How To Make Money on TikTok in South Africa 2023 | How to Make Money on TikTok App 2023

Despite only launching internationally in 2017, TikTok has become the authority on what's hot in culture, politics, fashion, and beyond. The short-form video app has experienced rapid growth year-over-year and is expected to reach 2 billion users by 2024. This massive user base, especially among Gen Z, offers substantial marketing potential for entrepreneurs. Here’s a look at strategies some of the platform’s top creators and marketers use to make money on TikTok. Let's dive into eight of the most common ways users earn money on the platform.

1. Join The TikTok Creativity Program

Formerly known as the TikTok Creator Fund, the TikTok Creativity Program was announced in February 2023 and launched in May. This program offers users who have built a substantial following an avenue to monetize their content. As of May 2023, it's still in beta, but it should become available to more users in the coming months.

Eligibility:

Users must be at least 18 years old.
Users must have at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 authentic video views within the past 30 days.
Accounts need to be in good standing.
Creators already enrolled in the TikTok Creator Fund can switch to the Creativity Program.

2. Sell Merch and Other Products

Selling your own products on TikTok is an effective way to monetize nearly any type of content. Whether you're a dancer, singer, or comedian, you can make and sell merch to your most loyal fans. Print-on-demand services offer a wide variety of merchandise like t-shirts, tote bags, pillowcases, hats, coffee mugs, stickers, and notebooks. Selling branded merchandise not only generates revenue but also deepens the connection to your personal brand.

3. Go Live and Collect Virtual Gifts

TikTok’s live streaming feature allows followers to send virtual gifts to creators, which can be redeemed for payment. Engaging with users in real time helps build valuable connections, which can boost other monetization streams.

4. Partner with TikTok Influencers or Other Brands

TikTok's Creator Marketplace connects brands with influencers, facilitating partnerships quickly and easily. This makes creating valuable sponsored content straightforward. Brands can browse the marketplace and find content creators open to collaborations, relieving the awkwardness marketers might experience on other platforms.

5. Create In-Feed Ads with the TikTok Ads Manager

If you're willing to spend a little to expand your reach, consider creating your own in-feed ads using TikTok Ads Manager. These ads appear in users' "For You" feeds and autoplay like any other TikTok video. TikTok's Ads Manager seamlessly integrates with Shopify, allowing you to track ad performance directly from your Shopify store.

6. Crowdfund Projects by Collecting Donations from Fans

Crowdfunding is one of the most accessible avenues for creators to make money. It allows loyal fans to give back in support of the time and effort you put into creating content. If you're looking to fund a specific project, set up a funding goal and host live fundraising events.

7. Collect Tips from Your Audience

Tipping platforms provide an easy way for users to donate money to you. These platforms work like a virtual tip jar where fans can thank you with a small donation. Options include TikTok’s native tipping feature, Typee, Buy Me a Coffee, and Ko-fi.

8. Use Patreon to Offer Fan Subscriptions

Patreon allows creators to secure a more regular passive income stream by offering fan subscriptions. Subscription-based models work great because you can keep individual costs low while growing your number of subscribers. Patreon allows you to set up membership tiers and offer exclusive content to your biggest supporters. Alternatives such as Ko-fi also exist and provide similar functionalities.

Keywords

TikTok
Monetization
South Africa
Creativity Program
Merch
Virtual Gifts
Influencers
Ads Manager
Crowdfunding
Tips
Patreon

FAQ

How can I join the TikTok Creativity Program?

You need to be at least 18 years old, have a minimum of 10,000 followers and 100,000 authentic video views within the last 30 days, and your account needs to be in good standing.

What are some popular items to sell as merch on TikTok?

T-shirts, tote bags, pillowcases, hats, coffee mugs, stickers, and notebooks are popular items.

How do TikTok live gifts work?

During live streams, followers can send virtual gifts to creators, which can then be redeemed for cash.

What is the TikTok Creator Marketplace?

It is a platform that connects brands with TikTok influencers for collaborations and sponsored content.

What is the benefit of using the TikTok Ads Manager?

It allows you to create in-feed ads that appear in users' "For You" feeds, and it integrates seamlessly with Shopify for tracking ad performance.

How do tipping platforms work on TikTok?

They function like a virtual tip jar where fans can donate money to you. Options include TikTok’s native tipping feature, Typee, Buy Me a Coffee, and Ko-fi.

What is a subscription-based platform like Patreon?

It allows creators to offer fan subscriptions for regular passive income. Creators can offer exclusive content to subscribers and keep the individual subscription costs low.