Creators Digest guide
Monetise TikTok Under 10k Followers
Learn how to monetise TikTok under 10k followers with six real paths, pricing benchmarks, and brand pitch templates to boost your income in 2026
As a creator with under 10k followers on TikTok, you may think monetisation is out of reach. However, with the right strategies, you can start earning income from your content. In this guide, we will explore six real monetisation paths, including pricing benchmarks and brand pitch templates, to help you monetise your TikTok account under 10k followers. We will also discuss what TikTok Creator Marketplace pays for sponsored content in 2026, and how African creators can leverage platforms like Audiomack and M-Pesa to their advantage.
1. Path 1: Affiliate Marketing with Beehiiv and TikTok
To monetise TikTok under 10k followers through affiliate marketing, creators can leverage platforms like Beehiiv to find and join affiliate programs. Beehiiv offers a wide range of programs from various brands, allowing creators to promote products that align with their content and audience. To get started, open Beehiiv, tap on the Discover tab, and browse through the available programs.
* Filter programs by niche or category to find relevant ones
* Read the program terms and conditions, including commission rates and cookie durations
* Apply to join programs that fit your content and audience
Once approved, creators can access their unique affiliate links and start promoting products on TikTok. When creating content, it is essential to disclose sponsored posts by using #ad, #affiliate, or sponsored to comply with TikTok's affiliate marketing policies.
To create affiliate links, follow these steps:
1. Log in to your Beehiiv account and navigate to the Programs tab
2. Find the program you want to promote and click on the Get Link button
3. Choose the type of link you want to create, such as a product link or a coupon code
4. Copy the link and paste it into your TikTok bio or caption
TikTok's affiliate marketing policies require creators to clearly disclose sponsored content, and failure to comply may result in account suspension or termination. To avoid this, always include a clear disclosure statement in your captions, such as "This post is sponsored by [Brand Name]" or "I earn a commission from sales made through this link".
Open TikTok, tap on the + icon, and create a new post that promotes a product from one of your joined affiliate programs. Make sure to include a clear disclosure statement and your unique affiliate link. By following these steps and complying with TikTok's policies, creators can effectively monetise their TikTok presence under 10k followers through affiliate marketing with Beehiiv.
2. Path 2: Selling Merchandise with CapCut and YouTube Studio
Selling merchandise is a viable monetisation path for TikTok creators with under 10k followers, and using CapCut and YouTube Studio can streamline the process. To start, open CapCut and create a new project, selecting the "Design" template to create visual content for your merchandise. For example, you can design a t-shirt with a catchy phrase or a funny quote that resonates with your audience.
Here are the steps to follow:
* Design your product using CapCut's built-in templates and editing tools, such as text, stickers, and effects.
* Export your design as a high-resolution image, suitable for printing on various products like t-shirts, hats, or phone cases.
* Set up an online store using platforms like Shopify or Teespring, which integrate with popular payment gateways like Payoneer, Paystack, or Wise.
* Configure your store's payment settings, such as setting up M-Pesa or Flutterwave for mobile payments.
To promote your merchandise to your TikTok audience, follow these steps:
1. Create a new video showcasing your product, using CapCut to edit and add music or effects.
2. Open YouTube Studio, tap Channel customisation, and add a link to your online store in your YouTube bio.
3. Share your YouTube video on TikTok, using relevant hashtags and tagging your online store.
4. Encourage your followers to visit your store and purchase your merchandise, offering discounts or promotions to incentivise sales.
When setting prices for your merchandise, consider the production costs, shipping fees, and your desired profit margin. For example, if you're selling t-shirts, you can price them between $15 and $25, depending on the design complexity and production costs. You can also offer bundle deals or discounts for bulk purchases to increase average order value.
To further promote your merchandise, consider collaborating with other TikTok creators or influencers in your niche, using platforms like TikTok Creator Marketplace to find potential partners. By leveraging CapCut and YouTube Studio, you can create engaging content, design attractive products, and promote your merchandise to your TikTok audience, increasing your chances of success in the merchandise selling business.
3. Path 3: Offering Services on TikTok with Clear Pricing
To monetise TikTok under 10k followers, offering services such as consulting or coaching is a viable path. Clear pricing is essential to attract potential clients. Start by identifying your area of expertise, such as social media management or content creation, and create a services menu. This menu should include specific services, like one-on-one coaching sessions or group workshops, and their corresponding prices. For example, a 30-minute coaching session could be priced at $50, while a group workshop could be priced at $200.
To promote your services, use TikTok's built-in features, such as TikTok Live, to engage with potential clients and deliver services. You can also use CapCut to create promotional videos showcasing your services and share them on your TikTok profile. Additionally, you can utilise YouTube Studio to create longer-form content, like video tutorials or webinars, and share them on your TikTok profile via links in your bio.
Here are the steps to create a services menu and promote your services:
* Determine your area of expertise and create a list of services you can offer
* Set prices for each service based on your expertise and the value you provide
* Create a services menu and share it on your TikTok profile
* Use TikTok Live to deliver services and engage with clients
* Utilise CapCut to create promotional videos and share them on your TikTok profile
* Share links to your YouTube Studio content in your TikTok bio to drive traffic to your longer-form content
For example, if you are a social media consultant, your services menu could include:
* One-on-one coaching sessions: $50 per 30 minutes
* Group workshops: $200 per session
* Social media strategy development: $500 per month
* Content creation: $100 per post
To get started, open TikTok, tap the "+" icon, and select "Live" to start a TikTok Live session. During the session, you can promote your services and engage with potential clients. You can also use this opportunity to share your services menu and provide a call-to-action, such as "Send me a message to book a coaching session". Additionally, you can use Payoneer or Wise to receive payments from clients and Paystack or Flutterwave to process transactions.
4. Path 4: Sponsored Content with TikTok Creator Marketplace
TikTok Creator Marketplace is a platform that connects creators with brands, allowing them to collaborate on sponsored content. To get started, open TikTok, tap the three dots on the top right corner of the screen, then select Creator Marketplace from the menu. Create a profile by filling out the required information, including your niche, audience demographics, and contact details.
Once your profile is complete, you can start applying for campaigns. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Browse through the available campaigns and select the ones that align with your niche and audience.
2. Read the campaign brief carefully and ensure you understand the requirements.
3. Apply for the campaign by submitting a proposal, including your content ideas and pricing.
4. Wait for the brand to review your proposal and respond with an offer or a request for negotiation.
TikTok Creator Marketplace pays creators based on the type of content, audience engagement, and brand requirements. In 2026, the average payment for sponsored content on TikTok Creator Marketplace ranges from $100 to $500 per post, depending on the creator's audience size and engagement. For example, a creator with 5,000 followers and an average engagement rate of 2% can earn around $200 per sponsored post, while a creator with 10,000 followers and an average engagement rate of 5% can earn around $500 per post.
To increase your earnings on TikTok Creator Marketplace, focus on building a strong profile, creating high-quality content, and engaging with your audience. You can also negotiate rates with brands by highlighting your unique selling points, such as your niche expertise or audience demographics. Open TikTok Creator Marketplace, tap the Campaigns tab, and apply for at least three campaigns that match your profile. Then, tap the Profile tab, and make sure your profile is complete and up-to-date, including a clear and concise bio, high-quality profile picture, and contact information.
5. Path 5: Leveraging TikTok Live for Monetisation
To monetise your TikTok account under 10k followers, using TikTok Live is a viable option. You can start by promoting products or services during your live streams, using tools like CapCut to create engaging thumbnails and teasers. For example, if you have a niche audience interested in beauty products, you can partner with a brand to showcase their products during a live stream, and include a link to purchase in your bio or in the comments.
Here are the steps to get started with TikTok Live:
1. Open the TikTok app, tap the plus icon, and select Live.
2. Choose a catchy title for your live stream, and add relevant keywords to increase discoverability.
3. Use good lighting, sound, and a stable internet connection to ensure high-quality video.
4. Promote your live stream in advance by posting about it on your TikTok feed, and encouraging your followers to tune in.
During your live stream, you can offer exclusive content, such as Q&A sessions, behind-the-scenes footage, or exclusive deals, to incentivise viewers to stay engaged and support you financially. You can also receive tips and donations from viewers, using TikTok's built-in tipping feature or third-party services like PayPal or M-Pesa. To increase engagement and build a community, you can host live streams regularly, and encourage viewers to participate by asking questions, hosting giveaways, or creating a live challenge.
For example, you can use TikTok Live to offer exclusive music content, and direct viewers to your Audiomack or BoomPlay profile to purchase your music. Alternatively, you can use TikTok Live to promote your podcast, and direct viewers to your Spotify for Podcasters or Riverside.fm profile to listen to the full episode. By leveraging TikTok Live, you can build a loyal community, increase engagement, and monetise your account, even with under 10k followers. Open YouTube Studio, go to Monetisation, and review your earnings to see how your live streams are performing, and adjust your strategy accordingly.
6. Path 6: Monetising Your Audience with Wise and Payoneer
Receiving payments from brands and clients is a crucial step in monetising your TikTok audience under 10k followers. To do this efficiently, you need a reliable payment system that can handle international transactions with minimal fees. Wise and Payoneer are two popular options that can help you achieve this.
To get started with Wise, open the Wise website and create a business account. Fill in your business details, including your name, address, and tax identification number. Once your account is set up, you can create a payment profile that includes your payment details and banking information. This profile will be used to receive payments from clients and brands.
Here are the steps to set up invoicing on Wise:
1. Log in to your Wise account and navigate to the Invoicing tab.
2. Click on Create Invoice and fill in the invoice details, including the client's name, invoice amount, and payment terms.
3. Choose your payment method and currency.
4. Review and send the invoice to your client.
Payoneer is another platform that allows you to receive payments from clients and brands. To set up a payment profile on Payoneer, follow these steps:
* Sign up for a Payoneer account and verify your email address.
* Fill in your payment details, including your bank account information and tax identification number.
* Set up your payment settings, including your currency and payment terms.
Both Wise and Payoneer offer competitive transaction fees and exchange rates, making them ideal for creators who work with international clients. For example, Wise charges a fee of 0.5% to 1% per transaction, while Payoneer charges a fee of 2% to 5% per transaction. By using these platforms, you can reduce your transaction fees and keep more of your earnings. Open Wise or Payoneer, navigate to the payment settings, and review your transaction fees to ensure you are getting the best rates.
7. Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum number of followers required to monetise a TikTok account?
How do I join the TikTok Creator Fund?
What is the average payout for sponsored content on TikTok?
Can I use multiple monetisation paths at the same time?
How do I disclose sponsored content on TikTok?
What are the benefits of using TikTok Creator Marketplace?
Can I monetise my TikTok account if I am under 18?
What are the tax implications of monetising my TikTok account?
How do I track my earnings and expenses as a TikTok creator?
Monetising a TikTok account under 10k followers requires creativity, hard work, and the right strategies. By following the six monetisation paths outlined in this guide, you can increase your earnings and build a successful career as a TikTok creator. Remember to always disclose sponsored content, comply with TikTok's policies, and track your earnings and expenses to ensure your success. Take the first step tonight by setting up your TikTok Creator Marketplace profile and exploring the monetisation paths that work best for you.