How to Make Money on TikTok Without Followers

How to Make Money on TikTok Without Followers (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

Introduction

Many people think you need thousands of followers to earn money on TikTok. That’s not true. Even with zero followers, you can start making money today if you know the right methods.

In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step ways to make money on TikTok without followers, tools and apps that help, and tips to turn your content into cash. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just testing TikTok, this article is for you.

Section 1: Sell Products Without Followers

One of the easiest ways to make money on TikTok without followers is by selling products or promoting affiliate items. TikTok’s algorithm can show your content to millions of users, even if you have a small account.

1.1 TikTok Shop

• TikTok Shop lets creators sell products directly in videos.

• You don’t need a big audience—TikTok pushes your product to users interested in your niche.

• Example: Selling digital planners, home gadgets, or phone accessories can bring small daily earnings even with zero followers.

1.2 Affiliate Marketing

• Join programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or TikTok affiliate programs.

• Promote products through TikTok videos with affiliate links.

• When someone buys through your link, you earn a commission.

• Tip: Focus on trending products for higher sales.

1.3 Merchandise

• Design small items like mugs, T-shirts, or digital stickers.

• Platforms like Printful or Teespring allow you to sell without inventory.

• TikTok users see your videos and can buy directly through your store links.

✅ Pro Tip: Even with no followers, you can go viral if your video is entertaining, solves a problem, or follows trending TikTok challenges.

Section 2: TikTok Creator Fund & Live Gifts

Even if you don’t have followers, TikTok offers ways to earn directly from the platform. Two of the most popular methods are the Creator Fund and Live Gifts.

2.1 TikTok Creator Fund

• TikTok pays creators based on video views, not followers.

• To join, you need:

  • Be 18 years or older

  • Have at least 10,000 video views in the last 30 days

  • Post original content regularly

• The more engaging your content, the higher your payout. Even small accounts can earn hundreds of dollars monthly if videos go viral.

2.2 Live Gifts

• Going live on TikTok allows viewers to send virtual gifts.

• These gifts can be converted into real money.

• You don’t need a large audience; you just need engaging content that encourages interaction.

• Tips to succeed:

  • Use trending topics during your live session

  • Ask viewers questions to keep them interacting

  • Offer mini-tutorials, fun Q&A, or behind-the-scenes content

✅ Pro Tip: Combine the Creator Fund with viral content strategies to maximize earnings, even if your account is new.

Section 3: Promote Digital Products & Services

If you have skills or knowledge, you can earn money on TikTok without followers by selling digital products or services. This method is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require a large audience.

3.1 Digital Products

• eBooks: Write short guides or tutorials on topics people search for.

• Templates & Presets: Sell Instagram templates, photo filters, or video editing presets.

• Online Courses: Teach something you know, like basic video editing, TikTok tips, or graphic design.

• You can promote these in short, engaging TikTok videos using trending sounds or hashtags.

3.2 Freelance Services

• Offer services like video editing, graphic design, or social media management.

• Showcase your work in TikTok videos. Even with zero followers, clients may contact you through DMs or linked portfolios.

• Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer help you find clients fast.

3.3 Quick Tips for Beginners

• Focus on one niche: e.g., tech tips, fashion, or cooking.

• Keep videos under 30 seconds with clear call-to-actions.

• Always include a link in your bio to your product or service.

✅ Pro Tip: TikTok’s algorithm favors watch time. Short, helpful, or entertaining videos can reach thousands, letting you sell your products or services without followers.

Section 4: Paid Subscriptions & Crowdfunding

Even without followers, you can make money by offering exclusive content through paid subscriptions or crowdfunding platforms. This is ideal for beginners who want a recurring income from TikTok.

4.1 Paid Subscriptions

• Platforms like Patreon allow creators to offer monthly subscriptions.

• You can provide:

  • Exclusive videos or tutorials

  • Behind-the-scenes content

  • Personal tips or coaching

• Even a small number of subscribers can generate a consistent income.

4.2 Crowdfunding

• Use platforms like Ko-fi or Buy Me a Coffee to receive donations.

• Encourage your TikTok viewers to support your work in exchange for rewards:

  • Early access to content

  • Personalized shoutouts

  • Downloadable resources

4.3 Tips for Beginners

• Link your crowdfunding page in your TikTok bio.

• Mention your subscription perks in your videos naturally.

• Focus on quality content, even if your follower count is low.

✅ Pro Tip: Micro-supporters can add up! Even 10–20 subscribers or donors can generate a steady monthly income while you grow your TikTok account.

Section 5: TikTok Brand Partnerships

You don’t need thousands of followers to collaborate with brands. Even beginners can earn money through micro-influencer deals.

5.1 What Are Micro-Influencer Deals?

• Brands pay creators to promote products on TikTok.

• Micro-influencers usually have 1,000–10,000 followers, but even zero followers can work if your content is niche-focused and high-quality.

5.2 How to Find Brand Deals

• Sign up for platforms like AspireIQ, Upfluence, or Shopify Collabs.

• Pitch yourself to brands in your niche:

  • Explain your content idea

  • Highlight engagement potential

  • Show examples of your videos

5.3 Tips for Beginners

• Focus on small brands or startups—they’re often open to new creators.

• Create sample content to show your style and creativity.

• Use trending hashtags and challenges to increase your video reach.

✅ Pro Tip: Brands value quality over quantity. Even with a small account, consistent, engaging content can attract sponsorships.

Section 6: Tips to Grow Fast Without Followers

Even if you start with zero followers, TikTok allows you to go viral and earn money quickly if you use the right strategies.

6.1 Use Trending Sounds and Challenges

• TikTok favors trending audio and challenges.

• Adding trending sounds to your videos increases the chances of being featured on the For You Page (FYP).

6.2 Engage with Other Creators

• Duets, stitches, and comments on popular videos increase your visibility.

• Collaborating with other creators can help your content reach new audiences.

6.3 Focus on High-Value Content

• Solve problems, entertain, or teach something useful.

• Short, engaging videos under 30 seconds tend to retain viewers longer, boosting your reach.

6.4 Use Niche Hashtags

• Include specific hashtags related to your niche.

• Avoid overly broad hashtags; they compete with millions of videos.

6.5 Consistency is Key

• Post regularly—even 1–2 videos per day can increase your chances of going viral.

• Keep experimenting with content styles and topics to see what performs best.

✅ Pro Tip: Viral content can catapult a zero-follower account to thousands of views overnight, unlocking monetization through Creator Fund, affiliate links, and brand deals.

Making money on TikTok without followers is possible. You don’t need a massive audience—what matters is quality content, consistency, and the right monetization strategies.

Key Takeaways:

• Sell products or use affiliate marketing to earn from your videos.

• Join the Creator Fund and receive money based on video views.

• Offer digital products, services, or paid subscriptions to generate recurring income.

• Collaborate with brands and become a micro-influencer.

• Use trending sounds, hashtags, and engagement strategies to grow fast.

Start small, focus on creating valuable content, and use multiple methods to earn. Even with zero followers, you can turn TikTok into a profitable platform in 2025.

✅ Call-to-Action: Pick one method from this guide today, create your first video, and start earning on TikTok without followers!