The Top 5 TikTok Earners in 2022 and What Got Them There

While most TikTok users are on the app for fun content and to interact with others, plenty are producing content and making serious money in the process. The highest-paid TikTok celebrities increased their earnings by over 200% between 2020 and 2021. As more users flock to the popular app, that number will continue growing.

Whether your brand is about producing social media content only, or you’re building a following to sell a service or product outside social media, these numbers are important. As you grow your brand, taking notes on what the top earners are doing can help you hone your own social media style.

Let’s look at the top five TikTok earners so far in 2022, what got them to the top, and ways you can duplicate their techniques.

1. Charli D’Amelio

Far outstripping the second spot, Charli reigns supreme when it comes to total followers on TikTok. She was the first to achieve 100 million followers in 2020, at 16. Now, with almost 141 million followers, Charli raked in over $17.5 million last year through very lucrative TV deals, book sales, merchandise sales, and endorsements.

By monetizing her audience, Charli D’Amelio has built a successful brand and continues to gain followers despite the occasional public faux pas. And while TikTok launched its Creator Fund in 2021 to begin paying creators for posts, D’Amelio has never relied on any social media creator fund to drive her income.

Although Charli’s initial rise was a combination of fun content, luck, and timing, she has since maximized her opportunities. She quickly joined the collaborative group Hype House, working with other famous TikTokers. However, in 2020, she signed with a talent agency, which helped her get sponsorships and deals outside of TikTok.

D’Amelio continues to produce content regularly and frequently collaborates with others. This formula has ensured that her followers stay engaged, and she continues attracting new followers through the algorithms.

2. Dixie D’Amelio

The older sister of Charli, Dixie is the second-highest earner on TikTok in 2022. While her almost 57 million followers make her the ninth most followed TikToker, her business acumen, TV shows, and collaborative content with her superstar sister Charli have helped her earn around $10 million in 2021 alone.

Dixie and Charli star in the Snapchat show “Dixie vs. Charli” and the Hulu series “The D’Amelio Show.” Both Dixie and Charli have so many regular viewers of their content that they can charge large amounts for each sponsored post. However, how they continue to bring in new and repeat views revolves around tried-and-true moves. The sisters produce fun and fresh content often. Both Dixie and Charli collaborate with other TikTok stars and with each other.

And finally, Dixie offers relatable and personal content for her followers about her feelings and struggles, in addition to the fun and upbeat music and dancing.

3. Addison Rae

While Addison Rae fell from the top-earning spot a few years ago to number three, she’s still pulling in $8.5 million in 2021. And like the D’Amelio sisters, she’s taken advantage of her TikTok stardom to branch out into other fields, starring in a Netflix movie and landing a deal with American Eagle clothing company.

With over 88 million followers, Addison Rae has a huge platform, allowing her to charge significant amounts for sponsored videos. TikTokers like Addison Rae put in a lot of work to maintain and grow their following. Consistent posting and noting what gets her the most engagement has helped her stay popular and relevant. For example, her videos with her parents get noticeably more likes. Keeping track of what’s working for you is crucial to TikTok success

4. Bella Poarch

Skyrocketing to fame in the last two years, Bella Poarch’s influence will likely continue to expand. With more than 90 million followers, sponsorship and deal opportunities will likely increase. Last year, Bella earned more than $5 million with far fewer followers. For Poarch, TikTok has offered the perfect venue for reaching millions with her music and performances.

In addition to creating ads for big brands like Prada and Tinder, Poarch released her first single last year. Together with producer Sub Urban and Canadian artist Grimes, she’s working on her EP. While Bella’s initial rise to stardom seems to have been a mix of luck with a catchy lip-sync, she’s consistently produced high-quality content since and has not shied away from pursuing new goals.

5. Josh Richards

Despite not having as many followers as the top four TikTok earners, Josh Richards has nevertheless earned a spot as silly antics and party-bro-style content that pulls in lots of views and also has sponsors interested.

Fortunately for Richards, he’s had opportunities to align with sponsors that fit the same vibe as his silly videos. But like the other top TikTok earners, he’s not relying on TikTok revenue alone. In fact, TikTok has proven to be a valuable tool as he makes moves in other areas. He also has a successful podcast and has launched a venture capital firm that raised millions and invested in a wildly diverse group of projects.

His young age hasn’t been a stumbling block either—Josh also launched a talent agency in 2021 and has leveraged his viewership wisely while he expands into multiple markets.

TikTok Success Is Possible for Anyone

While not everyone is looking for pop stardom or celebrity status on TikTok, it can be useful to take notes on how the top earners rose to the top and have found ways to remain there. Dance and music trends have been critical factors for these creators, as well as launching consistent content and collaborating with other famous TikTokers.

Finally, each one of the top five TikTok earners found their own style and voice along the way and free way to get the visibility they need to pursue all of their projects and goals.