How To Earn Commission On TikTok (Beginner’s Guide For 2026)

If you’re not 15 years old anymore and don’t even know how to use TikTok (like me, who still forgets where DMs are), breaking news: TikTok isn’t just for dancing teens and 3 a.m. scrolling anymore. Over the last few years, it’s turned into one of the biggest places on the internet to sell stuff (and get paid for it!).

Through different monetization methods, TikTokers can now earn commissions just by recommending products. And yes… even regular people are making money from it. 

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to earn commission on TikTok, even if you’re starting from zero. We’ll cover how creators, affiliates, and dropshippers are doing it today, plus best practices and expert tips to do it right.

We’ll also show you how automation helps you scale without turning TikTok into a second full-time job. For instance, AutoDS provides automation at every step to help you leverage traffic coming from TikTok.

What Does “Earning Commission on TikTok” Mean?

Earning commission on TikTok means you get paid when your content directly drives a sale. Instead of earning money based on views alone, you earn a percentage of each purchase that happens through your product tag or affiliate link.

It works like this: someone watches your TikTok, clicks the product, buys it… and you get paid. Simple as that. No inventory, no customer support, no shipping boxes. You’re just in charge of promotion. 

If you’re on the seller side, this is great news because you’re only paying after the sale has happened. This is very different from ad-based monetization, where you can get a ton of views and still earn basically nothing. With commissions, actual sales matter more than reach or views. 

Here’s an example. A video with 5,000 views from a trusted creator can drive more sales than an ad with half a million random views. All you need is someone with the right video to convince the right person to buy. That’s why smaller creators often make more money than viral ones who aren’t selling much. 

Method 1 — Earn Commission With The TikTok Shop Affiliate Program

The TikTok Shop Affiliate Program is the easiest way to start earning commissions on TikTok. It’s quick to start, doesn’t require your own products, and lets you monetize content almost immediately. Sometimes it only takes one good video, the kind that feels natural and not forced, to start seeing sales.

How the TikTok Shop Affiliate Program Works

The TikTok Shop Affiliate Program is a way for TikTok to encourage sales within the app. Each creator earns a commission just by promoting products already listed inside TikTok Shop. It’s pretty simple: you choose a product, tag it in your video, and earn a percentage when someone buys it through your content. 

You don’t own the product, you don’t ship it, and you don’t deal with returns. Your only job? Make the product look useful on camera. 

The biggest advantage here is in-app checkout. Viewers don’t have to redirect to some random website or clunky landing page. They tap, buy, and check out without ever leaving TikTok. This leads to fewer steps, fewer drop-offs, and higher conversion rates. TikTok basically removes all the friction that usually lowers affiliate sales. 

Who This Method Is Best For

The TikTok Shop Affiliate Program is ideal if you’re:

• A new creator who wants to monetize quickly.
• Someone who enjoys making product-based content. Think reviews, demos, “TikTok made me buy it” kind of vibes. 
• Leaning into short-form videos that can go viral fast.

Pros & Cons Of The TikTok Shop Affiliate Program

Like every monetization method, there are pros and cons:

Pros:

• It drives high conversion rates thanks to in-app checkout. 
• There’s no inventory or upfront costs. Plus, TikTok handles the operational side.

Cons:

• You’re playing inside TikTok’s ecosystem. For creators, this means that a big part of the process is out of their control. TikTok sets the rules, and sellers set commission rates and manage product availability. For sellers, it means they don’t really own the entire customer journey.

Still, for beginners and creators who want the fastest path from posting to earning, the TikTok Shop Affiliate Program is usually the easiest place to start.

Method 2 — Earn Commission by Dropshipping

If the TikTok Shop Affiliate Program is the easy mode, dropshipping is the level up. This method gives you more control, more earning potential, and more responsibility.

How Dropshipping Works On TikTok

Selling your own products on TikTok allows creators and marketers to move beyond fixed commissions and earn full profit margins on every sale. Here, you’re not promoting someone else’s listing. You’re the actual seller.

But before we move on, an important note. Dropshipping is an online business model where you sell products without holding inventory. You focus on marketing and sales. The supplier handles the boring logistics once someone buys.

Dropshipping on TikTok means listing products on TikTok Shop, promoting them, and fulfilling them (rerouting them to your suppliers). This adds a bit more work than the TikTok Shop Affiliate Program, but it also brings more advantages.

This approach is used by creators who want:

• More control over pricing and branding.
• Higher earnings per conversion. 
• Long-term scalability beyond affiliate limits.

You choose the product, set the price, build the offer, and decide how it’s positioned. This way, you are the one who builds the brand, TikTok is the one who brings the traffic, and suppliers are the ones taking care of shipping. 

How Dropshipping Fits Into TikTok Monetization

On TikTok, dropshipping works especially well because:

• Product discovery is up to creators, meaning people buy from people, not ads. This increases trust and connection.
• Short-form video triggers impulse purchases, making it easier and quicker to convert.
• Viral reach can cause sudden and massive sales spikes. 

And this is where things usually get messy. When traffic is unpredictable (hello, algorithm), you need a system that can handle chaos when it arrives. To scale without losing your sanity, automation becomes a key player on your team. It’s the difference between a profitable store and a burned-out dropshipper refreshing their orders tab at 2 a.m. 

Method 3 — Earn Commission Through Affiliate Links (Off-Platform)

This is the “classic” affiliate marketing route, just adapted for TikTok. Instead of using TikTok Shop, you earn a commission by promoting products through external affiliate programs. The whole point is to send viewers to a website outside the app to complete the purchase.

Creators typically do this by placing affiliate links in their bio or dropping links in comments and pinning them. The flow usually looks like this: TikTok video, bio link, product page, and checkout.

📢 Marketing Tip: You can use a link-in-bio tool, like Linktree or Pallyy, to have multiple affiliate links in one place. This way, you can take viewers to different products or offers without constantly changing your bio link.

Yes, there are more steps than TikTok Shop, where everything happens within the platform. Still, it can be a great way to monetize content on this platform.

Most creators use affiliate networks. For example, Amazon Associates, ShareASale, Impact, CJ Affiliate, or direct brand programs. These give you tracking links, commissions dashboards, and access to thousands of products.

So, when does this work better than TikTok Shop? Mainly when:

• The product isn’t available on TikTok Shop.
• You’re promoting digital products, subscriptions, or services.
• You want access to higher-ticket items or recurring commissions.

The trade-off is conversion rate. Links that take users to an external platform usually convert less than in-app checkout. Why? Because there’s friction. You have extra taps, slower sites, sometimes users even have to create extra accounts… that entire flow can kick them out.

But it’s not all bad. You do get more flexibility and product options. For creators with trust, authority, or niche audiences, this method can still be a solid option. 

Method 4 — Earn Commission Through Brand Partnerships

Brand partnerships are where creators work directly with companies to promote their programs. In return, they earn commission-based payouts. This way, you don’t earn a fixed fee per post. Instead, you’re paid based on performance. 

Typically, this means you get a percentage of sales generated through custom links, discount codes, or tracked campaigns. Think of it as affiliate marketing, but with a closer relationship.

These partnerships usually come into play once you’ve built some traction. Brands care less about TikTok follower count and more about content that converts. If your videos consistently drive clicks, comments like “where can I buy this?”, or real sales, you’re good to go. Even if you’re a small or mid-sized creator.

The pros are higher commissions, exclusive offers, and sometimes you get bonuses for hitting sales targets. On the other hand, the cons are that you have less control. You’re often tied to brand guidelines, you need approval for almost everything, and you have to follow strict timelines. 

It all comes down to this: Found your niche and know how to target it? Then, brand partnerships can be one of the most profitable ways to monetize TikTok. 

🆕 Beginner’s Tip: Brands come and go, but your audience stays. Only partner with products you would actually recommend without a contract attached. Request samples, make sure their values align with yours, and check for reviews. 

TikTok Shop Affiliate vs Other Commission Methods — Comparison Table

Using AutoDS to Sell Products on TikTok

If you’re interested in going for the dropshipping method, then here’s the harsh truth: you will need automation. Think about it. Manually handling a few orders is manageable. But once a video goes viral and orders spike, you’ll need something to handle the repeatable tasks.

That’s exactly where AutoDS comes in, an all-in-one dropshipping platform that integrates directly with TikTok. With full automation, AutoDS handles the operational side of selling online. 

This includes everything from importing products to managing suppliers and fulfilling orders. 

With AutoDS, this model becomes scalable. Here are some key ways AutoDS supports TikTok monetization:

• Product importing from +25 supported suppliers.
• Automatic price and stock monitoring.
• Order fulfillment after each sale, with tracking updates included.
• Centralized inventory management.

You get all of this in one single system, allowing you to manage your entire operation from one place. 

You will be really thankful for this setup when a video takes off. Viral traffic is great, until you’re dealing with hundreds of orders manually. 

Automation reduces fulfillment errors, prevents overselling, and avoids shipping delays that can turn an excited customer into a negative review. 

So, bottom line? TikTok gets you exposure while AutoDS keeps the business running on autopilot. If you’re looking to monetize TikTok beyond fixed affiliate payouts, this is how creators turn casual commissions into a constant income stream.

“AutoDS is able to automate your entire TikTok Shop for you, so once you get a sale, your supplier will ship that product straight to the buyer. You’re going to keep the profits, and you’re able to set this up completely through their platform.” – Baddie In Business, dropshipping expert.

Dropshipping vs Affiliate Commission on TikTok

For many creators, dropshipping becomes the natural next step after affiliate monetization. Once you see that people are already buying through your content, owning the product (instead of just the link) starts to make a lot of sense. 

But selling products is a very different game from just promoting them. And those differences really matter once you stop thinking about “extra money” and start thinking bigger.

The biggest shift is the revenue model. With affiliate methods, you earn a percentage per sale. With dropshipping, you earn a full profit per order. 

That also means more control. You decide pricing, branding, positioning, and the customer experience from start to finish. You’re not just recommending a product. You’re building the offer.

There is, of course, more risk. You’re responsible for product selection, fulfillment processes, and customer satisfaction. In other words: you’re in charge of delivering a transparent, honest, and reliable experience.

But that responsibility comes with higher incomes. Because when something works on TikTok, it really works. Its reach can bring you sudden traffic spikes, so you need a scalable system. This is why automation is essential to handle large volumes without breaking your systems. 

Who This Upgrade Is Best For

So, how do you know if you’re actually ready to transition from affiliate commissions to dropshipping? This upgrade is best for…

• Creators creating product-focused content.
• Affiliates who want higher earnings per sale.
• Marketers who are comfortable testing, iterating, and optimizing offers.
• Sellers looking to build a serious business, not just quick commissions. 

How Much Commission Can You Earn on TikTok?

Commissions on TikTok vary. It depends on how you’re earning them, what you’re selling, and how well your content converts. There’s really no definitive answer. Each creator or dropshipper carries their business differently. Two accounts with the same follower count can earn wildly different amounts. 

Here’s a rough idea of typical commission ranges by method:

• TikTok Shop Affiliate: usually between 5% and 20% per sale. It depends on the product and seller.
• Off-platform affiliate link: anywhere from 1% to 10% for physical products. This is higher for digital offers or subscriptions.
• Brand partnerships: often between 10% and 30%. Sometimes more for niche or high-margin products.
• Dropshipping: no fixed commission, profits depend on your pricing strategy and fees. Margins are often much higher per sale.

What really affects your earnings comes down to a few key factors.

Product price matters. Selling a $50 item is very different from selling a $5 one. A profitable pricing strategy is key. Then you have the conversion rate. Not all dropshippers have the same promotion and marketing strategy (some are better than others). Content volume also plays a role. More tested videos usually mean more chances to hit something that sticks.

As for realistic expectations? Beginners shouldn’t expect to replace their income overnight. Many creators start with a few sales a day. Then, they scale higher earnings once they understand what converts. And once you crack the code (right product, right hook, right format), earnings tend to add up fast.

What You Need to Start Earning Commission on TikTok

You don’t need anything crazy to start earning commission on TikTok. No massive following or fancy equipment. But you do need a few fundamentals in place. (And yes, I know. This part is boring… until the day your video hits 300K views and you suddenly care a lot)

First, account requirements. You’ll need a TikTok account in good standing. And, depending on your monetization method, you’ll need access to features like TikTok Shop or the ability to add links in your bio. Some programs have eligibility requirements. For example, to access the affiliate program, you need:

• To be over 18 years old.
• To have an account in a supported region. This includes the US, UK, parts of Europe, and some countries in Southeast Asia.
• A follower base of at least 1K to get affiliate tools. 
• An account that’s not associated with government or political content.
• To post authentic and original content. Don’t reupload other videos or promote spammy content.

Then, you need to post content consistently. Commission-based earnings don’t come from one single perfect video. They come from testing multiple ideas. Posting regularly helps the algorithm understand who your content is for, giving you more shots at finding what converts. Consistency wins over perfect here. Always. 

You also need to stay compliant with TikTok’s policies. That means:

• Always clarify when using affiliate links.
• Avoid restricted products.
• Follow platform guidelines around promotions and advertising. Violations don’t just get videos taken down. They can block monetization features entirely. 

And finally, manage your time expectations. Remember that monetization is not instant. Most creators need a few weeks (sometimes months) of posting, learning, and testing before commissions become consistent. The upside? Once something works, it’s easy to continue doing the same. 

Best Content Types for Earning Commission on TikTok

TikTok is all about content. Therefore, monetizing TikTok is all about creating the right content. Not all videos perform and convert the same. 

In fact, the videos that actually drive sales are not necessarily the most overproduced or cinematic. They’re the ones that feel honest, relatable, and useful. Here are the formats that work the best:

1. Product demos. These work because they answer the unspoken question: “What does this actually do?” Showing the product in action builds trust and removes doubts. Make sure to show how it’s used, what it looks like in real life, and why it’s helpful. 

2. Problem-solution videos. These are gold. You hook viewers by naming a common frustration or pain point they recognize. For example, you can start with something like “If you hate when this happens…”. Then, immediately show the product fixing that. These videos feel less like ads and more like life hacks, which is exactly what works. 

If product demos answer “What does this actually do?”, problem-solution videos answer an even more important question: “What does this actually do for me?”

3. Before and after content. This is instantly satisfying. Videos that show some kind of transformation stop the scroll entirely, just because people want to know the result. They make the benefit obvious without a single explanation.

4. Reviews. These perform well because they feel honest and personal. Talking through what you liked, what surprised you, or who the product is actually for feels more transparent and human than a perfectly crafted ad. Imperfection wins over polish. Always. 

5. UGC (user-generated content) ads. This is content created by regular people like you and me, not a brand. They usually outperform traditional ads because they feel real and honest. They’re usually shot on a phone, casual, and straight to the point (very TikTok-esque).

💡 Pro Tip: Need a few ideas to get inspiration from? The AutoDS Ad Spy Tool lets you see which TikTok products and creatives are already performing. This way, you can spot trends, hooks, and formats before testing them yourself.

All of these formats work because they fit perfectly with the style and dynamics of TikTok. They’re all casual, human-driven, and feel honest, increasing chances of conversions. 

Common Mistakes That Prevent Commission Earnings

If commissions aren’t coming in, it’s usually not because TikTok doesn’t work. It’s because of a few very common mistakes that can lower engagement and potential conversions.

Promoting low-quality products is the fastest way to lose trust. If the product looks cheap, breaks easily, or doesn’t deliver on what the video promises, viewers won’t buy. Or, worse, they won’t trust your next recommendation. One bad product can undo weeks of good content.

Overposting affiliate links. This is another classic mistake. When people feel like they are watching a ’90s infomercial, they get bored. TikTok users are allergic to obvious selling. The best-performing creators avoid hard selling and mix value, entertainment, and promotion instead. It’s all about earning trust before asking for a click. 

This takes us to the following mistake: ignoring audience trust. This is where a lot of creators go wrong. People buy because they believe you. If recommendations feel random, forced, or clearly paid for, conversions drop. And if conversions drop, so do commissions. Transparency and consistency matter more than hype. 

And finally: expecting passive income. TikTok earnings are not something that comes just from posting once and then slacking off. Commissions come from testing, learning what converts, and constantly showing up. The upside is real, but only if you treat it like a system, not a lottery ticket. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you earn commission on TikTok?

On TikTok, you earn commissions by promoting products and getting paid when your content leads to a sale. This can happen through the TikTok Shop Affiliate Program, affiliate links, dropshipping your own products, or brand partnerships.

Do you need followers to earn commission?

No, you don’t need a lot of followers to earn commission. TikTok prioritizes content, not follower count. Small accounts can earn commission if their videos reach the right audience and convert. However, you do need a minimum of 1K followers to access certain features, like link in bio or affiliate tools. 

Is TikTok Shop Affiliate the best option?

For beginners, yes: TikTok Shop Affiliate is the best option. It’s definitely the easiest and fastest way to start because there’s no inventory involved, no customer support, and checkout happens inside the app. Creators only need to focus on promotion. Other methods offer higher incomes but require more setup steps. 

How do commissions get paid?

Commissions get paid differently based on the monetization method. The TikTok Shop Affiliate Program pays commissions directly through TikTok, while affiliate networks and brands pay via their own platforms. 

Is earning commission on TikTok legit?

Yes, earning commissions on TikTok is totally legit. It’s a real and widely used monetization model. As long as you follow TikTok’s policies and promote compliant products, earning commission is legal and accepted. 

Can Beginners Earn Commission on TikTok?

Yes, beginners can absolutely earn commission on TikTok. Many creators start with zero experience, test simple product-led videos, and earn their first commission within weeks. Consistency matters more than expertise. 

Start Earning Commissions on TikTok With AutoDS

Well, there you go! Now you know how to earn commission on TikTok. See? It’s not exclusive to influencers with over a million followers. Everyone can monetize their accounts if they’re consistent and compliant. It’s not about luck, follower count, or going viral once. It’s about choosing the right method. 

If you want to move beyond fixed commissions and sell your own products, automation makes that transition much easier. AutoDS automates the entire dropshipping workflow, so sudden TikTok traffic spikes don’t break your operation. 

From sourcing and importing to fulfillment and tracking, this will let you handle hundreds of orders when success comes. No extra efforts or tools needed.

Ready to turn views into scalable income? Start your $1 AutoDS trial today and build a commission system that can actually keep up with TikTok’s viral reach. 

And if you want to learn more about TikTok dropshipping, check out these articles:

• TikTok Organic Dropshipping: Tips And Tricks For Free Growth
• Does TikTok Shop Allow Dropshipping? Clear Your Doubts Now!
• TikTok Dropshipping Products: Top Picks For TikTok Shop

Written by:

Lola Rainero

Lola has focused on crafting high-impact content for B2B SaaS companies in the e-commerce and dropshipping space since 2019. With a strong background in digital marketing, she creates strategic content that helps dropshippers and business owners thrive at every stage of the funnel—from generating awareness to driving conversions. She translates complex software features into clear, actionable insights, helping online retail brands connect with their audience and stand out in competitive markets.

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