You can start earning money on YouTube and TikTok as a minor , but in both cases the actual payout setup usually needs an adult or guardian if you’re under 18. YouTube says you must be at least 18 to earn through its monetization program, or have a legal guardian over 18 handle payments through AdSense for YouTube.

YouTube

  • To earn from YouTube’s official partner monetization, you must be 18 or have a parent/guardian manage the account and payments.
  • That means younger creators can still make content and build channels, but the money flow is typically set up through an adult.

TikTok

  • TikTok’s monetization options also commonly require you to be 18 for direct earnings features, based on current creator guidance and third-party summaries of TikTok requirements.
  • Teens may still make money indirectly through brand deals, sponsorships, affiliate links, or using a parent-managed setup, depending on the method and local rules.

Simple rule

  • Under 18: you can create and sometimes earn, but an adult usually has to handle the financial side.
  • 18 and older: you can usually set up monetization in your own name, assuming you meet each platform’s other requirements.

Practical note

A lot depends on the country, payout method, and specific monetization feature. For example, some teen creators earn by building an audience first, then monetizing through brand partnerships or merchandise rather than platform ads alone.