Is it possible to have a TikTok Creator Program account monetized without meeting the follower/view requirements?

I heard from someone in the TikTok creator program that he’s earning money from views on a brand-new account — no 10k followers, no required views, nothing. He said the account is already “monetized” from the start.

I searched everywhere and found no info.

Is this actually possible?

Does TikTok provide monetizable accounts in specific countries, or is there some exception or hidden approval path?

Anyone here experienced this or knows how it works?