5 Highest Paid TikTokers — and Where They’ll Go Next

Viral dances, lip-syncs and comedic skits have turned into multimillion-dollar empires with TikTok as the ultimate launchpad for some of the biggest social media stars. With massive global reach and being home to highest-paid social media stars, these TikTok Creators have not only dominated TikTok but also ventured into lucrative brand deals, music careers and even Hollywood.

But what happens if TikTok faces a potential ban? Poised to take their social presence to new heights, these TikTok influencers are already leveraging their loyal fan bases and expanding onto other platforms like Instagram, YouTube and even traditional media. With their creative adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit, these stars are ready to redefine their influence far beyond the realm of TikTok. 

So, who are these TikTok Creators? Let’s read together to dive into how they’ve built their fortunes and where they might take their empires next.

TikTok creators have mastered the art of turning short-form videos into multimillion-dollar opportunities, earning from sponsorships, brand partnerships, music deals and more. Each of these stars has carved out a unique space on the platform as they expand their influence across other platforms, reshaping what it means to be a modern influencer. 

With this new era of celebrity, here are the top five highest-earning TikTok creators:

1. Charli D’Amelio
2. Dixie D’Amelio
3. Addison Rae
4. Khaby Lame 
5. Bella Poarch

Let’s explore how they’ve built their empires and just how much they’re cashing in.

1. Charli D’Amelio 

• Estimated earnings: $17.5 million

The undisputed queen of TikTok is Charli D’Amelio, reigning as one of the platform’s highest-paid stars with an estimated $17.5 million in earnings. Charli skyrocketed to fame in 2019 with her flawless dance covers, relatable charm and effortless ability to go viral, massing a jaw-dropping 150+ million followers. Charli has mastered the art of keeping her audience hooked whether it is her grooving to trending challenges or dropping behind-the-scenes glimpses of her life.

Her income streams are just as impressive as her dance moves — she’s developed brand deals with major names like Dunkin’, Hollister and Invisalign, her very own clothing line and even a Hulu reality series, The D’Amelio Show. She is no longer just a TikTok star — Charli D’Amelio is a full-fledged brand.

2. Dixie D’Amelio

• Estimated earnings: $10 million

A TikTok powerhouse in her own right (and Charli’s sister), Dixie D’Amelio is just THAT girl. Dixie has built an empire with a mix of candid content, trending TikTok sounds and high-profile brand collaborations, earning her approximately $10 million. She’s quickly become a relatable figure with her witty takes and effortlessly cool vibe, while still being an aspirational figure for millions of fans worldwide.

Using TikTok as a launchpad for her burgeoning music career, Dixie’s TikTok presence goes beyond viral dances, landing hits like “Be Happy” and performing alongside big names in the industry. It’s no wonder she’s one of the platform’s top earners with her reality show and brand deals with major companies like Hollister and Puma. The D'Amelio sisters are the ultimate example of how TikTok stars can go from viral fame to business moguls, all while keeping fans hooked on their journey.

3. Addison Rae

• Estimated earnings: $8.5 million

One of TikTok’s original breakout stars, Addison Rae, has turned her viral fame into a full-blown brand empire. Addison quickly climbed the platform’s ranks with her effortless charm and magnetic dance moves, racking up millions of followers and becoming a household name. With over 88 million followers, she’s not just a TikTok queen — she’s also a Hollywood darling, a singer and the face for major luxury brand campaigns, like Marc Jacobs and Saint Laurent.

From lucrative partnerships with brands like American Eagle and Sephora, her ultra-viral song 'Diet Pepsi', plus a stint with her own beauty line, ITEM Beauty, she solidified her spot as one of TikTok’s highest-paid creators earning an estimated $8.5 million. Addison’s transition to the silver screen with her Netflix debut, 'He’s All That', only added to her growing influence and income. This ability to extend her reach beyond TikTok convinces us that she’s building a lasting legacy. 

4. Khaby Lame

• Estimated earnings: $5 million

With his signature silent comedy that speaks louder than words, Khaby Lame has taken TikTok by storm. Khaby has perfected the art of reacting to overly complicated life hacks with simple, no-nonsense expressions, which have been backed by over 160 million followers. His content transcends language barriers, making him a global icon and one of TikTok’s biggest success stories.

His rise is nothing short of phenomenal, with an estimated earning of $5 million. From giant brand collaborations like Hugo Boss to partnerships with tech brands, his charm and relatability have turned his viral videos into a lucrative empire. Khaby Lame’s TikTok presence is a masterclass in making people laugh with his iconic deadpan expressions or gracing international red carpets, creating a universal appeal to him. Safe to say, he’s laughing his way to the bank — literally.

5. Bella Poarch

• Estimated earnings: $5 million

Bella Poarch has taken TikTok by storm, rising from viral sensation to social media powerhouse with an estimated $5 million in earnings. Bella has built an empire through her captivating content and relatable personality, best known for her lip-sync videos, including the record-breaking ‘M to the B’, which became the most-liked TikTok of all time. Bella has kept her audience of over 90 million followers hooked with her unique style.

However, her success doesn’t stop at TikTok. Seamlessly expanding her brand with music, racking up millions of streams with hits like ‘Build a B*tch’, cemented her as a pop star in the making. With the ability to stay authentic in a crowded space, Bella is a magnet for sponsorships, partnerships with top-tier brands and collaborations, adding to her impressive earnings. She is proof that with creativity and connection, the sky’s the limit on TikTok.

TikTok creators are getting creative with how they monetize their viral fame, not just relying on views for their coins — they’re diversifying their media careers with stints in fashion, film and more. Let’s break it down in a way that’ll make you want to hit “follow” on these savvy stars:

1. One way TikTok says, “Thanks for the content!” is through the TikTok Creator Fund. TikTok pays creators based on their video performance, adding up every view, like and share. For creators pulling in millions of views daily, this fund is like their streaming service royalties.
2. Forget about going to clubs or house parties, going live on TikTok is like hosting a party where fans bring the gifts — literally. Viewers can send virtual presents (purchased with real cash) during TikTok livestreams. These gifts can be cashed out by creators, making 'going live' a lucrative gig.
3. You’re not the only one sliding into your favorite TikTok creators' DMs — giant brands are also sliding into their DMs for lucrative partnerships. Whether it’s Addison Rae showing off her glow with a beauty brand or Charli D’Amelio casually sipping Dunkin’ coffee, these collaborations turn creators into walking billboards with finesse.
4. Ever spotted a product in a TikTok video and wondered, “Did they just sneak an ad into this video?” Yep, that’s a sponsored post, also known as branded content. Creators get paid to feature products in a way that feels organic and true to their style — because no one likes a hard sell.
5. Have you heard of the ‘glow-up challenge’? Well, the real glow-up happens for these TikTok creators when they use their TikTok fame as a springboard. Bella Poarch dropping chart-topping music, while Khaby Lame is being featured in high-fashion campaigns for BOSS. This shows that TikTok fame isn’t just fleeting; it’s a gateway to building an empire. 

From brand deals to digital tips, these stars are proof that creativity pays — literally.

Are you looking to enhance your TikTok marketing game with these top-tier TikTok creators? You might need a secret weapon to keep it all together — like Dash Social’s Creator Management. This all-in-one tool is like your backstage pass to managing creators and campaigns without breaking a sweat. Here’s why brands are loving it already:

1. No more endless scrolling to find the right creator! Dash Social helps brands connect with creators who align perfectly with their audience. Whether you’re after a food influencer, fashionista or fitness influencer, this tool simplifies finding the best fit to match your brand's vibe.
2. Forget the spreadsheet madness. Dash Social makes it easy to handle outreach, coordinate deliverables (even those fleeting Stories!), and track every detail of your campaign. It’s like having your own personal assistant who gets influencer marketing.
3. Want to know if that creator partnership is delivering the goods? Dash Social’s analytics dive deep into performance metrics and ROI, so you’ll always know what’s working and what needs a remix. Measure the impact, optimize the strategy and stay ahead of the curve.
4. The cherry on top? Dash Social doesn’t just stop at creator management. It captures all your social efforts in one seamless platform, giving you a 360° view of your campaigns while keeping everything neat and tidy.

With Dash Social, brands can go from "How do we even manage all this?!" to "We’ve got this on lock." Now, that’s influencer marketing made easy.

Do TikTok creators get money from gifts?

Yes, TikTok creators can earn money from gifts sent by viewers during live streams. When a viewer sends a virtual gift, it converts into Diamonds, which the creator can later redeem for real money through TikTok’s payout system. 

Can you make money on TikTok without Creator Fund?

Yes, you can make money on TikTok without partaking in the Creator Fund. While the Creator Fund is one way to earn, it's not the only option. Creators can make money through brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, selling their own products, live gifts and TikTok’s Creativity Program Beta. Many top-earning TikTokers rely on sponsorships and external revenue streams rather than the Creator Fund alone.

How much money do creators make on TikTok Live?

TikTok Live earnings depend on factors like audience size, engagement and how many virtual gifts a creator receives. Viewers can purchase and send gifts, which TikTok converts into Diamonds. Creators can cash out these Diamonds, but TikTok takes a percentage of the earnings. While some creators make only a few dollars per session, those with larger, highly engaged audiences can bring in hundreds or even thousands per live stream.