You came here to find out how to join the TikTok Creator Fund, so let's cut right to the chase. The original TikTok Creator Fund officially shut its doors on December 16, 2023. It’s now been replaced by the new Creativity Program.
This isn't just a simple rebranding—it's a major shift in how TikTok pays creators. Getting a handle on these changes is the first step to actually making money from your content on the platform today.
Why TikTok Replaced the Creator Fund
The switch from the Creator Fund to the Creativity Program was a calculated move by TikTok. The old fund was a great idea in theory, but in practice, many creators found the payouts disappointingly low, sometimes just a few cents for thousands of views. It was a common source of frustration.
TikTok’s main goal with the new program is pretty clear: to offer bigger rewards for higher-quality videos, specifically those that are a bit longer. They're trying to change what kind of content thrives.
The Original Fund's Legacy
When the Creator Fund launched back in July 2020 with a $200 million investment, it was a big deal. The rules were straightforward: you had to be 18 or older, have at least 10,000 followers, and hit 100,000 video views in the last 30 days.
By 2023, that initial investment had ballooned into a $2 billion global commitment. But even with all that money, the model had its flaws. Its closure signaled a new direction for how TikTok approaches monetization. If you're curious, you can find more on the Creator Fund's history to get the full backstory.
Ultimately, the reason for the change was simple. TikTok wants to encourage content that holds viewers' attention longer. Why? Because longer watch times are far more valuable to advertisers. This meant shifting focus away from paying pennies for short, viral clips and toward rewarding more substantial, longer-form videos.
To make this crystal clear, here’s a quick comparison of the old fund versus the new program.
Creator Fund vs Creativity Program Quick Comparison
This table breaks down the essential differences between the two monetization models at a glance.
| Feature | Creator Fund (Legacy) | Creativity Program (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Closed as of Dec 16, 2023 | Active and ongoing |
| Payout Basis | Based on views, engagement, and other factors | Based on qualified views on videos over 1 minute long |
| Video Length | All video lengths eligible | Prioritizes videos longer than 1 minute |
As you can see, the new program is built to reward a completely different style of content.
This infographic also does a great job of visualizing the shift.
The emphasis on videos over one minute is the biggest takeaway here. It's a direct fix for the shortcomings of the old system and a clear signal to creators about what kind of content TikTok wants to see—and pay for—moving forward.
The Original Creator Fund Eligibility Rules
Even though the original Creator Fund has closed its doors to new applicants, its entry rules are still incredibly telling. They were the first real roadmap TikTok gave creators for what a "monetizable" account looks like. Think of them as the foundational blueprint that still shapes how TikTok evaluates creators for its new programs today.
The whole point of these criteria was to separate the one-hit wonders from creators who were building a real, sustainable community. TikTok wanted to see consistency and a genuine connection with an audience.
Core Eligibility Benchmarks
To get your foot in the door, you had to hit a few key milestones. These weren't just arbitrary numbers; they were designed to prove your account had momentum and that you were a responsible creator.
Here’s exactly what you needed to apply for the old Creator Fund.
These metrics gave TikTok a quick snapshot of your account's health and whether you were ready to be part of the program.
The must-haves were pretty straightforward:
- You had to be at least 18 years old. This was a hard-and-fast rule for legal reasons.
- You needed a minimum of 10,000 followers. This was the magic number that showed you’d built a solid audience.
- You had to rack up at least 100,000 video views in the last 30 days. This was the big one. It proved your content was fresh, relevant, and engaging people right now.
- Your account had to be in good standing, with original content that followed TikTok’s Community Guidelines. No strikes, no violations.
Of course, hitting these numbers was just the first step. You can dive deeper into the classic TikTok Creator Fund eligibility rules to see how they set the stage for the current programs.
Key Takeaway: Those two big numbers—10,000 followers and 100,000 views—were the ultimate filter. They separated the serious, consistent creators from everyone else. Even with the new Creativity Program, these benchmarks are still excellent goals to aim for because they prove one thing: you have an audience that shows up.
How the Application Process Actually Worked
Even though the Creator Fund is a thing of the past, the way you applied for it is practically a carbon copy of how you get into TikTok's new programs. So, getting familiar with this process is still incredibly relevant, since TikTok has kept the core mechanics the same.
It was never some long, drawn-out ordeal. The whole thing happened right inside the app, which made it feel less like a stuffy job application and more like unlocking the next level in your creator journey.
Once your account hit all the right notes—the follower count, the view numbers—a special invitation would just… appear. No external websites, no support tickets. It was a clear sign that TikTok wanted monetization to be a seamless part of the creator experience.
Navigating to the Application
Finding the application itself was the first real step. For anyone who qualified for the old Creator Fund, the path was always the same:
- First, you had to have a Pro Account. This was non-negotiable. Switching to either a Creator or Business account was the only way to unlock the necessary analytics and tools.
- From there, you’d head into your profile settings and find the "Creator tools" section.
- If your account was eligible, a tab labeled "TikTok Creator Fund" would be waiting for you inside.
Tapping that button took you to a simple page where you confirmed your age and agreed to the Creator Fund Agreement. It was that easy. Of course, the real work was getting to that point, especially hitting that 10,000 follower milestone. If you're still on that climb, our guide on how to get 10k followers on TikTok has some practical tips to help you get there faster.
After applying, you'd wait a few days. This wasn't just an automated check; TikTok's team actually reviewed your account to make sure your views were legitimate and that your content followed their Community Guidelines to the letter. This human touch was key to keeping the program's quality high.
A Realistic Look at Creator Fund Payouts
Let's be real: one of the biggest shocks for creators who got into the TikTok Creator Fund was seeing how little it actually paid out. The fantasy of making a living from viral videos often evaporated pretty quickly. It wasn't uncommon for a video with millions of views to earn you just enough for a couple of fancy coffees.
This wasn't some mistake in the system; it was how the fund was built. The payout formula was always a bit of a black box and was never just about the number of views you got. TikTok looked at a mix of things, like how people were engaging with your content, whether the views were genuine, and even where your audience was watching from. A million views from the U.S. might pay out differently than a million from somewhere else.
Breaking Down the Numbers
So, what were people actually making? The widely reported payout rate for the old Creator Fund hovered between $0.02 and $0.04 for every 1,000 views.
Let that sink in. A video that hit the magic one million view mark would usually only earn a creator between $20 and $40.
Your earnings could also swing with the seasons, often tied to how much advertisers were spending on the platform. Many creators noticed a 20-30% bump in payouts during busy months like December and January, only to see them dip again in the summer. You can find more analysis on these figures by checking out the Creator Fund CPM rates on napolify.com.
Because the payouts were so small, most serious creators saw the fund as a nice little bonus, not a salary they could count on.
The Creator Fund was a good first step, but the low, unpredictable pay pushed creators to get smart about making money. It became obvious that you couldn't build a career on the fund alone. This is when many started focusing on brand deals, affiliate marketing, and other ways to earn a real income.
This is exactly why TikTok decided to move on. The low pay was a huge source of frustration for creators and didn't really encourage the kind of high-quality, longer videos the platform wanted more of. The launch of the new Creativity Program was a direct answer to all that feedback, promising a much better way for dedicated creators to get paid what they're worth.
Monetizing Today With The Creativity Program
With the old Creator Fund officially retired, all eyes are on the TikTok Creativity Program. Think of it less as a simple replacement and more as a total redesign aimed at fixing the old system's flaws. If you're serious about making money on the platform, you'll need to adjust your content strategy to fit this new model.
The most significant change? Video length. TikTok is now putting its money behind creators who make high-quality videos that are over one minute long. It's a clear move to compete better with platforms like YouTube by keeping people watching longer. This means the program rewards deeper storytelling and substance over those quick, viral clips that used to dominate.
Understanding The New Payout Structure
Let's talk money. The Creativity Program’s payment model is a huge step up in both generosity and transparency. Creators are reporting earnings anywhere from $0.40 to $1.00 per 1,000 qualified views on their longer videos, which is a massive improvement and a much more sustainable income source.
This new system is built to reward creators who can truly capture and hold an audience's attention. To get paid, your videos need to hit that one-minute mark and get "qualified views"—meaning people stick around to watch them and they follow all the community guidelines.
The takeaway is simple: TikTok is ready to pay a premium for content that keeps users on the app. Quality and effort are finally being rewarded in a way that can turn a passion for creating into a real career.
Learning the ropes of this program is a great first step. For a wider view on turning your social media skills into cash, check out this guide to monetize social media and earn real income.
Excelling in the Creativity Program also makes you more attractive to brands, opening up even more earning potential. To learn about connecting with brands directly, explore our guide to the https://monetizedprofiles.com/blogs/monetization-on-social-media/creator-marketplace-tiktok.
Common Questions About TikTok Monetization
Navigating TikTok's monetization programs can feel a bit confusing, especially with all the recent changes. Let's tackle some of the biggest questions creators have about the old Creator Fund and the new systems in place.
Can I Still Join The Creator Fund?
Short answer? No. The original TikTok Creator Fund officially closed its doors on December 16, 2023, for creators in the US, UK, and other key regions. It’s been completely replaced by the Creativity Program.
If you're looking to earn directly from your videos on TikTok now, the Creativity Program is the path forward.
What's The Main Difference?
The biggest change is the type of content TikTok is willing to pay for and how much you can actually make. It’s a completely different philosophy.
- The old Creator Fund paid out tiny amounts for almost any video that got a decent number of views. It was more about quantity.
- The new Creativity Program is all about quality and watch time. It specifically rewards high-quality videos that are longer than one minute with a much, much higher payout.
To really make the Creativity Program work for you, your editing game needs to be on point. You can find some great tips and guides for editing TikTok videos that can help elevate your content.
Do My Old Videos Earn Money?
Unfortunately, they don't. Only views on eligible videos that you post after being accepted into the Creativity Program will generate earnings.
There’s no retroactive pay for views on your old viral hits, so all your energy should be focused on creating amazing new content once you’re in.
If your application gets denied, don't sweat it. It happens. You can re-apply after 30 days. Use that month to really dig into TikTok’s eligibility rules and Community Guidelines. It's the perfect opportunity to refine your content strategy and come back stronger.
