TikTok Creator Fund vs Creativity Program 2026: Which Pays More? (Real Numbers Inside)

What is the TikTok Creator Fund?

The TikTok Creator Fund was launched in 2020 with a $200 million pool (later expanded to $1 billion) to pay creators directly for their content. However, it was widely criticized for its extremely low payment rates — most creators earned just $0.02 to $0.04 per 1,000 views.

The fundamental problem? As more creators joined, the same pool of money was split between more people, driving individual payouts even lower. A viral video with 1 million views might only earn $20-$40.

What is the TikTok Creativity Program?

The TikTok Creativity Program (formerly Creativity Program Beta) launched in 2023 as TikTok's answer to creator complaints about low pay. The key changes:

Eligibility Requirements Compared

Real Earnings: What Creators Actually Make

Based on data from hundreds of creators in 2026, here are realistic monthly earnings at different follower levels on the Creativity Program:

How to Switch from Creator Fund to Creativity Program

1. Check your eligibility — Go to TikTok Settings → Creator Tools → look for "Creativity Program" option.
2. Opt out of Creator Fund — You must leave the old Creator Fund first before joining the new program.
3. Apply for Creativity Program — Follow the in-app prompts to join. Approval is usually instant if you meet requirements.
4. Create 1+ minute videos — Only videos over 1 minute qualify for Creativity Program earnings.
5. Focus on original content — Original content gets higher RPM than reposts or compilations.

5 Tips to Maximize Creativity Program Earnings

1. Always make videos 1+ minutes — Shorter videos earn nothing from the Creativity Program.
2. Hook in the first 3 seconds — Watch time is the biggest factor in earnings. Use strong hooks.
3. Post consistently — 1-2 videos per day is the sweet spot. Use MyMarky AI to generate TikTok content ideas at scale.
4. Niche down — Niche content gets higher engagement and longer watch times than generic content.
5. Combine with other revenue streams — Don't rely solely on the program. Add sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and product sales. See our full guide on TikTok Monetization Strategies.

Should You Focus on the Creativity Program in 2026?

Yes, but don't make it your only income source. The Creativity Program is the best direct-pay option TikTok offers, but smart creators use it as one of several revenue streams:

• Creativity Program — Passive income from views (20-30% of total)
• Brand Sponsorships — Paid partnerships (30-40% of total)
• Affiliate Marketing — Product recommendations (15-20% of total)
• Own Products/Services — Courses, coaching, merch (15-25% of total)