Even if you’re starting from zero, the doors of opportunity are wide open. You can earn money on TikTok with creativity, strategy, and persistence—even with no followers.
There are three ways to generate money on TikTok, two of which are slow and difficult, and one of which is simple and quick. If you want to start generating money on TikTok right away, sign up for a free Rhodboost account, which allows you to create and sell designs in minutes. We’ll print and ship them and then send you the proceeds. Alternatively, continue reading for a comprehensive look at all of the traditional ways to make money on TikTok, then return to click the link.
TIKTOK DISPLAYS CONTENT BASED ON YOUR PREFERENCES
When you start the app, you’re greeted with short, amusing, and interesting videos that continue indefinitely. You will continue to watch as long as you swipe. And it’s so simple to think, “Go on, just one more.”
THE MOST BASIC METHOD TO EARN MONEY ON TIKTOK WITHOUT FOLLOWERS
You don’t have to go viral to get money with TikTok. Virality does not ensure income; as we showed above, you could receive millions of views while only earning enough money for one tank of petrol. Every popular TikTok account is successful because of its entertaining material, but engaging stuff is not entirely random, as the cranberry skater dude demonstrated. Many people intentionally cultivate a TikTok following to generate money, thus, it’s more of a brick-by-brick approach. And if you do something you enjoy and believe in, you can gain a following while also earning money with Affiliate Marketing.
WHAT IS AFFILIATE MARKETING?
Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to make money online. You don’t need to create your product or offer a service. Instead, you promote other people’s products through a special link known as an affiliate link. When someone clicks on your link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission.
For example:
- You recommend a portable blender.
- You include your affiliate link in your TikTok bio.
- Someone watches your video, clicks the link, and buys the product—you get paid.
WHY AFFILIATE MARKETING IS PERFECT FOR BEGINNERS ON TIKTOK
Here’s why affiliate marketing is the ideal starting point:
- No followers needed: TikTok’s “For You Page” lets your sponsored content be seen by thousands of users based on quality, not follower count.
- No upfront costs: You don’t need to invest money in products or ads.
- Low barrier to entry: Anyone can sign up for affiliate programs and start promoting products.
- Evergreen opportunity: As long as your exclusive content is live, you can continue to earn from old videos.
STEP-BY-STEP: HOW TO START AFFILIATE MARKETING ON TIKTOK WITH ZERO FOLLOWERS
Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can begin today:
Step 1: Choose a Niche That Interests You
Pick a niche that you feel comfortable creating content about. Some profitable niches for affiliate marketing include:
- Tech and gadgets
- Beauty and skincare
- Fitness and health
- Home hacks and kitchen tools
- Fashion and accessories
- Books and self-improvement
When you choose a niche as a TikTok user you love, it becomes easier to create authentic and engaging content.
Step 2: Join Affiliate Programs
Once signed up, pick products related to your niche and get your unique affiliate links. Now, it’s time to join affiliate platforms where you can get your custom product links. Here are a few trustworthy ones:
- Amazon Associates—Great for general products
- ClickBank—Best for digital products like eBooks and online courses
- Digistore24—Wide variety of both physical and digital products
- ShareASale—Focuses on retail and niche stores
- Impact—Works with big brands like Walmart, Adidas, and more
Step 3: Create Engaging TikTok Videos
Now comes the fun part—creating content with brand partnerships. Remember, you’re not trying to “sell” in a pushy way. Instead, you’re showing how a product solves a problem, improves a task, or adds value.
Content Ideas:
- “Top 3 gadgets under $30 you’ll wish you had sooner.”
- “This kitchen tool changed how I cook every day.”
- “Fitness lovers: You NEED this affordable resistance band set!”
Maximum Engagement:
- Use trending sounds or music.
- Include hooks in your first 3 seconds (e.g., “Don’t scroll if you like saving money”).
- Keep your video between 15–30 seconds for better retention.
- Add on-screen text and captions to keep viewers engaged.
Step 4: Optimize Your Profile for Conversions
Since TikTok doesn’t allow direct clickable links in video captions, here’s what to do:
- Use a link-in-bio tool like:
- Linktree
- Beacons
- Stan Store
- Add your affiliate links or product pages there.
- In your video caption or on-screen text, say:
“Link in bio to grab yours.”
“Check my profile for the best deal.”
Step 5: Stay Consistent and Analyze Results
You don’t need to go viral overnight. Consistency wins the game. sponsored posts 1-2 videos daily in your niche, try different formats (voice-over, product unboxing, lifestyle), and monitor what works best.
Use the TikTok analytics feature to track:
- Video views
- Watch time
- Profile visits
- Link clicks
Then double down on what’s working.
REALISTIC EARNING POTENTIAL (EVEN WITH ZERO FOLLOWERS)
Let’s say you promote a $50 product with a 20% commission. That’s $10 per sale. Just 10 sales a week = $100/week or $400/month—without ever needing to show your face or gain TikTok followers.
Even 1 follower, it’s possible to start seeing earnings within a few weeks if you:
- Post regularly
- Use good call-to-actions
- Promote the right products with decent commissions
PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Test different styles: Review videos, comparison videos, hacks, and day-in-the-life.
- Use hashtags strategically: Combine niche tags (#kitchengadgets), broad tags (#TikTokMadeMeBuyIt), and low-competition tags.
- Engage with your viewers: Answer questions in comments or in follow-up videos.
- Repurpose your content: Share the same video on Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or Pinterest for more exposure.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1: Can I really make money on TikTok if I have only 1 follower?
Absolutely. Thanks to TikTok’s algorithm, your content can reach thousands of viewers, even if you’re starting with 1 follower. The “For You Page” is designed to show engaging content to users based on interest, not just followers. Many content creators have gone viral overnight and earned income before building a large following.
2: What’s the best income source for TikTokers without followers?
The most beginner-friendly income source is affiliate marketing, where you earn commissions by promoting products. You can also explore options like the TikTok Creator Rewards Program, TikTok Shop, or participating in creative challenges that don’t require a large fan base.
3: What is the TikTok Creator Rewards Program?
The TikTok Creator Rewards Program (previously the Creator Fund) pays eligible creators based on their video performance, especially when reaching thresholds like 100K video views. You’ll need to meet certain eligibility requirements, including being at least 18 years old, having 10,000 followers, and posting original content consistently.
4: How can I get brand partnerships with no followers?
Many brands are now open to micro- and nano-influencers who have dedicated fans and authentic content. Platforms like the Influencer Marketing Hub and TikTok Creator Marketplace connect brands with creators, even those without a huge following, based on content style and niche.
5: How do I get virtual gifts on TikTok Live?
To earn virtual gifts, you must go Live on TikTok. Viewers can send you video gifts, which convert into Diamonds—a virtual currency you can exchange for real money. You typically need at least 1,000 followers to access TikTok Live, but some regions (like South Korea or the U.S.) may have different rules.
6: What’s the TikTok Shop, and how can I earn from it?
The TikTok Shop is a built-in eCommerce feature where creators can promote products directly from their videos using the Shop Tab on their TikTok profile. You can earn commissions as an affiliate, even with no followers, by creating high-converting, product-focused content.
7: Can TikTok videos with just 1 view make money?
While 1 view won’t earn you income directly, it’s part of a bigger picture. Every view helps TikTok decide if your video should be pushed to more people. Once your video reaches a broader audience, income sources like brand deals, virtual gifts, or affiliate sales can kick in—even if that growth happens over 30 days.
8: How do TikTok influencers monetize their accounts?
TikTok influencers make money through:
- Brand partnerships and sponsorships
- Affiliate marketing
- TikTok Creator Rewards Program
- Selling products via TikTok Shop
- Donations during TikTok Live
- Promoting links in their TikTok bio
The key is to build a content style that attracts engagement and creates value for both brands and audiences.
9: Do I need to be part of the TikTok Creator Marketplace to earn money?
Not necessarily. While the TikTok Creator Marketplace offers access to exclusive perks and brand deals, you can still earn money through affiliate programs, product reviews, and social media platforms like Instagram or YouTube using the same content.
10: Can I promote my TikTok videos on other social media platforms?
Yes! Repurposing your material for sites like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook can help you gain more exposure. More views across different platforms translate into more potential clicks, followers, and sources of income.
11: What kind of content works best for monetization without followers?
You don’t have to expose your face—just provide value, be consistent, and provide calls to action like “link in bio.” High-performing content kinds are:
- Product demos.
- Life Hacks and Tools
- Problem-solving lessons.
- “TikTok Made Me Buy It” videos.
- Review or comparison videos
12: What is influencer marketing, and how does it benefit new TikTok creators?
Influencer marketing is the process by which brands collaborate with content providers to promote their products or services. Even if you’re new, brands may opt to partner with you if your content coincides with their objectives, particularly if you’re a member of a niche community or generate high-quality videos.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Affiliate marketing on TikTok without followers is not a dream—it’s a proven strategy that creators all over the world are using to earn money daily. You don’t need to be famous. You don’t even need to be an expert. All you need is:
- A product that solves a problem
- A bit of creativity
- The willingness to show up consistently
So don’t wait until you have followers. Start now. Your first dollar could come from your very next video.
