Sep 20, 2025 · 3 min read
Jestr vs. TikTok’s Gaming Incentive Program: What’s the Difference?
Both Jestr and TikTok’s Gaming Incentive Program aim to reward creators for making gaming content, but they operate in different ways. Jestr is a cross-platform marketplace that connects creators with studios, while TikTok’s program is built into a single platform with its own incentives.
The Core Idea
- TikTok Gaming Incentive Program: Designed by TikTok to boost gaming content creation within the TikTok app only. Creators earn rewards or incentives for making and sharing TikTok videos about certain games.
- Jestr: A creator–studio marketplace where studios launch campaigns and creators get paid per 1,000 views across multiple short-form video platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels.
Key Differences
1. Platform Scope
- TikTok → Limited to TikTok videos only.
- Jestr → Works across TikTok, Shorts, and Reels. Creators can target a wider range of audiences.
2. Who Sets the Incentives
- TikTok → TikTok controls the program, goals, and rewards.
- Jestr → Studios set CPM rates and requirements, meaning campaigns can be more tailored to the game and creator.
3. Approval & Collaboration
- TikTok → Content doesn’t go through approval by a game studio; it’s more algorithmic and mass-scale.
- Jestr → Studios review and approve submissions, creating a direct feedback loop and potential long-term studio–creator relationships.
4. Monetization Model
- TikTok → Rewards often depend on TikTok’s internal structure (bonuses, engagement boosts, or test programs). Payouts may vary and aren’t always transparent.
- Jestr → Clear CPM-based earnings with a minimum payout threshold, so creators know exactly how much they’ll make from views. Jestr also pays out creators within 7 business days, whereas TikTok can take up to 30 days to process payments.
5. Creator Flexibility
- TikTok → Great if you’re already a TikTok-focused creator, but not ideal if your audience is scattered across multiple platforms.
- Jestr → Lets creators leverage multiple platforms to maximize both reach and earnings.
Which Is Better?
It depends on your goals:
- If you’re a TikTok-first creator who wants to participate in TikTok’s own incentive ecosystem, their program might be a good fit.
- If you’re a multi-platform creator who wants to work directly with game studios and earn predictable CPM-based payouts, Jestr offers more flexibility and transparency.
Visual Comparison
Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Feature | TikTok Gaming Incentive Program | Jestr |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms Supported | TikTok only | TikTok, Shorts, Reels |
| Who Sets Rewards | TikTok | Game Studios |
| Payout Model | Incentives / bonuses | CPM per 1,000 views |
| Approval Process | TikTok | Game Studios |
| Long-Term Relationships | No | Yes, direct with studios |