TikTok has rolled out major updates in 2025 that every creator and business owner needs to understand. The platform is moving fast toward becoming not just a social media app, but also a full-scale business and commerce hub. If you create content or run a business, here’s what’s new and how you can use it to grow.
TikTok Shop and Social Commerce
TikTok is no longer just a place for viral videos; it’s also a shopping powerhouse. The new Shop Tab works like a mini Amazon inside TikTok. Users can browse, discover, and buy products without leaving the app.
For businesses, this means two things:
- You can list products directly inside TikTok Shop.
- You can partner with creators to make UGC that promotes your products in an authentic way.
If you’re selling online, TikTok Shop should be part of your e-commerce strategy in 2025.
Get up to $1,000 in ad credit when you create a new TikTok Ads account and start promoting your products today!
Creator Monetization: The TikTok Creativity Program
TikTok retired the old Creator Fund and replaced it with the Creativity Program, which pays out more for longer videos (over 1 minute).
To qualify, you need to:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have 10,000 followers or more.
- Hit 100,000 video views in the last 30 days.
This shift rewards creators who deliver value through deeper, more engaging content instead of just chasing short viral clips.
TikTok Series
Another major update is TikTok Series, where you can post a collection of videos behind a paywall. Think of it as a mini Netflix series hosted inside TikTok. This is a great way for coaches, educators, or niche creators to monetize premium content without sending viewers to another platform.
Live Gifting and Subscriptions
TikTok Live continues to grow, and now you can monetize with Live Subscriptions. Fans can pay a monthly fee for special perks during your live streams. Combined with Live Gifting, this gives creators more stable income streams.
Brand Partnerships and Affiliate Marketing
TikTok has expanded its Creator Marketplace, making it easier to land brand deals. If you qualify, you can connect directly with companies looking for influencers.
Even better, TikTok’s Affiliate Program now lets you promote products from TikTok Shop and earn commissions on sales. This is huge for creators who don’t have their own products but still want to earn.
TikTok Pulse: Ad Revenue Sharing
TikTok Pulse gives top creators a share of ad revenue when ads run next to their videos. This makes TikTok more competitive with YouTube in terms of ad sharing. If your content consistently performs well, this is another income stream to add to your mix.
Final Thoughts
TikTok’s 2025 updates show one clear direction: the platform wants to be the center of both content creation and commerce. From TikTok Shop to the Creativity Program, there are more ways than ever to earn directly from your audience.
If you’re a business, TikTok is no longer optional, it’s where customers discover and shop. If you’re a creator, these updates mean more opportunities to get paid, but you need to focus on consistent, valuable, and longer-form content.
