No. 1 Guide to Monetize Your TikTok Account in South Africa

In this guide, I will show you how to make money on TikTok in South Africa.

TikTok has exploded in popularity in recent years, and many content creators are making a full-time living from the platform.

With over 1 billion monthly active users, TikTok presents a massive opportunity to build an audience and monetize it.

While TikTok is relatively new in South Africa, the platform is growing rapidly and allows users in the region to make money too.

This guide will walk you through the main ways content creators are earning money from TikTok in South Africa.

Whether you want to start earning a side income or make TikTok your full-time career, these money-making tactics can help you monetize your audience.

Is TikTok Monetized in South Africa?

Yes, TikTok can be monetized in South Africa. While South Africa does not have a specific TikTok Creator Fund, there are various ways for individuals in South Africa to make money on TikTok.

These include selling merchandise, receiving donations from viewers during live streams, managing campaigns, using advertising platforms, working as a social media manager for TikTok, offering consulting services, and applying for sponsorships.

Additionally, the TikTok Creativity Program and other income streams such as affiliate partnerships, in-feed ads, crowdfunding projects, and collecting tips can be utilized for monetization.

Therefore, despite the absence of a dedicated Creator Fund, there are several opportunities for South Africans to monetize their TikTok accounts and earn income.

Grow a Large Following

The first step to making money on TikTok is to build a sizable following. A large audience gives you leverage to earn revenue through TikTok’s monetization programs and partnerships.

Here are some tips for gaining more followers on TikTok:

• Create viral-worthy content. Study trending sounds, hashtags, and video formats. Then put a unique spin on them with your own style. Viral content can gain you tens of thousands of followers quickly.
• Post consistently. Algorithmic feeds favor accounts that post 1-3 times per day. Set a posting schedule and stick to it.
• Optimize your profile. Craft an interesting bio, have a consistent profile photo, and use captivating text overlays on your videos. This gives viewers more context about your brand.
• Use relevant hashtags. Include a mix of popular and niche hashtags so your content surfaces for a range of keyword searches.
• Engage with your audience. Reply to comments, do shoutout videos, and use duets and stitches. This helps convert viewers into engaged followers.
• Run contests/giveaways. Incentivize followers to like, share, and comment by offering prizes for contests. Follow legal guidelines and disclose rules.
• Collaborate with others. Do “follow for follow” exchanges, cross-promotions, and guest videos with similar accounts to tap into new audiences.
• Be consistent. Posting schedule, content style, and branding should align. This retains the followers you work hard to gain.

Make Money from TikTok’s Monetization Programs in South Africa

Once you establish a loyal following, you can start applying to monetize your account directly through TikTok. The platform offers money-making programs to major content creators.

TikTok Creator Fund

TikTok launched this fund to pay creators for their top-performing videos. You must have at least 10,000 authentic followers and 100,000 video views in the last 30 days to qualify.

TikTok evaluates accounts based on content quality and audience engagement. Monthly earnings range from $100-$10,000+ depending on viewership and how valuable your audience is to advertisers.

TikTok pays creators on a per-video basis. Payouts vary based on regions and conversion rates, but one cent per video view is a reasonable estimate.

LIVE Subscriptions

Fans can pay a monthly fee (as little as $0.99) to access special perks from their favorite creators. Benefits include subscriber badges, custom emoji, exclusive LIVEs, direct messages, and shoutouts.

Creators receive 50% of the subscription revenue.

To go LIVE you need 1,000 followers and be 18+. LIVE Subscriptions are currently limited to accounts with 50,000+ followers and 18+ years old. But TikTok hints this program will open more widely soon.

TikTok Creator NFTs

TikTok’s new “Creator NFTs” allow viewers to own video moments from top creators.

Fans can buy, sell, and trade these NFT clips from the influencers they love.

For each NFT sold, creators receive a cut of the revenue, creating new income streams.

This program is still invite-only for major accounts, but provides an innovative way for loyal fans to support creators financially.

Earn from Brand Partnerships

Collaborating with brands represents one of the largest money-making opportunities on TikTok. Brand sponsorships allow you to earn impressive fees directly from advertisers.

As you build your audience, brands will take notice and likely reach out to partner with you. Be selective about which brands you work with. Make sure they resonate with your audience and your rates align.

Common types of brand partnership content include:

• Sponsored content. Create branded videos promoting products in a natural way. Ensure it entertains your audience first and promotes second.
• Affiliate links. Share discount codes and affiliate links allowing you to earn commission on any sales generated. Most major brands offer influencer affiliate programs.
• Paid brand endorsements. Brands pay you a flat fee to verbally endorse their product in your video or caption. Ensure endorsements are clearly disclosed.
• Giveaways/contests. Run prize giveaways and contests sponsored by brands. You earn a fee and brands gain exposure.
• Hashtag challenges. Brands sponsor custom hashtag challenges to engage users for marketing. Compensation can include a flat fee or bonus for top-performing content.

When negotiating rates, consider your follower count, average views, and audience engagement. Top creators can earn $10,000+ per branded TikTok. But even micro-influencers can monetize their audience starting at $100 per post.

Leverage Other TikTok Monetization Ways in South Africa

Beyond TikTok’s built-in monetization in South Africa, you can leverage your TikTok fame to earn money through other methods.

Sell Merchandise

Once you cultivate a defined brand identity, fans are often eager to buy merchandise to represent it. You can create and sell custom apparel, accessories, decor, and more.

Use print-on-demand services so you don’t have to hold inventory. Promote merch drops in your TikTok captions.

Expand to Other Platforms

Repurpose TikTok content across platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and more. This diversifies your revenue streams.

YouTube offers its own Partner Program for monetization, while Instagram has Instagram Reels Bonuses. Gain followers across multiple platforms to maximize your earnings.

Launch a Membership Community

Die-hard fans will pay for exclusive content and direct access through a membership community. Use sites like Patreon that allow tiers of membership.

Offer perks like behind-the-scenes footage, direct messaging, members-only LIVE streams, etc. Promote your community in TikTok descriptions.

Appear in Ads

Your TikTok fame can help you land mainstream brand campaign deals on TV, radio, online ads, and more.

These lucrative deals pay you to appear in or voiceover an advertisement. Maintain a positive brand image to appeal to major advertisers.

Pursue Influencer Events

You can earn money making live appearances, performing, teaching workshops, or speaking at influencer events.

Events may pay you a flat fee plus coverage of travel expenses. Being a known TikTok creator gives you credibility to score these opportunities.

How much does TikTok pay you for 1 million views in South Africa?

TikTok pays around $20 to $40 for every 1 million views in South Africa. This translates to an earning of about 2 to 4 cents for every 1,000 views. The payment is made through the TikTok Creator Fund, which distributes a portion of TikTok’s revenue to eligible creators based on their video views and engagement.

Can you make money on TikTok in South Africa without paying?

Yes, it’s definitely possible to make money on TikTok in South Africa without paying anything upfront. However, understand that building a successful and profitable TikTok presence requires time, effort, and consistency. Here are some ways you can achieve this without spending money:

Focus on Organic Growth:

• Create high-quality content: This is the foundation of success on any platform. Pay attention to trends, understand your audience, and produce engaging videos that resonate with them.
• Optimize your profile: Use a clear and attractive profile picture, a catchy bio, and relevant keywords to make it easy for people to find you.
• Engage with your community: Respond to comments, participate in challenges, and collaborate with other creators to build connections and expand your reach.
• Utilize free editing tools: Several free mobile apps offer basic editing features to help you polish your videos.
• Leverage hashtags: Research and use relevant hashtags to get your content discovered by a wider audience.

Explore Monetization Options:

• TikTok Creator Fund: While this requires meeting certain requirements like follower count and engagement, it offers a way to earn directly from your views.
• Brand collaborations: Partner with brands relevant to your niche for sponsored content opportunities.
• Affiliate marketing: Promote products or services you genuinely like and earn commissions on sales generated through your unique affiliate link.
• Livestreaming with virtual gifts: Interact with your audience directly and receive virtual gifts, which can be converted into diamonds and then withdrawn as cash.
• Sell your own products or services: If you have a creative talent or service to offer, use TikTok to showcase it and attract potential customers.
• Crowdfunding: Launch a campaign on platforms like GoGetFunding to raise money for projects or creative endeavors.
• Offer freemium content: Provide valuable content for free while offering exclusive perks or bonus materials for paid subscribers through platforms like Patreon.

Remember, success on TikTok takes time and dedication.

Be patient, keep creating high-quality content, and explore different monetization options to find what works best for you.

How many followers do you need to make money on TikTok in South Africa?

While there’s no guaranteed magic number of followers, here’s a breakdown of different situations and the follower count involved:

Directly through TikTok:

• Creator Fund: To qualify for the TikTok Creator Fund, you need at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 video views in the last 30 days. However, keep in mind that earnings through the Creator Fund can vary greatly and might not be a sustainable income source initially.

Indirectly through other means:

• Brand collaborations: The number of followers required can vary greatly depending on the brand and your niche. Micro-influencers with smaller, engaged audiences can sometimes collaborate with brands, while bigger brands might look for creators with hundreds of thousands or even millions of followers.
• Affiliate marketing: You can start promoting affiliate products with any follower count, but having a larger and more engaged audience increases your chances of making sales.
• Selling your own products or services: Again, here, follower count isn’t the only factor. The quality of your offering, its appeal to your audience, and your marketing skills play a big role.

But here’s my general advice:

• Focus on engagement: Having a smaller, highly engaged audience can be more valuable than a larger one with low engagement.
• Quality over quantity: Create high-quality content that resonates with your target audience.
• Consistency is key: Post regularly and keep your audience engaged.

Remember, building a successful and profitable TikTok presence takes time and effort. Focus on creating engaging content, growing your audience organically, and exploring different monetization options that align with your goals and niche.

Who is the biggest Tiktoker in South Africa?

Here are some contenders based on different measures:

Most Followers:

• Wian (@wian): He currently holds the top spot with a whopping 16.7 million followers. His comedic skits and magic tricks have garnered significant attention.
• Jeandre (@jeandre): Following closely behind with 15.2 million followers, Jeandre focuses on relatable comedy and dance content.

Most Engagement:

• Princess Sachiko (@sachi_hime96): While having “only” 18.4 million followers, her videos consistently rack up high view counts and likes, indicating strong engagement. She creates cosplay and dancing content.
• Ryan Lombard (@ryanhdlombard): With 11.3 million followers, Ryan’s comedy sketches and challenges generate significant engagement, evident in his high comment numbers and shares.

Overall Impact:

• Lasizwe (@lasizwe): While not boasting the highest follower count (5.5 million), Lasizwe’s comedic and social commentary videos have made him a prominent voice in South Africa, earning awards and sparking public discussions.
• Chad Jones (@chad.jones): Similar to Lasizwe, Chad uses his 4.2 million followers platform to address social issues and advocate for mental health awareness, leading to significant impact beyond viewership numbers.

If you solely value follower count, Wian takes the crown.

However, considering engagement, impact, and the diverse content landscape, various creators deserve recognition based on their unique contributions.

How to make money on TikTok in South Africa with 1,000 followers

Making money on TikTok with 1,000 followers isn’t impossible, but it does require creative strategies and dedication. Here are some options to consider:

Direct Methods (Limited at 1,000 followers):

• Live Gifts: During live streams, viewers can send you virtual gifts that convert to Diamonds, redeemable for cash (although earnings are typically low with smaller audiences).
• TikTok Creator Fund: While requiring 10,000 followers, consider it a long-term goal. Keep growing and creating high-quality content to reach this threshold.

Indirect Methods (More viable with 1,000 followers):

• Affiliate Marketing: Promote products relevant to your niche and earn commissions on sales generated through your unique affiliate link. Choose reputable programs and products you genuinely like.
• Freelancing/Consulting: If you have a specific skill or knowledge (e.g., editing, social media management), offer your services to businesses or individuals through your TikTok profile. Showcase your expertise and target relevant audiences.
• Sell your own products or services: Are you crafty or offer a unique service? Use TikTok to showcase your offerings and attract potential customers. Build trust and highlight the value you provide.
• Brand Collaborations: While reaching 10,000+ followers helps, some smaller, niche brands might partner with micro-influencers like you with engaged, relevant audiences. Network, showcase your engagement metrics, and target brands that align with your content.

General Tips:

• Grow your audience: This is crucial for all monetization methods. Focus on creating high-quality, engaging content, utilizing relevant hashtags, and collaborating with other creators.
• Niche down: Having a defined niche attracts a more targeted audience, making you more appealing to potential collaborators or brands.
• Engagement is key: Respond to comments, participate in trends, and build genuine connections with your viewers.
• Be transparent: Disclose sponsored content and affiliate partnerships clearly. Authenticity builds trust and loyalty.
• Be patient: Building a successful and profitable presence takes time and effort. Stay consistent, experiment, and track what resonates with your audience.

Remember, with 1,000 followers, patience and strategic efforts are key.

Focus on building your audience, honing your niche, and exploring innovative monetization options to gradually turn your passion into income.

How to withdraw your earnings on TikTok in South Africa

Withdrawing earnings on TikTok in South Africa depends on the method you used to earn them:

Live Gifts:

1. Go to your Profile.
2. Tap the 3 dots in the top right corner.
3. Select Settings and privacy.
4. Go to Balance.
5. Choose Live Gift.
6. Select Withdraw.
7. Choose your withdrawal method (currently, PayPal is the only option in South Africa).
8. Enter the amount you want to withdraw.
9. Review and confirm the withdrawal.

TikTok Creator Fund (if you qualify):

1. Go to your Creator Marketplace dashboard.
2. Click on Earnings.
3. Select Withdraw.
4. Choose your withdrawal method (again, currently only PayPal).
5. Enter the amount and confirm.

Important notes:

• Minimum withdrawal amount: For both methods, the minimum withdrawal amount is $10 USD (approximately R180 depending on exchange rates).
• Processing time: It can take up to 15 business days for your withdrawal to be processed.
• Fees: PayPal may charge transaction fees for receiving the funds.
• Taxes: Remember to declare your earnings and pay any applicable taxes.

Alternatives if PayPal isn’t available:

• Partner with a platform like Payoneer: Some creators in South Africa use Payoneer as an alternative to receive their TikTok earnings. This requires setting up a Payoneer account and linking it to your TikTok Creator Marketplace.
• Explore local payment options: If Payoneer isn’t available, check if any local platforms offer similar services for receiving international payments.

Always be cautious:

• Beware of scams: Never share your personal or financial information with anyone claiming to help you withdraw your earnings.
• Only use official channels: Follow the official withdrawal instructions provided by TikTok.

How to make money on TikTok by watching videos in South Africa

Unfortunately, there is no legitimate way to make money on TikTok simply by watching videos in South Africa, or anywhere else for that matter.

Claims that promise you can earn money solely by watching videos are often scams or misleading offers.

Here’s why:

TikTok doesn’t have a program for paying users to watch videos: The platform’s monetization strategies focus on creators generating content and engaging with their audience. Watching videos passively doesn’t contribute to this model.

Apps/websites offering such rewards are likely scams: Be wary of any app or website promising easy money for watching videos. They might collect your personal information, bombard you with ads, or even try to steal your financial data.

Focus on genuine monetization methods: If you’re interested in earning money on TikTok in South Africa, explore these established and legitimate options:

• Create engaging content: This is the core of success on TikTok. Produce high-quality videos, follow trends, and connect with your audience to build a following.
• Utilize the TikTok Creator Fund: If you meet the eligibility criteria (10,000 followers and 100,000 video views in the last 30 days), you can earn through views on your content.
• Explore brand collaborations: Partner with brands relevant to your niche to create sponsored content.
• Promote affiliate products: Recommend products you genuinely like and earn commissions on sales generated through your unique affiliate link.
• Sell your own products or services: Showcase your talent or offerings through TikTok to attract potential customers.

Remember, building a successful presence on TikTok takes time, effort, and creativity.

Focus on quality content, audience engagement, and exploring genuine monetization methods for sustainable earning potential.

Key Takeaways

• Build a loyal following by posting viral-worthy content consistently, optimizing your profile, using relevant hashtags, engaging with your audience, running contests, collaborating with others, and staying consistent.
• Earn money directly through TikTok via the Creator Fund, LIVE Subscriptions, and Creator NFTs.
• Partner with brands to earn sponsorships, run affiliate programs, get paid endorsements, host contests/giveaways, and participate in hashtag challenges. These are the best tiktok monetization in south africa
• Sell merchandise, expand to other platforms, launch a membership community, appear in ads, and attend influencer events.

Read also:

• How to Start a Blog in South Africa (And Make Money)
• How to Make Online In Cape Town: #7 Proven Ways
• How to Make 10k in One Week in South Africa
• #14 Best Second Income Ideas in South Africa (R20k/Month)