Welcome to this introductory guide on making money on TikTok in Nigeria. Although Nigerian creators are currently ineligible for the TikTok Creator Fund, there are still numerous ways to monetize your presence on the platform. This guide explores potential and opportunities for making money on TikTok in Nigeria and beyond.
Introduction
Since its international launch in 2017, TikTok has become a global phenomenon, influencing various aspects of culture, politics, fashion, and more.
With its rapid growth and an anticipated user base of two billion by 2024, TikTok offers unique monetization opportunities for entrepreneurs.
This guide delves into nine proven strategies tailored for the Nigerian context to help you earn money on TikTok.
Strategies to Make Money on TikTok
1. Join the TikTok Creativity Program
- Eligibility Criteria: Typically requires a certain number of followers and consistent engagement on videos. Note that Nigerian TikTokers are not eligible at the moment.
- Steps to Upgrade: Apply within the TikTok app or through specific portals provided by TikTok for program applications.
- Benefits and Potential Earnings: Access additional tools, features, and potential earnings based on views, engagement, and participation in TikTok challenges.
2. Sell Merchandise
- Setting Up an Online Store: Use platforms to set up online stores, including websites or third-party e-commerce platforms.
- Print-on-Demand Options: Design and sell custom merchandise without handling inventory using print-on-demand services.
- Types of Products: From branded clothing to niche-specific items, align products with your content and audience preferences.
3. Go Live for Virtual Gifts
- Leveraging LIVE Gifting Feature: Host live sessions where viewers can send virtual gifts purchased through in-app currency. Earn a share of the gifts’ monetary value.
- Showcasing Products: Use live sessions to discuss and showcase products, creating a direct connection with your audience.
- Success Stories: Inspire and guide creators by sharing success stories from Nigerian entrepreneurs who have effectively used the LIVE Gifting feature.
4. Affiliate Partnerships
- Exploring Creator Marketplace: Connect with brands interested in influencer marketing.
- Affiliate Marketing: Promote products/services and earn a commission for each sale made through your unique affiliate link.
- Integration with TikTok Shop: Provide a seamless in-app shopping experience by integrating affiliate links with TikTok Shop.
5. Create In-Feed Ads
- Utilizing TikTok Ads Manager: Create and manage in-feed ads that appear on users’ “For You” page.
- Targeting Local Audiences: Define specific demographics, interests, and locations to target local audiences effectively.
- Integration with Shopify: Connect TikTok Ads with Shopify for easy tracking of conversions and sales.
6. Crowdfunding Projects
- Platforms for Crowdfunding: Use popular crowdfunding platforms in Nigeria, like Kickstarter or local alternatives.
- Engaging TikTok Audience: Create engaging content around crowdfunding projects, informing the audience about the project’s goals, and encouraging support.
- Success Stories and Tips: Share success stories from creators who have successfully crowdfunded projects and provide tips for effective crowdfunding on TikTok.
7. Brand Partnerships
- Proactively Reaching Out: As your follower count grows, proactively reach out to brands aligned with your content niche for collaborations.
- Showcasing Unique Style: Emphasize your unique content style and the value you offer to brands, highlighting your reach and engagement.
8. Collect Tips
- Tipping Platforms: Explore external tipping platforms suitable for Nigerian creators, like PayPal or other digital payment methods.
- Integrating TikTok’s Native Tipping Feature: Activate and integrate TikTok’s native tipping feature to receive tips directly from your audience.
- Establishing a Supportive Community: Build a community around your content, engage with your audience, and express gratitude for their support to encourage more tips.
9. Patreon Subscriptions
- Subscription-Based Models: Set up a Patreon account to offer subscription-based models where fans pay a monthly fee for exclusive content or perks.
- Setting Up Patreon: Create a Patreon account, set subscription tiers, and promote it on TikTok.
- Maintaining Subscriber Engagement: Consistently provide exclusive content, interact with subscribers, and offer unique benefits to maintain engagement.
Understanding Your TikTok Audience in Nigeria
Demographics and Age Distribution
Identify the age groups and demographics of your TikTok followers in Nigeria using TikTok analytics. Understand their interests, preferences, and behavior.
Adapting Content to Resonate with Nigerian Users
Tailor your content to align with Nigerian culture, traditions, and current events. Use local languages, references, and relatable elements to create a stronger connection with your audience.
Staying Aware of TikTok Trends in the Nigerian Context
Regularly follow and engage with trending topics and challenges on TikTok in Nigeria. Participate in or create content around these trends to stay relevant and boost visibility.
Content-First Approach
Balancing Promotional and Organic Content
Maintain a balance between promotional content (showcasing products or services) and organic content (entertaining, educating, or engaging your audience). Too much promotion may disengage your audience.
Tips for Creating Authentic and Engaging Content
Be genuine and authentic in your content. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses, personal stories, and relatable experiences. Use music, effects, and creative storytelling techniques to enhance engagement.
Joining the Creator Economy
Embracing the Multifaceted Role of a Creator
Understand that being a TikTok creator involves more than just creating content. Engage with your audience through comments, collaborations, and community-building. Embrace roles such as influencer, entertainer, and community leader.
Time Management for Creators in Nigeria
Effectively manage your time by planning content creation, engagement activities, and collaborations. Set realistic goals and allocate time for each aspect of being a TikTok creator while balancing other commitments.
Leveraging TikTok as Part of the Broader Creator Economy
Explore opportunities beyond TikTok, such as cross-platform promotion, brand collaborations, and merchandise sales. Consider how TikTok fits into your overall creator strategy and contributes to your broader online presence.
Best Ways to Make Money on TikTok in Nigeria
Selling Products
- Personal Products: Create and sell your own products, such as merchandise, artwork, crafts, or unique items. Use TikTok to creatively showcase your products and engage your audience.
- Print-on-Demand: Use print-on-demand services to create and sell customized merchandise like T-shirts, phone cases, or mugs. Promote these products on TikTok and fulfill orders through the print-on-demand service, eliminating the need for inventory management.
Affiliate Marketing
- Affiliate Products: Promote products from other companies as an affiliate marketer. Join affiliate programs relevant to your niche, share affiliate links on TikTok, and earn a commission for each sale generated through your unique links.
- TikTok Shop Integration: Explore TikTok’s Creator Marketplace for affiliate partnerships. Collaborate with brands, promote their products, and integrate with TikTok Shop for in-app shopping experiences. Earn commissions for sales made through your promotions.
Brand Deals
- Growing Your Following: Focus on growing your TikTok following by creating high-quality and engaging content. Brands are more likely to collaborate with influencers who have a substantial and engaged audience.
- Reaching Out to Brands: Proactively reach out to brands aligned with your content niche. Showcase your unique style and the value you can offer in promoting their products or services. Negotiate brand deals that may include sponsored content or product placements.
Utilizing TikTok Ads Manager
Consider using TikTok Ads Manager to run in-feed ads if you have a business. This allows you to target local audiences effectively, increasing brand visibility and potentially attracting collaborations with other brands.
Challenges to Navigate
While TikTok offers lucrative opportunities, there are challenges to be aware of:
- Limited Monetization Options: TikTok’s Creator Fund and live streaming may have limited availability in Nigeria. Stay informed on official announcements for accessible features.
- Dependency on Algorithmic Exposure: Visibility heavily relies on TikTok’s algorithm. Gaining consistent visibility amidst competition can be challenging.
- Limited Video Length: The 60-second video limit may restrict creators who prefer longer-form content.
- Limited Audience Data: TikTok’s analytics may provide limited insights. Gathering detailed audience data could be challenging.
- Adherence to Guidelines: Strictly follow TikTok’s guidelines to avoid penalties. Some monetization opportunities may be limited by content restrictions.
- Content Copyright Issues: Creators should be cautious about using copyrighted material to avoid legal issues.
- Limited Control over Advertisements: Creators have limited control over ads displayed alongside their content.
- Platform Dependency and Policy Changes: TikTok’s policies and features may change. Creators must adapt to shifts in the platform’s direction.
Benefits of TikTok in Nigeria
TikTok’s fame in Nigeria is driven by:
- Entertainment and Creativity: Nigerians love entertainment, and TikTok offers a creative outlet for self-expression.
- Viral Challenges: TikTok’s viral challenges create a sense of community and participation.
- Discovering New Talent: The platform serves as a springboard for emerging talents to gain recognition.
- Youth Culture and Connectivity: TikTok resonates with Nigeria’s vibrant youth culture, offering a space for connection and expression.
- Digital Influence and Social Media Trends: TikTok has seamlessly integrated into Nigeria’s digital landscape.
Conclusion
TikTok has emerged as a powerful platform in the ever-evolving landscape of social media, captivating global audiences and transforming ordinary individuals into influential creators. For entrepreneurs in Nigeria, the potential to monetize on TikTok is vast. This guide has outlined eight proven strategies to capitalize on this opportunity.
From joining the TikTok Creativity Program and selling merchandise to exploring affiliate partnerships and creating in-feed ads, Nigerian entrepreneurs can leverage TikTok’s dynamic features to amplify their brand presence and generate income. Live sessions, crowdfunding projects, brand partnerships, and collecting tips offer additional avenues for creativity and financial success.
Understanding the Nigerian TikTok audience is crucial. Consider demographics, adapt content to local trends, and adopt a content-first approach. Joining the creator economy on TikTok requires effective time management and integration with broader creative pursuits.
While TikTok offers lucrative prospects, creators should be mindful of challenges such as limited monetization options, dependency on algorithms, and adherence to guidelines. However, the benefits, including entertainment, viral challenges, talent discovery, youth culture connectivity, and integration with digital trends, outweigh these challenges.
As TikTok continues to shape the social media landscape in Nigeria, entrepreneurs are encouraged to embrace the platform’s dynamism, stay informed on changes, and harness the creative spirit that defines TikTok’s essence.
