party options like brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, selling your own products, and tip jar platforms have no follower requirement. Remember: Many brands actively seek micro-influencers (50K or fewer followers) due to their high engagement rates.
• 1,000 followers: You can participate in the Work With Artists program, receive gifts during TikTok LIVE streams, and launch Subscriptions if you have LIVE access.
• 10K followers: This unlocks eligibility for Video Gifts, the TikTok Creator Marketplace, the Creator Rewards program, and Subscriptions for those without LIVE access.
• 50K followers: Allows you to apply for Creative Challenges for brand ads.
• 100K followers: Allows you to participate in the LIVE Incentive Program.

Since TikTok updates its eligibility requirements regularly, and they can vary by region, you'll want to check the current requirements of your desired program.

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

There's no hard-and-fast rule about how many views you need to make money on TikTok. Some of the platform's native monetization options do have view count requirements. External options don't have minimum requirements, but more views can entice brands to work with you. And some monetization options rely on views to earn money. For example, to earn an affiliate commission, you'll need TikTok users to first watch and then purchase from your content.

TikTok's in-platform view count requirements are as follows:

• Creator Rewards program: Requires 100K video views in the last 30 days to sign up.
• Creator Marketplace: A minimum of 10K post views in the last 30 days is required to join.
• TikTok Subscriptions: For LIVE creators, you must have conducted a LIVE for at least 30 minutes in the last 28 days. Or without LIVE, you need to have had 100K video views in the past calendar month.
• Branded Missions and Creative Challenges: While there's no official minimum view count, brands may look for creators whose content performs well consistently to ensure campaign success.
• Video Gifts and LIVE Gifts: No specific view requirements, but more views naturally lead to more gift opportunities from your audience.
• Work With Artists and TikTok LIVE Incentive Program: Also have no view requirements.
• Creator Effects: You need 100K videos to use your effects before you start earning.

The quality of your views matters as much as the quantity. A highly engaged audience that watches your videos to completion, leaves comments, and shares your content is more valuable to partners and TikTok's algorithm than passive viewers who quickly scroll past.

So focus on creating high-quality content for a specific niche rather than chasing views. Consistent, targeted content typically leads to better monetization opportunities in the long run.

How to make money on TikTok without followers

There are opportunities to make money on TikTok even if you're just starting out and have a small follower base:

• Create TikTok effects: The Effects Creator Rewards Program has no follower minimum and just requires at least 100K videos to use your effects before you can start earning.
• Affiliate marketing: You can promote products to a small audience to earn commissions on their purchases.
• Collaborate with brands: Many brands partner with nano- and micro-influencers for their higher engagement rate. But promotion isn't the only service you can offer them. Try pitching your content creation services. You can create authentic product reviews and reactions or capture photos and videos of their product for them to use on their website or in marketing campaigns.
• Sell your own products and merch: Use TikTok to showcase your products or services and direct your audience to your website or TikTok Shop.

Keep posting consistently to grow your TikTok following. As you grow your follower base, you'll unlock more monetization options. Read our guide to learn how to get your first 1,000 followers.

Related Articles

• How to Get More Followers on TikTok in 2025
• The Best Time to Post on TikTok in 2025 — New Data
• How to Use TikTok for Business in 2025

We dug into the engagement rate data of eight social media platforms.

You probably won't have to scroll TikTok for more than a few minutes before stumbling upon a video about how someone has just quit their day job to become a full-time creator. (Not just my algorithm, is it?)

It makes for great content, of course, but there really are loads of ways to earn on TikTok — and I don’t just mean through sponsored posts. TikTok is a standout social media platform when it comes to the sheer volume of ways you can earn — without even leaving the app.

The platform is constantly experimenting with new ways creators can monetize their content, from participating in challenges with cash incentives to receiving rewards for high-performing content.

Whether you're looking for a modest income boost or are ready to become a full-time creator, TikTok can be a rewarding way to monetize as a creator.

Plus, if you’re a creator with a small business, you’ll be pleased to hear TikTok is popular for shopping, too — 71% of consumers say they have bought something after stumbling across it on TikTok. That's good news, whether you want to engage in brand partnerships or sell your own products and merch.

Suffice it to say, there are many ways to make money on TikTok. Most are built right into the platform, others allow you to make money through partnerships or directly from your followers — great if you have a presence on other platforms, too. 

Consider what suits your content and audience, and try out some of these effective methods for making money on TikTok.

An important consideration: At the time of writing, TikTok's fate in the US is still in limbo after a ban on the app was extended. But with an increase in ad spend and only a small dip in active users, it appears businesses and TikTok users alike are still scrolling, even in the face of uncertainty.

If you're a creator in the US looking to make money on TikTok, we recommend diversifying your efforts and growing your following simultaneously on TikTok alternatives like Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and Pinterest. You can crosspost your TikTok videos to these other social media platforms so you're not reliant on a single network — a smart choice regardless of a potential ban.

10 ways to make money on TikTok

There are plenty of ways to earn money on TikTok for creators at any stage of their journey. Some in-platform methods require specific follower counts or content types, but others are accessible even to those just starting out.

Here are 10 of the best ways to make money on TikTok to help you find the right fit for your content style and audience:

Many TikTok creators combine several revenue streams for a consistent income. Learn how each of these works and decide which ones feel authentic to your personal brand.

1. Join the TikTok Creator Rewards program

One of the best-known ways to get started making money on TikTok is to join the TikTok Creator Rewards program, which rewards creators for their engaging content.

TikTok's Creator Rewards program pays content creators based on factors like video length, views, engagement, and region-specific performance. TikTok isn’t clear on exactly how much, but some sources say creators could earn $0.40 – $1 for every 1,000 views, and others say the range is $4 – 8. Either way, it's an upgrade from the now-defunct TikTok Creator Fund. TikTok says creators are now making 250% more from this new and improved program.

Still, there are some requirements you’ll need to meet if you hope to join the Creator Rewards program. For starters, it’s only available for creators in the U.S., Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the UK, though it seems likely the platform will continue expanding to other countries. As long as you're in the right location, you must also:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have at least 10K TikTok followers.
• Have a minimum of 100K video views in the last 30 days.
• Have a personal TikTok account in good standing (meaning you follow the platform's Community Guidelines and Terms of Service).
• Post high-quality, original content that's at least one minute long and aligns with TikTok's mission of inspiring joy and creativity.

Review TikTok's full program FAQ to ensure your content is eligible.

2. Partner with brands on sponsored content

In 2025, 77% of brands are planning to use TikTok for influencer marketing. So, promoting a brand's products or services is another great way to make money on TikTok. You don't have to have a large following to get sponsored on TikTok, either.

In fact, according to a recent report by Influencer Marketing Hub, 88% of TikTok influencers are nano-influencers (creators with 1,000 – 10K followers), and an additional 8% are micro-influencers (those with 10K – 50K followers. Many brands flock to nano- and micro-influencers for their high engagement rates, niche audience, and more personal follower relationships. So there's plenty of opportunity here for you if you're just starting out.

Disability educator Tiffany Yu has earned six figures from TikTok brand partnerships and started monetizing on the platform while she was still within the micro-influencer range.

There are several ways to find brands to partner with as a TikTok influencer. You can start by joining the TikTok Creator Marketplace, now baked into TikTok One, a platform that allows brands to connect with creators and collaborate on TikTok marketing campaigns.

Creators need to meet certain eligibility requirements to be invited to the platform, including a 10K follower minimum. But once you are you'll be added to the database so brands can find you.

You can also find brand partnerships outside the platform, particularly if you don't meet the Creator Marketplace's follower minimum yet.

An easy way in? Think about the products you already use and love that your audience would also be excited to hear about. Your followers are more likely to resonate with something you genuinely like using. Put together a media kit and pitch these brands on a potential sponsorship.

For example, sunny.tsao is a skincare influencer who frequently talks about the product she uses, like this morning skincare routine video:

@sunny.tsao

happy Sunday morning! Products: @Fresh Beauty soy face cleanser, @SkinCeuticals CE ferulic vitamin c serum, @Summer Fridays jet lag mask, @URIAGE bariederm cica cream, @KraveBeauty beet the sun spf, @Versed Skin tinted lip serum in bake #skincare #makeup

♬ Vintage Vibe – Dutrex

This kind of content would be easy to turn into a sponsored ad for any of the products she uses.

3. Submit video ads to brands' Creative Challenges

TikTok’s Creative Challenges (now also a part of TikTok One) effectively let creators skip ahead a couple of steps in the partnership process. No pitching, no waiting around for approvals before filming — you jump right into the content creation.

You choose a campaign from a list of active challenges, create and submit your video, and get rewarded based on how well it performs. 

Each Creative Challenge comes with a brief that outlines what the brand is looking for, the rules, and the potential reward pool. Your video doesn’t appear on your profile — it becomes part of the brand’s ad campaign and is run on the For You feed if approved.

TikTok recommends submitting original, high-quality content that’s well-edited and sticks to the challenge brief. Rewards are based on performance factors like views, clicks, and conversions.

Once your video is live, you’ll be able to track its performance and check your monthly earnings within the app.

To be eligible, you’ll need:

• A U.S.-based TikTok account
• At least 50K followers
• To be 18 years or older
• Content that aligns with TikTok’s Community Guidelines

4. Tap into affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is a powerful strategy to monetize your TikTok account by promoting products or services and earning a commission on sales generated through your unique affiliate links.

While affiliate marketing can be considered a form of brand sponsorship, you can also join affiliate programs independently for more control and less back-and-forth brand interaction.

The TikTok for Business affiliate program is run through impact.com and enables creators to apply to be an affiliate for a brand.

The cool thing about joining this native affiliate program is that you'll get access to a special Shop tab in your TikTok profile where you can showcase all your featured products — as lifestyle creator Nicki Marie does:

Some other popular affiliate marketing platforms you can join include:

• Amazon Associates: Offers a wide range of products to promote.
• AvantLink: A platform that boasts a vigorous vetting process for a high-quality partner directory.
• CJ Affiliate: Features many well-known brands and products.
• Rakuten Advertising: Provides access to global brands and products.

After signing up for an affiliate program, you'll get unique affiliate links that will track the sales generated through your promotions, ensuring you earn your commission.

You can add affiliate links to your TikTok bio, but you'll likely want to feature multiple links over time. So you can consider using a landing page tool like Buffer’s Start Page to include multiple affiliate links. In your TikTok posts, prompt viewers to visit the link in your bio to buy the products you're promoting.

Here are a few ways to incorporate affiliate links into your TikTok content effectively:

• Product reviews: Create engaging and honest reviews of the products you're promoting. Highlight their benefits and how they solve problems for your audience.
• Tutorials and how-tos: Demonstrate how to use the product in a tutorial or step-by-step guide.
• Unboxing videos: Share the excitement of opening new products and giving your first impression.

Transparency is crucial in affiliate marketing. Always disclose your affiliate relationships to your audience. This builds trust and complies with legal requirements. A simple statement like “This video contains affiliate links and I may earn a commission if you make a purchase” can suffice.

5. Receive virtual gifts by going LIVE and turning on Video Gifts

Gifts on TikTok are digital icons worth varying amounts of virtual ‘coins,’ which followers buy with (real-life) money. Followers can send in-app gifts to show their appreciation, either on your feed content or during TikTok LIVEs.

To be able to go LIVE on TikTok, you’ll need:

• To have at least 1,000 followers
• Be older than 18

Once you’re there, you’ll be able to start receiving gifts. These gifts are one factor that helps make your content more popular by signaling to TikTok's algorithm that users are enjoying it. TikTok then rewards you with Diamonds (their virtual currency) based on the popularity of your content. Diamonds can then be converted into cash.

To receive gifts on TikTok LIVE, head to your LIVE screen. Tap ‘Settings,’ then turn the ‘LIVE Gifts’ setting on. 

LIVE Gifts are delivered in real time and appear on your stream so you can thank followers for the gift.

To enable TikTok Video Gifts for your feed content, turn on video gifts in the ‘Monetization’ section of TikTok Studio:

Then, the ‘Gift’ button will appear on your content in the ‘Comments’ section.

You'll need at least 10K followers to be eligible for Video Gifts.

6. Launch a TikTok Subscription to give your most dedicated fans exclusive perks

TikTok Subscriptions are a great way to strengthen your bond with your most loyal followers — and earn a (fairly) reliable monthly income while you're at it. 

Launching a subscription is a bit like having a VIP section (or a Patreon): a place where your most engaged followers can tap into exclusive content, perks, and recognition for their ongoing support.

To be eligible for this feature, you’ll need to have at least:

• 10K followers
• 100K video views in the last calendar month

With TikTok Subscriptions, creators can offer subscriber-only videos, exclusive LIVEs, custom emotes and stickers, and fun bonuses like badges that evolve over time. 

While creators only keep around 50% of subscription revenue, TikTok does have some ways to help you boost that:

• Video Creator Bonus: Earn an extra 20% if you’ve hit 10K followers and 1M views in the previous month.
• Growth Bonus: Get up to 15% more as your subscriber base grows.

Setting up is straightforward via TikTok Studio in the app — if you meet the eligibility requirements. Once you’re in, you can choose your subscription tier (starting at $2.99/month) and customize your benefits.

7. Set up a virtual tip jar to collect donations from your audience

Give your followers a way to share their appreciation for you any time they feel like it with a tipping platform. Some popular options to collect tips are:

• Tip Top Jar: A straightforward option that takes your followers to a simple landing page to send a tip.
• Buy Me a Coffee: With this platform, followers can choose to buy you any number of “coffees” for a set price. The platform also offers a membership option for your fans for ongoing income.
• Ko-fi: Consider this if you want more extensive options to offer audiences. Your followers can send tips, sign up for memberships, shop your products, and request commissions for personalized content.

Once you choose a platform, add a link to your TikTok bio and let your fans know they can support you there, like wardrobe stylist Payton Dale has done. This is her "Buy Me a Coffee" page:

8. Get paid to promote music artists' work

TikTok’s Work with Artists feature is rather clever — you create viral content to help boost new music from an artist, and you get paid. 

There’s no clear-cut documentation on TikTok on it, though they do explain on the Creator Academy:“Love using popular music in your videos? The Work With Artists program lets you do just that without worrying about demonetization or getting muted. Participate in campaigns using popular songs and earn rewards based on your participation.”

To be eligible, you need to:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have 1,000 followers

If you meet those requirements, tap over to the ‘Monetization’ section in TikTok Studio, then ‘Work with Artists.’ Follow the prompts to sign up, then choose a ‘campaign’ (read: song) you like, and create a video featuring that track. 

The better your video performs, the more you’ll earn, though payment varies from track to track, as you can see from the screenshot below. 

9. Crowdfund a project with your fans

If you're looking to fund a specific project, like developing an app or product, crowdfunding is a great option.

A couple of popular sites to consider are:

• Kickstarter: Consider Kickstarter if you need a lot of eyes and a trusted platform for your fundraising.
• Indiegogo: If you don't have a specific amount you're trying to raise, you might prefer Indiegogo, which offers more flexible fundraising goals and lets you collect funds even after your deadline.

Once you choose your platform, you can use TikTok to help spread the word about your campaign.

Osien Gwynned used TikTok and Kickstarter to launch his denim brand Antur Supply Co:

@antursupplyco

AHH! We’re LIVE on Kickstarter! Click the link in bio and grab them early! #denim #antursupplyco #fashiontiktok #business

♬ you n me flume remix – favsoundds

Before launching on Kickstarter, Osien spent 18 months building his TikTok audience by sharing behind-the-scenes footage. The investment paid off, reaching his £25K goal just 9.5 hours after the campaign went live.

10. Sell your own products or merch on TikTok Shop

Already have an existing line of products or merch? TikTok can help you sell them. You can, of course, link to your online shop in your bio. But if you have a TikTok Business account and are based in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Mexico, Spain, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, or Vietnam, you can also set up TikTok Shop for your business via the TikTok Seller Center.

Then, you'll gain access to a whole host of promotional features to sell your products right on TikTok, like:

• Shop Page: A tab on your profile featuring all the products you sell on TikTok.
• Shop Tab: A tab on the TikTok home screen featuring all the products for sale on the platform that recommends relevant items to users.
• Product links: Any time you feature one of your products in your TikTok videos, add a link to take interested shoppers to check it out on your TikTok Shop.
• TikTok Shop Ads: Amp up discovery for your brand with paid advertising on TikTok through shoppable videos, Shop Tab features, and LIVE Shopping Ads.

See The Way I See is a mental health-focused apparel and accessories brand started by creator and artist Sophie Nistico. She credits her success to marketing on social media and currently has a solid 612K followers on TikTok alone.

She takes full advantage of TikTok's shopping features and, as a result, has sold over 43K items.

To effectively drive sales on the platform, you'll want to create content that resonates with specific subcultures and interests within the TikTok community. Understanding and engaging with TikTok audiences is crucial for success.

Sophie nails this with See The Way I See. Her brand's content fits right in with the platform's casual, fast-paced nature:

@seethewayisee

a surprise for those who watch until the end 👀 #mentalhealthbrand #sharktankproducts #seethewayisee

♬ original sound – seethewayisee

Many brands also have success going LIVE on TikTok to promote their business. Packing customers' orders, giving freebies to viewers, offering product demos and Q&As, and giving sneak peeks are a few popular ways brands take advantage of TikTok LIVE.

Diversify your income streams to maximize your TikTok earnings

As you can see, there are several great ways to make money on TikTok — many built right into the platform. But this is just the beginning of what's possible.

• Keep up with TikTok's evolving features: Check the Monetization section in your TikTok Studio for new opportunities. Follow TikTok's Creator Academy, where they detail out the latest monetization features and best practices for using them.
• Look beyond TikTok's native options: Particularly if you don't meet TikTok's eligibility requirements, there are plenty of off-platform options to use TikTok to make money — like brand partnerships, affiliate programs, paid communities, virtual tip jars, and crowdfunding. 

Regardless of which monetization methods you choose, providing genuine value to your audience through authentic content comes first. This earns the trust needed to sell products to your audience or earn tips and gifts.

Ready to turn your TikTok creativity into an income source?

Start by exploring one or two methods that feel most natural for your content style and audience. Then expand your strategy once you master those. The most successful TikTok creators typically combine multiple monetization methods for financial stability.

Finally, remember to post consistently, regardless of whether a piece of content will be monetized or not. Regular engagement with your audience is essential for maintaining your presence and ultimately earning money.

Buffer can help you stay consistent:

• Brainstorm and save your TikTok ideas.
• Schedule your videos ahead of time to publish when your followers are most active.
• Crosspost to different platforms to safeguard against individual platform changes.

The best part? You can start scheduling TikTok videos on Buffer for free.

How to make money on TikTok FAQ

How many followers do you need to make money on TikTok?

The number of followers you need depends on which monetization method you choose:

• No minimum required: On-platform, you can create TikTok effects with no minimum follower count. Third-party options like brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, selling your own products, and tip jar platforms have no follower requirement. Remember: Many brands actively seek micro-influencers (50K or fewer followers) due to their high engagement rates.
• 1,000 followers: You can participate in the Work With Artists program, receive gifts during TikTok LIVE streams, and launch Subscriptions if you have LIVE access.
• 10K followers: This unlocks eligibility for Video Gifts, the TikTok Creator Marketplace, the Creator Rewards program, and Subscriptions for those without LIVE access.
• 50K followers: Allows you to apply for Creative Challenges for brand ads.
• 100K followers: Allows you to participate in the LIVE Incentive Program.

Since TikTok updates its eligibility requirements regularly, and they can vary by region, you'll want to check the current requirements of your desired program.

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

There's no hard-and-fast rule about how many views you need to make money on TikTok. Some of the platform's native monetization options do have view count requirements. External options don't have minimum requirements, but more views can entice brands to work with you. And some monetization options rely on views to earn money. For example, to earn an affiliate commission, you'll need TikTok users to first watch and then purchase from your content.

TikTok's in-platform view count requirements are as follows:

• Creator Rewards program: Requires 100K video views in the last 30 days to sign up.
• Creator Marketplace: A minimum of 10K post views in the last 30 days is required to join.
• TikTok Subscriptions: For LIVE creators, you must have conducted a LIVE for at least 30 minutes in the last 28 days. Or without LIVE, you need to have had 100K video views in the past calendar month.
• Branded Missions and Creative Challenges: While there's no official minimum view count, brands may look for creators whose content performs well consistently to ensure campaign success.
• Video Gifts and LIVE Gifts: No specific view requirements, but more views naturally lead to more gift opportunities from your audience.
• Work With Artists and TikTok LIVE Incentive Program: Also have no view requirements.
• Creator Effects: You need 100K videos to use your effects before you start earning.

The quality of your views matters as much as the quantity. A highly engaged audience that watches your videos to completion, leaves comments, and shares your content is more valuable to partners and TikTok's algorithm than passive viewers who quickly scroll past.

So focus on creating high-quality content for a specific niche rather than chasing views. Consistent, targeted content typically leads to better monetization opportunities in the long run.

How to make money on TikTok without followers

There are opportunities to make money on TikTok even if you're just starting out and have a small follower base:

• Create TikTok effects: The Effects Creator Rewards Program has no follower minimum and just requires at least 100K videos to use your effects before you can start earning.
• Affiliate marketing: You can promote products to a small audience to earn commissions on their purchases.
• Collaborate with brands: Many brands partner with nano- and micro-influencers for their higher engagement rate. But promotion isn't the only service you can offer them. Try pitching your content creation services. You can create authentic product reviews and reactions or capture photos and videos of their product for them to use on their website or in marketing campaigns.
• Sell your own products and merch: Use TikTok to showcase your products or services and direct your audience to your website or TikTok Shop.

Keep posting consistently to grow your TikTok following. As you grow your follower base, you'll unlock more monetization options. Read our guide to learn how to get your first 1,000 followers.

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