Making money on TikTok Shop has become easier for both sellers and creators, primarily due to the integrated Affiliate Program and improved shopping features.

Here are the two main paths to making money on TikTok Shop:

1. As a Creator (Affiliate Marketing)
This is the most common way to get started and is often cited as the "easiest" method, as you don't need your own products, inventory, or to handle shipping/customer service.

How it works: You promote other merchants' products in your videos and live streams, and you earn a commission on every sale made through your unique link/tag.

Steps to start as an Affiliate:

Meet Eligibility: Typically, you need a certain number of followers (often 5,000 to 10,000 as a base requirement, though this can vary by region and promotional programs).

Apply for TikTok Shop: Go to Creator Tools on your TikTok profile and apply for TikTok Shop. You will set up your commission account.

Choose Products: Access the Affiliate Marketplace within TikTok Shop to browse thousands of products offered by sellers. Look for items that align with your niche and audience.

Request Samples (Optional): Many sellers offer free samples for creators to review and promote, allowing you to create more authentic content.

Create Shoppable Content:

Short Videos: Create entertaining videos using the product. Before posting, use the "Add Link" button to tag the product directly in your video.

LIVE Sessions: Showcase and demonstrate products in real-time. Viewers can click a shopping cart icon during the stream to buy immediately.

Earn Commission: When a viewer purchases a product through your video or Live link, you earn the pre-agreed commission.

2. As a Seller (Merchant)
This path involves selling your own physical products, but TikTok Shop simplifies the logistics of direct-in-app sales.

How it works: You list your inventory in your own in-app storefront and drive sales through your content, paid ads, or by leveraging the affiliate creator network.

Steps to start as a Seller:

Set up TikTok Shop Seller Center: Register and verify your business/personal information on the TikTok Shop Seller Center website.

List Your Products: Upload product details, images, pricing, and set up your warehouse/shipping and return addresses.

Link Your TikTok Account: Connect your main TikTok account to your Seller Center. This activates the Shop Tab on your profile.

Drive Sales:

Shoppable Videos & Lives: Tag your own products in your content, making them instantly purchasable.

Affiliate Program: Add your products to the Affiliate Marketplace and set a commission rate to motivate creators to promote them for you.

Key to Success on TikTok Shop
The "easier than ever" aspect is primarily due to the seamless integration of shopping into the video experience. The key to maximizing earnings is to focus on high-quality, entertaining content that naturally integrates the product.

Be Authentic: Your audience trusts your recommendations. Promote products you genuinely like or use.

Create Value: Show the product being used, explain its benefits, or provide an honest review—don't just create an infomercial.

Use Trending Sounds & Hooks: Leverage TikTok's algorithm by using popular music, sounds, and content formats to increase discoverability.

Go LIVE: Live streams are highly engaging and often drive significant sales for both creators and sellers.