Six lucrative ways to monetise

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Johannesburg’s vibrant creator scene is buzzing with excitement as TikTok unveils a treasure trove of monetisation features for African content makers.

Contrary to popular belief, the short-form video giant isn’t leaving the continent out in the cold when it comes to cashing in on creativity.

AFRICAN CREATORS AND TIKTOK

Boniswa Sidwaba, Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa, sets the record straight. “It’s crucial to dispel the myth that Africa has been deliberately excluded from the Creator Rewards Programme.

As a growing platform, we must test products before rolling them out globally. Our community across the continent can already benefit from numerous tools.”

MONETISATION ON TIKTOK

While the Creator Rewards Programme hasn’t yet reached African shores, TikTok offers a smorgasbord of money-making opportunities.

Here are six ways African creators are turning their TikTok fame into fortune:

LIVE Gifts: The Real-Time Cash Cow
Imagine hosting a virtual party where your fans shower you with digital presents. That’s LIVE Gifts in a nutshell. Creators can broadcast live, and viewers can send virtual gifts that translate into real money. It’s like busking, but with emojis instead of loose change.
Video Gifts: Pre-recorded Profit
Not a fan of live streaming? No worries. Video Gifts let creators monetise their pre-recorded content. Every view could potentially pad your wallet.
Effect Creator Rewards: Cash for Creativity
For the tech-savvy creators, TikTok’s Effect House is a goldmine. Design eye-catching virtual effects, and you could earn some serious dosh. From interactive games to AI-generated art, the sky’s the limit.
Subscription Model: Loyal Fans, Steady Income
Build a dedicated fanbase and offer them exclusive perks for a monthly fee. It’s like having your own fan club, but with a regular paycheque.
Work With Artists: Viral Videos, Real Rewards
Fancy yourself as a music promoter? The Work With Artists feature lets creators collaborate with musicians to create viral campaigns. It’s a win-win: artists get exposure, and creators get paid.
TikTok Shop: From Views to Sales
While not explicitly mentioned in the press release, TikTok Shop is another avenue for monetisation. Creators can showcase and sell products directly through their videos, turning their influence into direct sales.

Sidwaba emphasises TikTok’s commitment to its creator community. “We’re dedicated to rewarding creativity and equipping creators with the best tools to find their community.

We want to grow their careers and transform their passions into sustainable income streams.”

IMPACT ON AFRICAN CREATORS

The impact is already evident. Princess Sachiko, a South African creator who won Entertainment Creator of the Year at the 2023 TikTok Top Creator Awards, shared her success story.

“TikTok has allowed me to work with brands in marketing.

I had pursued teaching, but I realised I could get into marketing through TikTok and work with different brands, different companies that I looked up to and want to work with.”

Cape Town-based creator Jade Oliver, who clinched the Africa Rising Creator of the Year award, echoes this sentiment.

“I chose TikTok because it is the platform that gets me the most interactions and brand deals. The platform has helped me grow my content.”

TIKTOK AND THE GLOBAL MARKET

With the global creator market estimated to reach R31.7 trillion by 2027, African creators are poised to claim their share of the pie.

TikTok’s suite of monetisation tools is not just about making money; it’s about fostering a vibrant ecosystem where diverse voices can thrive.

So whether you’re a budding comedian in Soweto or a fashion guru in Durban, TikTok’s monetisation features are your ticket to turning those views into rands. The TikTok gold rush is on, and African creators are leading the charge.