No. TikTok closed the original Creator Fund on December 16, 2023, replacing it with the Creativity Program Beta. That program exited beta as the Creator Rewards Program on March 18, 2024, and remains TikTok's native rewards program in 2026, with the same follower and view thresholds still in force after the 2026 US ownership deal. Tips let followers send a one-time thank-you, with nothing for you to deliver and no membership for them to join.
What replaced the TikTok Creator Fund?
The Creator Fund was replaced in two stages: first by the Creativity Program Beta and then by the Creator Rewards Program.
| Program | What it was | Timeline | Status in 2026 | Primary source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TikTok Creator Fund | TikTok’s original creator payout pool | Launched July 2020; closed December 16, 2023 | Closed | TikTok Newsroom |
| Creativity Program Beta | A replacement rewarding eligible original videos longer than one minute | Piloted May 3, 2023; fully replaced the Creator Fund December 16, 2023 | Renamed | TikTok Newsroom |
| Creator Rewards Program | The Creativity Program after it exited beta | Launched March 18, 2024; content-quality update rolled out Spring 2025 | Active | TikTok Newsroom / Creator Academy |
TikTok introduced the $200 million Creator Fund in 2020. TikTok's own newsroom states the Creativity Program Beta opened to eligible US creators on May 3, 2023, and "fully replace[d] the Creator Fund" starting December 16, 2023. TikTok's newsroom post announcing the exit from beta is dated March 18, 2024, and TikTok's Creator Academy states the program's rewards formula changed "starting in Spring 2025".
When did the TikTok Creator Fund close?
TikTok's newsroom states that the Creativity Program "fully replace[d] the Creator Fund" for US, UK, French, and German creators starting December 16, 2023. TikTok's current help center identifies the Creator Rewards Program as its active rewards offering as of September 2026.
TikTok's own Creativity Program Beta terms state that "once you shift from the Creator Fund to Creativity Program Beta, you will not be able to revert back to the Creator Fund" (TikTok Creativity Program Beta terms). Consequently, guides from 2022 or 2023 that tell creators to "join the Creator Fund" describe an enrollment path that no longer exists.
What does the Creator Rewards Program require in 2026?
The Creator Rewards Program is TikTok’s current native payout program and the direct successor to the Creativity Program Beta. TikTok publishes the following eligibility requirements:
- At least 10,000 followers
- At least 100,000 authentic video views in the previous 30 days
- A minimum age of 18, or 19 in South Korea
- A personal account in good standing with TikTok’s Community Guidelines
- Original, public videos longer than one minute
- Residence in a region where the program is available
TikTok's own help center states the eligibility list verbatim: "Be at least 18 years old (or 19 in South Korea). Have at least 10,000 followers. Have at least 100,000 video views in the last 30 days" (TikTok Creator Rewards Program help center and Creator Rewards Program terms).
For a side-by-side comparison of TikTok programs, see TikTok monetization requirements in 2026 and the dedicated guide to TikTok Creator Rewards requirements.
How much does the Creator Rewards Program pay per view?
TikTok does not publish a single guaranteed payment rate per view or per 1,000 views. Instead, Creator Rewards payments vary according to factors such as qualified views, video originality, watch time, audience engagement, region, and other criteria described in TikTok’s Creator Rewards Program guidance.
Precise rates quoted elsewhere are therefore creator-reported estimates, not guaranteed TikTok rates.
Did the 2026 US ownership deal change Creator Rewards?
No. TikTok's own newsroom confirms that "TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC has been established in compliance with the Executive Order signed by President Trump on September 25, 2025," with Silver Lake, Oracle, and MGX each holding a 15% stake and ByteDance retaining 19.9% (TikTok Newsroom, "Announcement from the new TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC"; underlying Executive Order at whitehouse.gov). That order and announcement addressed US ownership and data governance, not creator-payment rules, and TikTok has published no update tying the joint venture to a new rewards program or changed thresholds.
After the joint venture was established, TikTok's official documentation continued to require 10,000 followers, 100,000 authentic views in 30 days, an eligible personal account, and qualifying original videos longer than one minute (Creator Rewards help center and US program terms).
That is the practical distinction: corporate ownership changed, but TikTok’s published Creator Rewards rules remained the source of record for creator eligibility and rewards.
What can creators do below the Creator Rewards thresholds?
Creators below 10,000 followers or 100,000 views in 30 days cannot join Creator Rewards, but those thresholds only govern TikTok’s own rewards program. They do not prevent creators from earning through direct follower payments, services, sponsorships, affiliate offers, or products.
One alternative that skips TikTok's thresholds entirely: Brillay. It lets followers pay you directly for a private question, personalized video, small service, tip, or project — works from your first follower, with no monthly fee (pricing and how it works). Payments run through Stripe, and Brillay complements Creator Rewards rather than replacing it — eligible creators can run both at once.
For more options, see making money on TikTok without Creator Rewards, how to monetize followers directly, and Brillay for TikTok creators.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still join the TikTok Creator Fund in 2026?
No. The Creator Fund closed on December 16, 2023, and it no longer accepts enrollment. TikTok’s current native rewards offering is the Creator Rewards Program.
Is the Creativity Program the same as the Creator Rewards Program?
The Creator Rewards Program is the successor to the Creativity Program Beta after that program exited beta and was renamed. The Creativity Program Beta terms document the earlier version, while TikTok’s Creator Rewards help page covers the current program.
Did the 2026 US ownership restructuring change TikTok monetization eligibility?
No published TikTok update tied the ownership restructuring to new Creator Rewards thresholds. TikTok’s official rules still list 10,000 followers and 100,000 authentic views in the previous 30 days, alongside its age, account, region, and content requirements.
How can I earn below the Creator Rewards thresholds?
Direct follower payments do not depend on TikTok’s Creator Rewards thresholds. Brillay has no follower minimum and no monthly fee (see pricing and how it works).
Ready to earn from followers without waiting to clear a follower threshold? Create your free Brillay page and set up your first paid offer in minutes.
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