What is a TikTok LIVE agency?
What LIVE agencies do, how they get paid, and how to tell if joining one is right for you.
What a Creator Network is, in TikTok’s terms
A TikTok LIVE agency, which TikTok calls a LIVE Creator Network, is an independent company that helps TikTok LIVE creators grow. It coaches creators on streaming, scheduling, LIVE Battles and audience engagement, and helps them understand TikTok’s LIVE policies.
In its guide to Creator Networks, TikTok describes them as “third parties independent from TikTok dedicated to supporting creators through livestream operations, educational resources, and development guidance.” It adds that they are “sometimes referred to as TikTok LIVE agencies.”
- Independent businesses TikTok says networks operate on their own behalf, and it doesn’t endorse, sponsor or take responsibility for them.
- Registered with TikTok A company applies through LIVE Backstage, which TikTok calls the official operation platform for Creator Networks, and TikTok reviews the application.
- Joined in the app Networks send invitations through TikTok’s own system, and you accept them in the TikTok app.
What an agency does day to day
TikTok lists the kinds of support a network may offer: onboarding, help planning and scheduling LIVEs, moderation guidance, performance insights, community support, and policy guidance. Its comparison of networks and solo creators also mentions creative training and account safety support.
At Thundrr, every creator gets a dedicated creator manager.
TikTok’s Creator Academy tells creators that “the key is to go LIVE more often to build a loyal audience.” Helping you build a schedule you can keep is a big part of what a manager does.
In 2022, Rest of World profiled the violinist Omari Dillard, then a Thundrr creator. It reported that Thundrr advised him on “how to promote upcoming live sessions, engage with fans, and create little challenges.” Thundrr founder Andrew Andrawes told the publication: “I think it is the future, and we’re hoping to create some of the biggest live creators.”
How agencies get paid
On TikTok LIVE, viewers use Coins to send virtual Gifts, and Gifts generate Diamonds for the creator. TikTok’s Help Center says the number of Diamonds is one of several factors behind a creator’s LIVE rewards under its Reward Policy. TikTok sets those rewards.
Business Insider reported in 2023 that TikTok paid agencies a cut of its own portion of the net revenue from their creators’ gifts. In the same report, a TikTok spokesperson said the program was free for creators to join and that creators kept their full share of gift revenue.
Thundrr is free to join, with no fee, no cut of your Diamonds, and no contract.
Heads up If someone asks for a joining fee, a deposit or a verification payment, walk away.
Who should join and who should wait
TikTok says networks work alongside creators while creators keep their own creative direction. A network adds guidance, data and policy support that you’d otherwise piece together alone.
| What you get | On your own | With Thundrr |
|---|---|---|
| A dedicated creator manager | No | Yes |
| Coaching on schedule and LIVE Battles | No | Yes |
| Fee to join | None | None |
| Cut of your Diamonds | None | None |
A network usually makes sense if
You already go LIVE, or you’re ready to, and you want to stream regularly. It also helps if you’re getting gifts but can’t tell what’s working, or you want to get better at Battles and rankings.
It may not be for you yet if
You only go LIVE once in a while, because the support pays off only when you show up. To collect Diamonds, TikTok requires you to be at least 18 (19 in South Korea), to live where LIVE Gifts are available, to be eligible to go LIVE, and to have an account in good standing.
Tip No legitimate network can promise you viewers or income. Treat any promise like that as a warning sign.
How to check an agency is real
Scam invitations exist, so check before you accept anything. Our full checklist is in Are TikTok LIVE agencies legit?
- Use the in-app flow TikTok’s agency invite page puts your invitation code under Settings and privacy, Creator tools, LIVE Center, Agency Center.
- Check the account Make sure the name on the invitation matches the network you’ve been talking to. Thundrr’s official account is @thundrr.co.
- Never pay or share your login TikTok says it will never ask for your password, and a real network doesn’t need it either.
- Get the terms in writing Ask about any fees, any minimum hours, and how to leave before you accept.
Thundrr’s verified results
Thundrr is a TikTok LIVE creator network founded by Andrew Andrawes. It’s based in Los Angeles, works with 1,500+ creators, and has been a Creator Network since 2022.
- 1,500+ creators
- 200M Diamonds in 30 days, the first US Creator Network to reach it (02/23/2024)
- 0 fees to join
These results come from TikTok LIVE events, quoted exactly as printed on each award:
- ‘Ranked top three in LIVE Fest: US 2023’
- LIVE FEST 2024: 2nd Place, US Diamond Track
- Community FEST 2024: 3rd Place, US Diamond Track
- 2024 Creator Network Partner Summit: Top Revenue Award, 3rd Place
- 2025 Creator Network Awards: Excellence in LIVE Content #3
A network’s ranking reflects its creators’ work, and it doesn’t predict what any one creator will earn.
Ready to start? How to join a TikTok LIVE agency walks through every step.
Questions
Is a Creator Network the same as a TikTok LIVE agency?
Yes. Creator Network is TikTok’s official term, and TikTok notes that networks are sometimes referred to as TikTok LIVE agencies.
Does it cost money to join a TikTok LIVE agency?
It shouldn’t. A legitimate network doesn’t charge a joining fee. Thundrr is free to join, with no fee, no cut of your Diamonds, and no contract.
Are TikTok LIVE agencies affiliated with TikTok?
No. Networks register through TikTok’s LIVE Backstage platform and TikTok reviews them, but TikTok says they are independent third-party businesses that it doesn’t endorse or sponsor.
How do I join a TikTok LIVE agency?
You join in the TikTok app. Get your invitation code in Agency Center, share it with the network, then read and accept its invitation. To join Thundrr, start at thundrr.co/join.
Do I need an agency to make money on TikTok LIVE?
No. Any eligible creator can turn on LIVE Gifts and collect Diamonds on their own. A network adds coaching and support, which helps most if you plan to stream consistently.