TikTok is attracting top talent with a $ 200 million fund


In a statement Thursday, the video application said the new program aims to “help ambitious creators looking for opportunities to foster a livelihood through its innovative content.” TikTok said the fund will start distributing cash later this year and it is one of the few ways that users can earn money from the app. Previously, users could monetize their accounts only through live streams or through brand partnerships.

Eligible users must be 18 years of age or older, live in the United States, and post videos “consistently” that meet the TikTok guidelines. Applications to enter the program start next month, but it is unclear how many users will accept TikTok or how much money a creator will receive.

A company spokesperson did not specify how the money would be disbursed, but said the $ 200 million is just the starting amount for the fund, which aims to help the new app stay competitive and retain top talent.

TikTok is currently facing multiple battles, including a possible ban in the United States due to its Chinese ownership of claims that it is a security risk. The company announced this week that it plans to create 10,000 jobs in the United States in the next three years, a substantial increase from the approximately 1,400 employees it currently has in the country.

TikTok has taken other steps to distance itself from China. It recently hired an American CEO and confirmed that its parent company is considering corporate restructuring, including the establishment of a headquarters for video application outside of China.

Rivals are also making moves. Instagram, owned by Facebook (full board), is launching a TikTok-like feature called Reels, which will allow people to record and edit 15-second videos with music and audio, and upload them to their stories and Explore’s Instagram feature. YouTube, which allows users to monetize their channels, also recently announced its own $ 100 million fund to “amplify” content for black users.

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