Did you know that
Tiktok has more than 10 million users in Kenya? When Tiktok was launched in
2016, I did not know that it will grow to become this giant social media
platform it is today. Currently, people are not just using the platform for
connecting and interacting, people are making good money. You heard me right!
There are many creators who have made millions out of Tiktok. Take the case of
Azziad, ColloblueUDC, Mr Litboy and Ajib Gathoni among others. If you are
looking to become a content creator and earn money on Tiktok, below are some
strategies and tricks that you can use to make money on tiktok.
1. Sponsored Content and Partnerships
Most of the money that is made on Tiktok comes from sponsored content and partnerships. Highest paid Tiktokers in Kenya collaborate with both big and small brands to promote their products and services. A good example is ColloblueUDC, he has collaborated with many musicians such as Bien, Trio Mio and Bensoul among many others. In his collaborations, he makes a lot of money just by dancing their songs on Tiktok. When it comes to partnerships and sponsored content, the key is creating authentic, appealing and engaging content that aligns with the message of the brand you are working for.
2. Affiliate Partnerships
Affiliate partnerships provide creators with an alternative
means of monetization by earning commissions through promoting products or
services. By leveraging affiliate marketing networks or directly partnering
with brands, creators can earn a percentage of sales generated through their
referral links or discount codes. Most brands offer anywhere from 5-30%
commission on each product sold directly by the creator. This approach allows
creators to monetize their content while providing value to their audience
through genuine recommendations and endorsements.
3. TikTok Shop
In November 2022, TikTok launched an e-commerce feature
called TikTok Shop, presenting another avenue for creators to monetize their
influence. TikTok Shop allows creators to sell products directly within the
app—whether they’re products of their own or sold by other companies registered
as sellers on TikTok Shop. To participate in TikTok Shop, creators aged 18+
must meet certain profile criteria, including a minimum of 5,000 followers and adherence
to TikTok's community guidelines. Some creators are making over $5,000 a month
in commission by creating engaging and visually appealing content, leveraging
TikTok's unique features such as SEO keywords and TikTok Lives to drive traffic
to their storefront.
4. User-Generated Content (UGC)
Many creators who take on sponsored or affiliate
collaborations may also be tapped by the brand for user-generated content or
UGC. UGC is content created for the brand’s usage in their social content,
in-house marketing efforts, TikTok Shop, or paid ads. The beauty of UGC lies in
its authenticity and diversity. Instead of hiring an entire production team,
brands can hire creators to produce content, making it a lower lift for the
brand and sometimes even a lower cost. Creators often negotiate a flat rate
that includes usage rights to the content for the brand's marketing efforts.
5. Donations and Live Gifts
Creators who utilize the Live feature on TikTok can take
advantage of a donation-based “Live Gift” option referred to as “Diamonds.”
Creators can turn on this gifting feature when they go Live, and as viewers
enjoy the Live video, they can show their appreciation by gifting them a
“Diamond.” This type of reward offers $0.005 USD per Diamond, meaning 1,000
Diamonds are worth $5 USD. Depending on the reach, audience interest, and
engagement on the video, this can be a very lucrative avenue of monetization
for creators, especially those with larger follower counts.
6. TikTok Creator Fund
The TikTok Creator Fund provides creators with income
directly from the app based on the performance of their videos. In February
2023, TikTok released a newer version called the “Creativity Program,”
eventually replacing the Creator Fund. TikTok’s Creativity Program requires
creators to be at least 18 years old, have a minimum of 10,000 followers, and
at least 100,000 video views in the last 30 days. Only videos that are 60
seconds or more qualify for this program. Feedback suggests that the monetary
return of this program is proving to be much higher than the original Creator
Fund.
7. Creating and Selling Merchandise
Many TikTok creators leverage the influence and trust they
have with their audience to sell physical branded merchandise. By offering
products that resonate with their audience and align with their personal brand,
creators can allow their audience to support them in real life outside of the
app. Companies like Pietra assist creators with everything from sourcing
manufacturers and ordering samples to order fulfillment and customer support,
making it easier to manage an e-commerce business.
8. Digital Products and Services
Creators with specialized knowledge or expertise in a
specific area can monetize their skills through coaching services and/or
selling digital products such as e-books, courses, mentorship, or consulting.
Whether it’s sharing insights on fitness and beauty or finance and career
building, creators can package their knowledge and experience into appealing
digital offers that help others learn new skills. By providing gated content
and/or guidance, creators can establish themselves as thought leaders in their
respective fields while creating an additional stream of revenue.
9. Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is a creative way of telling people about an
awesome idea you have, selling preorders, and then using that money to develop
your product and deliver it to the people who funded you. This is very possible
through TikTok. Crowdfunding motivates a business-minded individual since all
the support and trust they get from their viewers might just be the right fuel
to kick start a successful business venture. After the crowdfunding has helped
you establish your business fully, you can use TikTok to market your business
and potentially bring in new clients or customers. Whether you’re a fashion
designer or a photographer, posting short videos to promote your expertise and
services can help to expand your reach. This boosts one’s business and means
more money and customers for you.
10. Attending Brand-Sponsored Events
One of the easiest ways to earn from TikTok is by networking
with other brands and creating good content by tagging them. By being an
ambassador of a certain brand, you can make money from gaining a lot of views
and followers on TikTok. You can also start getting paid by the brand itself
for promoting them on your TikTok page. Brands will often recommend and
approach you to appear at events, creating a good reputation for you on TikTok
and businesswise.
Conclusion
While the future of TikTok may be uncertain amidst discussions
of a potential ban in the US, the platform remains a lucrative avenue for
creators and entrepreneurs to build sustainable income streams. By leveraging a
combination of sponsored partnerships, user-generated content, selling
merchandise, and other revenue-generating avenues, creators of all ages and
experience levels can thrive as social media entrepreneurs. In Kenya, creators
like Tizian Savage and Ian Mwiti are already finding success, showcasing the
vast potential for monetization on TikTok. All you need is a TikTok account, a
good following, a decent camera, and engaging content.
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