Sources Policy
CalculateCreator TikTok tools and content rely on verifiable data. This page explains how we select sources, rank their reliability, handle undisclosed data, and keep information current.
1. Source Types
We use four categories of sources across our content:
- Official platform sources: TikTok Creator Portal, TikTok for Business, TikTok Ads Manager, and official policy announcements.
- Industry research: Reports from Influencer Marketing Hub, Social Blade, Statista, DataReportal, and peer-reviewed academic research on creator economics.
- Creator-reported data: Aggregated, anonymized earnings data shared directly by creators through surveys and community participation.
- Expert analysis: Interpretations and models developed by our specialist team members, clearly labeled as estimates.
2. Source Quality Hierarchy
When sources conflict, we resolve disagreements using this priority order:
- Official TikTok documentation and policy pages
- Government and regulatory sources (IRS, FTC)
- Peer-reviewed or methodologically transparent research
- Established industry tracking platforms (Social Blade, Statista)
- Aggregated creator-reported data (minimum sample size: 50 creators)
- Individual creator reports (used directionally, not as primary evidence)
3. Citation Standards
Every calculator page includes a citations section listing the primary data sources used. Citations include source name, title, publication date, and access date. Where a URL is available, we link directly to the source. All citations are visible in the E-E-A-T section at the bottom of each calculator and guide page.
4. Source Currency
The creator economy changes rapidly. We verify key data points on the following schedule:
- RPM and payout rates: Quarterly or when TikTok announces policy changes
- Engagement benchmarks: Semi-annually, using fresh sample data
- Tax rates and brackets: Annually, aligned with IRS publication updates
- Platform features and policies: Within 7 days of announced changes
Each calculator page displays a “Last verified” date indicating when its data was last confirmed accurate.
5. Undisclosed Data
TikTok does not publicly disclose exact Creator Fund RPM rates, algorithm weights, or gift revenue-share percentages. When we use estimates for undisclosed values, we:
- Clearly label them as estimates or ranges
- Explain the methodology used to derive the estimate in each calculator’s methodology section
- Provide the data range rather than a single point value
- Update estimates when better data becomes available
6. Challenging Our Sources
If you believe a source is outdated, misrepresented, or unreliable, please contact us at corrections@calculatecreator.com. We review all source challenges against our quality hierarchy and update content when warranted. See our corrections policy for response timelines.