No. TikTok closed the original Creator Fund on December 16, 2023. Its successor, the Creativity Program Beta, later became the Creator Rewards Program, which remains TikTok’s native rewards program in 2026. TikTok’s published rules still prioritize eligible, original videos longer than one minute; the 2026 US ownership restructuring did not replace those rules.
Last verified: August 2026.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| TikTok Creator Fund | TikTok’s original creator payout pool | Launched in 2020; closed December 16, 2023 | Closed |
| Creativity Program Beta | A replacement rewarding eligible original videos longer than one minute | Expanded to eligible US creators from late 2023 into 2024 | Renamed |
| Creator Rewards Program | The Creativity Program after it exited beta | Rebranded through 2024; updated in Spring 2025 | Active |
TikTok introduced the Creator Fund in 2020 (TikTok Newsroom, verified August 2026). TikTok’s Creativity Program Beta terms governed the beta replacement, while TikTok’s current Creator Rewards Program help page identifies Creator Rewards as the active program (verified August 2026).
When did the TikTok Creator Fund close?
The TikTok Creator Fund closed on December 16, 2023, after TikTok directed participating creators toward the Creativity Program Beta. TikTok’s official program documentation now identifies the Creator Rewards Program as its active rewards offering, while the earlier transition was governed by the Creativity Program Beta terms (verified August 2026).
Creators who moved into the Creativity Program Beta could not switch back to the original Creator Fund. 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
These thresholds come from TikTok’s Creator Rewards Program help center and Creator Rewards Program terms, verified August 2026.
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 (verified August 2026).
Precise rates quoted elsewhere are therefore creator-reported estimates, not guaranteed TikTok rates. For more context on those estimates and the variables affecting earnings, see how much TikTok pays creators.
Did the 2026 US ownership deal change Creator Rewards?
No published TikTok rule says that the January 2026 US ownership restructuring replaced the Creator Rewards Program or changed its eligibility thresholds. The deal concerned US ownership, data governance, and continued operation rather than the creation of a new creator-payment program.
After the restructuring, 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, verified August 2026).
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 fan payments, services, sponsorships, affiliate offers, or products.
FanBell lets fans pay a creator directly for a private question, personalized shoutout, small service, tip, or project support. FanBell has no follower minimum (how it works, verified August 2026), so eligibility depends on a fan choosing to pay rather than on reaching TikTok’s program thresholds.
FanBell is free to start, has no monthly fee, and charges a 12% platform fee only when a fan pays (pricing, verified August 2026). Payments and payouts are handled through Stripe (how it works, verified August 2026). FanBell can therefore complement Creator Rewards rather than replace it; eligible creators may use both.
For more options, see making money on TikTok without Creator Rewards, how to monetize followers directly, and FanBell 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, verified August 2026.
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. As verified in August 2026, 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 fan payments do not depend on TikTok’s Creator Rewards thresholds. FanBell has no follower minimum, is free to start, and charges a 12% platform fee only when a fan pays (pricing and how it works, verified August 2026).
Ready to earn from fans without waiting to clear a follower threshold? Create your free FanBell page and set up your first paid offer in minutes.
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