How Much Does TikTok Pay?

Does TikTok Pay You for Your Music? A Comprehensive Guide

TikTok has rapidly become a dominant force in social media, surpassing giants like Facebook and Instagram, especially among younger audiences. As TikTok continues to influence the music industry, one burning question remains: Does TikTok pay artists for their music?

In this article, we will explore TikTok music royalties and how musicians can get paid for their music on the platform. Let’s dive into everything you need to know!

TikTok & Streaming Music

With over 800 million active users, TikTok has become a cultural phenomenon, particularly popular among younger generations. The platform features short videos, ranging from comedy skits to viral dance challenges, often set to popular songs. Many songs have gone viral thanks to TikTok, helping artists gain massive exposure.

If your music goes viral on TikTok, you could see a significant boost in streams on other platforms. But how exactly do you get paid for your music on TikTok?

Does TikTok Pay You for Your Music?

In short, yes—TikTok does pay artists for their music. When users create and share videos using licensed music, artists are compensated through royalties. These royalties are based on TikTok’s subscription revenue, and you’ll get paid a share of that revenue for each video that features your song.

How Do You Get Paid on TikTok?

When your music is made available on TikTok, users are granted permission to use your songs in their videos. The payment you receive is proportional to TikTok’s monthly subscription revenue, which is then divided among artists based on the number of times their songs are used.

Once your song is featured in a video, your music distributor collects your royalties from TikTok on your behalf. These payments will appear in your royalty statements, similar to other platforms like Spotify or YouTube. If you're a member of a performing rights organization (PRO), your royalties may also be paid through them.

How Much Does TikTok Pay?

The amount TikTok pays artists can vary depending on factors like song use, video length, and the agreements between your distributor and TikTok. Typically, TikTok pays based on how many videos use your music rather than how many views those videos get.

As an example, some figures from 2019 showed that a catalog with 1,830 videos using its songs generated about $56 in one month. The royalty rate was roughly $0.030 per video. Although these figures are just an estimate, they give a general idea of how TikTok royalties are calculated.

It’s important to note that the pay-per-use rate can fluctuate, and the exact amount you earn may differ depending on your distributor.

TikTok's Creator Fund

In July 2020, TikTok introduced the Creator Fund, designed to compensate successful creators. Influencers participating in the Creator Fund reportedly earn between $0.02 and $0.04 per 1,000 views. A video with 500,000 views would earn about $20, meaning creators with millions of followers can make substantial income through this fund.

Although the Creator Fund provides a way for influencers to monetize their content, it isn’t always enough to make TikTok a full-time job for most creators. However, for those with large followings, it can be a valuable additional revenue stream.

TikTok vs. Other Streaming Services

Compared to other streaming platforms like Spotify and Amazon Music, TikTok operates differently. TikTok tends to pay artists bi-annually or yearly, depending on the size of their music catalog. Some record labels and artists may agree to a "buyout blanket license" with TikTok, receiving an upfront payment for allowing their songs to be used.

While TikTok may not pay royalties as frequently as other platforms, its viral potential can lead to increased exposure and more streams on other platforms, where artists can earn additional revenue.

Is It Worth Getting Your Music on TikTok?

For artists who view themselves as content creators and influencers, TikTok is an excellent platform for building a fanbase. The platform’s young audience is receptive to catchy songs and challenges, making TikTok a great place for your music to gain traction.

TikTok also allows easy sharing of videos across other social media platforms, expanding your reach. Major labels are keeping an eye on TikTok, signing artists whose songs are performing well on the platform. For this reason alone, getting your music on TikTok is a smart move for any artist looking to increase exposure.

Protecting Your Content on TikTok

As TikTok’s popularity grows, it’s crucial for artists to protect their content. Unauthorized websites allow users to convert TikTok videos into mp3s, and many TikTok videos can be downloaded directly to users’ devices. To safeguard your music, consider stamping your content with your logo or artist name.

Final Thoughts

TikTok is undeniably a significant platform for musicians looking to reach new audiences and gain exposure. While the payment structure may not be as transparent as other streaming services, TikTok offers artists a unique opportunity to go viral and grow their fanbase. The ability to bypass traditional gatekeepers like record labels means you have more control over your music and its distribution.

If you’re looking to get your music noticed, TikTok should definitely be part of your strategy. Hopefully, this guide has helped clarify how TikTok royalties work and how you can get paid for your music on the platform.