Although first released in China for the Chinese market in 2016 as Douyin, TikTok quickly became a platform for entertainment around the world. By the end of 2020, it has launched the careers of thousands of personalities, many of whom are using the platform as a means to earn a living. In less than 36 months, TikToks millionaires have made some serious cash and are still doing so. Here are 7 of its top earners.

1. Spencer X

Earnings: $1.2 million
Spencer Polanco Knight, better known as Spencer X, initially promoted his beatboxing skills through YouTube, later combining his YT earnings with sponsorships to become a TikTok millionaire by the age of 28. After dropping out of college, Spencer X started his beatboxing career busking, and was even part of a bluegrass group. His popularity as a beatbox artist grew when he began posting on YouTube and on TikTok in 2019.

2. Michael Le

Earnings: $1.2 million

Michael Le, better known as JustMaiko was one of the pioneer content creators on Tik Tok, back when it was known as Musical.ly. Le is a dancer and choreographer who offers multiple posts on his Tik Tok account daily for his nearly 5 million followers. Other than creating dance and challenge videos, Le also earns through paid partnerships using Instagram and merchandise sales with his Shluv clothing line.

3. Josh Richards

Earnings: $2.5 million

Josh Richards is a Canadian Tik Tok star who is also currently the highest-paid male content creator on the platform. Richards provides content on Tik Tok, YouTube, and Instagram where he posts video clips of his performances. He co-founded Ani Energy and TalentX Entertainment and is the Chief Strategy Officer of Triller. He has accumulated north of 20 million followers on the TikTok application.

4. Loren Gray

Earnings: $4 million

Loren Gray is another Tik Tok pioneer - that is, she was on the platform back when it was known as Musical.ly. She started posting when she was just a 6th grader. These days, Gray is focused on her music career which she began promoting by creating content and building her TikTok followers. By the middle of 2020, she had nearly 50 million followers on the platform.