You know Khaby Lame, right? He started doing content on TikTok without barely saying a word, and now he’s a millionaire from his fame on the platform.
Of course, achieving that level of success online is challenging, especially here in Kenya where the TikTok Creator Fund hasn’t rolled out yet. But there are other ways you can take advantage of the platform to earn money and build your brand as we wait for direct access to TikTok’s monetization features
Also Read: How much can you earn on YouTube in Kenya?
First, the Numbers!
TikTok boasts an impressive user base of more than 1 billion people who engage with the platform every month.
Since its launch, the app has been downloaded a staggering 3.7 billion times worldwide across both iOS and Android devices. This popularity has catapulted TikTok to the position of the 7th most frequented website globally.
The impact of TikTok in Kenya has been particularly noteworthy. The platform has experienced exponential growth in the country, with approximately 25% of the Kenyan population now actively using TikTok on a monthly basis.
The combination of creative empowerment and tailored content delivery has been key to TikTok’s success in Kenya and beyond, making it a powerful tool for both content creators and viewers alike.
Here’s a general overview of TikTok users in Kenya compared to other social media platforms
Source/Credit: Statista
How Does TikTok Pay in Kenya?
Whether you’re a dancer, comedian, chef, or have a unique skill to share, we’ll show you how to harness the power of TikTok to build your personal brand and potentially create a new revenue stream.
Here are the main ones:
How to Earn on on Tiktok in Kenya Infographic
Here’s a detailed look at how it works:
1. TikTok LIVE Gifting
TikTok LIVE is a feature that allows users with at least 1,000 followers to broadcast live to their audience. During these live sessions, viewers can show their appreciation by sending virtual gifts, which translate into real money for the creator.
Here’s how the process works:
1. Viewers purchase TikTok coins using real money.
2. These coins can be used to buy virtual gifts during live streams.
3. When a viewer sends a gift, it’s converted into diamonds for the creator.
4. Diamonds can then be exchanged for real money.
The value of gifts varies widely. Some examples include:
| Gift | Value (in coins) | Value in KSH |
|---|---|---|
| Rose | 1 | 1.1 |
| Panda or Italian Hand | 5 | 5.5 |
| Love Bang | 25 | 27.5 |
| Sun Cream | 50 | 55 |
| Rainbow Puke | 100 | 110 |
| Concert | 500 | 550 |
| I’m Very Rich | 1,000 | 1,100 |
| Drama Queen | 5,000 | 5,500 |
On the higher end, there are gifts like:
| Gift | Value (in coins) | Value in KSH |
|---|---|---|
| TikTok Universe | 44,999 | 49,498.9 |
| Seal and Whale | 34,500 | 37,950 |
| Sam the Whale | 30,000 | 33,000 |
| Lion | 30,000 | 33,000 |
| Dragon Flame | 26,999 | 29,698.9 |
It’s important to note that the monetary value of these gifts isn’t straightforward. TikTok’s diamonds (the currency creators receive) are worth 50% of the coin value. For example, if you receive Sam the Whale (30,000 coins), you’ll get 15,000 diamonds.
Note: The current exchange rate is approximately 1 diamond = $0.005 USD. So those 15,000 diamonds would be worth about $75 USD or 9,750 Kenyan Shillings.
Requirements and Considerations
To start collecting diamonds, you must meet TikTok’s eligibility requirements:
– Be at least 18 years old
– Have at least 1,000 followers
– Your account must be at least 30 days old
It’s crucial to understand that TikTok takes a 50% commission, so you only keep half of what you earn through gifts.
For withdrawals, TikTok has set some limits:
– Minimum withdrawal amount: $100
– Maximum daily withdrawal: $1,000
– You need a PayPal account to receive your earnings
Here’s a simple steps you can take to go live:
2. Brand-Sponsored Events and Collaborations
Collaborating with brands is a lucrative way to monetize your TikTok presence (Read on and see success stories )
1. Network with brands relevant to your content niche.
2. Create content featuring or tagging these brands.
3. Become a brand ambassador, promoting products or services to your audience.
4. Attend brand-sponsored events, further boosting your reputation and visibility.
Note: As your following grows, brands may approach you directly for promotions or event appearances, creating additional income opportunities.
General Tips for Monetization
1. Create interesting and captivating content consistently.
2. Build a strong, engaged following.
3. Invest in decent equipment, particularly a good camera for high-quality videos.
4. Understand and leverage TikTok’s algorithm to increase your visibility.
5. Stay authentic and true to your personal brand.
6. Engage with your audience regularly to build a loyal community.
3. Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding on TikTok is an innovative way to raise money for your ideas or projects:
1. Present your idea or product concept to your TikTok audience.
2. Encourage pre-orders or donations from your followers.
3. Use the funds raised to develop and deliver your product.
This method is particularly beneficial for aspiring entrepreneurs, as it provides both financial support and validation for your business idea.
4. Selling Products or Services
TikTok provides an excellent platform for Kenyan influencers to showcase and sell various products or services:
Here’s a nice twist on how to do it:
1. Merchandise: Create and sell branded items such as t-shirts, caps, phone cases, or other accessories that resonate with your audience.
2. Digital Products: Develop and market e-books, online courses, or digital art related to your niche.
3. Physical Products: If you have a craft or specialty, use TikTok to promote and sell your handmade items or locally sourced products.
4. Services: Offer your expertise through consultations, coaching sessions, or workshops in your area of specialization.
To maximize sales:
– Use TikTok’s features like product tags or link in bio to direct viewers to your online store.
– Create engaging content that demonstrates the value of your products or services.
– Leverage TikTok’s algorithm by using relevant hashtags and participating in trends to increase visibility.
5. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is an excellent way for Kenyan TikTokers to earn passive income. Here’s how to do it:
1. Join Affiliate Programs: Look for programs that are available in Kenya, such as Jumia Affiliate or other local e-commerce platforms.
2. Create Product Reviews: Make honest, engaging reviews of products relevant to your audience. Demonstrate how the product works or how it has benefited you.
3. Use Trackable Links: Ensure you’re using the correct affiliate links to track your sales accurately.
5. Incorporate Products Naturally: Rather than hard-selling, find creative ways to incorporate affiliate products into your regular content.
Remember to focus on products that align with your brand and genuinely interest your audience for the best results.
6. Managing TikTok Accounts
As a Kenyan TikTok user, you can capitalize your platform expertise by offering management services:
1. For Businesses:
– Develop content strategies aligned with business goals
– Create engaging, brand-appropriate videos
– Manage daily operations (posting, responding to comments, etc.)
– Analyze performance metrics and adjust strategies accordingly
– Stay updated on TikTok trends and incorporate them into the business’s content
2. For Celebrities:
– Curate content that enhances the celebrity’s brand image
– Create consistent posting schedules to maintain audience engagement
– Manage interactions with fans through comments and messages
– Promote new projects or upcoming events
– Collaborate with other influencers or brands for cross-promotion
To succeed as a TikTok account manager:
– Develop a strong portfolio showcasing your TikTok expertise
– Stay updated on the latest TikTok trends and features
– Understand different niches and how to create content for various target audiences
– Offer competitive pricing based on the Kenyan market
– Network with businesses and celebrities to find potential clients
Payouts and Conversions
When converting TikTok earnings to real money:
– TikTok diamonds are worth 50% of coin value.
– Current exchange rate: 1 diamond ≈ $0.005 USD
– Example: 30,000 coins (Sam the Whale gift) = 15,000 diamonds = $75 USD ≈ 9,750 Kenyan Shillings
Note: Remember, building a substantial income on TikTok takes time, creativity, and persistence. While some Kenyan TikTokers like Tizian Savage have reported earning significant amounts (up to 800,000 Kenyan Shillings from a single live session), results can vary widely based on factors like follower count, engagement rates, and content quality.
Is Tiktok Creator Fund available in Kenya?
As of now, the TikTok Creator Fund is not accessible to creators in Kenya. The program is currently limited to a select group of countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, and Spain, as stated on TikTok’s official website.
In the regions where the Creator Fund is operational, it functions as a revenue-sharing initiative introduced by TikTok in late 2021. The program aims to distribute a portion of the platform’s advertising revenue directly to its top-performing content creators.
For creators to be eligible for the Creator Fund in countries where it’s available, they need to meet several criteria:
1. Consistently produce original, high-quality video content
2. Maintain their account in good standing, avoiding any policy violations
3. Achieve a minimum of 10,000 genuine views on their content within the past 30 days
Creators who fulfill these requirements become eligible to receive a share of the advertising revenue generated by TikTok in their respective markets and beyond.
The actual earnings from the Creator Fund can vary significantly. The payout is influenced by several factors, including:
– Total view count on the creator’s videos
– The level of audience engagement achieved
– Adherence to TikTok’s content guidelines
– The overall size of the fund available for distribution in a given month
How Much is 1 coin on TikTok in Kenya shillings?
The value of TikTok coins in Kenyan currency is relatively small, with 1 TikTok coin currently worth approximately KES 1.1. To put this into perspective, creators need to accumulate at least 10,000 coins before they can request a withdrawal.
This minimum withdrawal amount translates to about $100 USD or roughly KES 11,000 – 12,000.
Regarding payment thresholds and frequency for Kenyan creators:
1. Creator Fund (when available):
– A minimum earnings of about $37 USD is required to request a payout
– Payment processing can take up to 30 business days
2. LIVE Subscriptions and Gifts:
– No minimum threshold for withdrawals
– Payments are processed more quickly after a request is made
While LIVE features offer quicker access to earnings, the Creator Fund (once available in Kenya) is expected to provide greater long-term earning potential based on content performance.
For withdrawing earnings, Kenyan TikTok creators have several payment options:
1. Mobile money transfers through services like M-PESA
2. Direct deposits to Kenyan bank accounts
3. PayPal deposits, particularly for LIVE gift earnings
TikTok utilizes Pesapal for processing Creator Fund payments in Kenya.
Strategies to Boost Your TikTok Earnings in Kenya
To stand out and maximize earnings on TikTok, consider these key strategies:
1. Create Compelling Content
The foundation of success on TikTok is creating content that resonates with the platform’s unique format and audience:
– Tailor your concepts to TikTok’s short-form style
– Utilize popular music, effects, stickers, and templates
– Encourage audience interaction through questions and calls to action
– Maintain a consistent posting schedule, aiming for 1-2 posts daily
Note: Experiment with various trends and niche topics to find your sweet spot, then refine your approach based on performance data and audience feedback.
2. Grow Your Follower Base
A larger, engaged following can significantly boost your earning potential. HEre’s what to do:
– Use relevant hashtags strategically to improve discoverability
– Cross-promote your TikTok content on other social platforms
– Engage with your audience through comments and collaborations
– Post consistently to keep your current followers engaged
Note: Remember, quality trumps quantity. Focus on building a genuine, interested audience rather than chasing inflated follower counts.
3. Aim for Viral Success
While viral hits can’t be guaranteed, they can dramatically accelerate your growth. To improve your chances:
– Incorporate trending effects, filters, and meme formats
– Engage with popular topics early in their lifecycle
– Encourage audience interaction through shares, reactions, and duets
– Create content with broad appeal
– Experiment frequently with different content styles
4. Explore Brand Partnerships
As your following grows, brand collaborations can become a significant revenue stream:
– Create sponsored video content
– Review products or services
– Utilize affiliate marketing
– Host giveaways or contests
– Co-design merchandise
– Make appearances at events or host workshops
TikTok Success Stories in Kenya
Let’s take a look at a few TikTokers from Kenya that have achieved great success:
1. Tizian Savage
Some Kenyan TikTokers have found significant success through this method. For instance, Tizian Savage reported earning up to 800,000 Kenyan Shillings from a single TikTok LIVE session.
While gifting during live streams is a popular method, it’s just one of many ways to monetize your TikTok presence. Other strategies include brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, selling products or services, and cross-platform promotion. The key to success on TikTok is consistently creating engaging, high-quality content that resonates with your audience.
2. Pricilla Wa Imani
Priscilla Wangui Gakuru’s story exemplifies TikTok’s transformative power in Kenya. In less than a year, this small-scale trader from Nyahururu became a social media sensation and brand ambassador.
Her unique whistling routine and catchy persona as “Priscilla wa Imani” caught the attention of users, including prominent figures like Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
4. Tom Daktari
Tom Daktari has become a recognizable figure on social media platforms, particularly for his humorous videos on TikTok. Using his distinctive Kamba accent, Daktari has developed a unique approach to product marketing that combines wit and simplicity.
In a recent interview on Radio Maisha, Daktari emphasized the importance of adaptability in the entertainment industry, stating:
“I like to try different things and monitor feedback. Everything has a lifespan and you can only be relevant for so long. It is important for artistes to constantly reinvent themselves and keep things fresh. I fit into different characters and that has endeared me to my fans.”
Keep Earning!
TikTok has opened up a world of opportunities for Kenyan content creators to monetize their creativity and build thriving careers on the platform. While some features like the Creator Fund are not yet available in Kenya, there are still numerous ways to earn income through TikTok.
From brand partnerships and affiliate marketing to selling products and services, Kenyan creators can leverage their TikTok presence to generate revenue. The key to success lies in consistently producing engaging, high-quality content that resonates with your audience, building a strong following, and staying adaptable to the ever-changing trends on the platform.
