Definition:
A TikToker is a person who creates and publishes content on TikTok. They may do so as a hobby or professionally and do not need to reach a minimum follower count to be described this way. Some TikTokers are also influencers, but the two concepts are not equivalent.
TikTok launched internationally in 2017. In 2018, TikTok and musical.ly were unified into a single global application under the TikTok name. Douyin, also developed by ByteDance, is a separate application intended for the Chinese market.
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Characteristics of a TikToker
A TikToker’s activity can cover entertainment, music, comedy, education, sport, cooking and many other subjects. Content can take the form of videos, image sequences or LIVE broadcasts and can use sound, text, effects and the platform’s editing tools.
Consistency, creativity, originality and the ability to explain an idea clearly can help a creator develop an audience. Video replies, Duets, Stitches and collaborations with other users are also common. However, singing, dancing, lip syncing, posting every day or participating in trends are not requirements for being a TikToker and do not guarantee the reach of a post.
TikTokers in digital marketing
TikTok’s popularity has made some creators relevant partners for brands and digital marketing professionals. A company can work with a TikToker to produce content, present a product, participate in a launch or distribute a campaign through the creator’s account or the brand’s own channels.
These collaborations do not depend solely on follower count. Subject fit, the relationship with the audience, tone, content quality, usage rights and campaign objectives also affect suitability. A TikToker can act as an influencer when they can influence their community’s perceptions or decisions.
If the creator receives money, products or another benefit, the publication is commercial content or a sponsored post. TikTok’s Branded Content Policy requires creators to enable the commercial content disclosure setting, in addition to complying with applicable law.
How money is made on TikTok
A TikToker can earn income in several ways. Availability and eligibility requirements vary according to country, age, account type and the conditions of each programme:
- Direct agreements with brands or agencies.
- TikTok reward programmes for eligible content;
- Gifts, subscriptions and other features associated with LIVE broadcasts;
- Affiliate marketing, commerce or sales of the creator’s own products and services.
Not every view generates income, and there is no universal payment rate that applies to every video. Payment can depend on qualified views, content originality, engagement, territory, granted rights or the terms agreed with a brand.
Top 10 most-followed TikTokers
The ten most-followed personal profiles are (2026 data):
- Khabane Lame @khaby.lame: 162.9 million followers.
- Charli D’Amelio @charlidamelio: 159.9 million.
- MrBeast @mrbeast: 140.8 million.
- Bella Poarch @bellapoarch: 91.7 million.
- Addison Rae @addisonre: 87.8 million.
- Willie Salim @williesalim: 87.1 million.
- Zach King @zachking: 86.9 million.
- Kimberly Loaiza @kimberly.loaiza: 83.5 million.
- Dwayne Johnson @therock: 79.7 million.
- Will Smith @willsmith: 78.1 million.