TikTok has taken the world by storm, and Kenya is no exception. The app has rapidly grown to become a favorite for short, engaging videos, with many users finding creative ways to turn their TikTok hobby into a money-making opportunity. Whether you’re a content creator, small business owner, or influencer in Kenya, there are numerous ways to monetize your presence on the platform. In this guide, we’ll explore practical ways you can start earning money on TikTok and maximize your income potential in Kenya.
1. TikTok LIVE Gifts: A Quick Way to Earn
One of the most direct ways to make money on TikTok in Kenya is by going LIVE and receiving virtual gifts from your followers. TikTok LIVE allows users to engage with their audience in real-time, and followers can show their appreciation by sending virtual gifts. These gifts are purchased with TikTok coins, and you can convert them into diamonds, which can be cashed out for real money via PayPal.
Some of the popular virtual gifts include:
- Rose: 1 coin
- Panda: 5 coins
- Concert: 500 coins
- Drama Queen: 5,000 coins
The more valuable the gift, the higher the payout. For example, if a follower sends you Sam the Whale, which is worth 30,000 coins, that translates to 15,000 diamonds, which equals approximately $75 (Ksh 9,750). Keep in mind that TikTok keeps 50% of your earnings as a commission.
To get started with TikTok LIVE:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a minimum of 1,000 followers.
- Ensure your account is at least 30 days old.
Once you meet these requirements, you can start hosting TikTok LIVE sessions and engaging with your audience in Kenya to earn money.
2. Partnering with Brands and Sponsorship Deals
Another lucrative way to make money on TikTok in Kenya is by partnering with brands. Many companies are eager to collaborate with influencers who have a strong online presence. You can promote their products or services in your videos and earn money through brand sponsorships.
Here’s how you can attract brand partnerships:
- Build a niche around content that resonates with specific audiences.
- Maintain high engagement rates by regularly interacting with your followers.
- Use Kenyan themes or local trends to make your content relevant to the Kenyan market.
Once you have a solid following, you can reach out to brands that align with your content or wait for them to approach you. For example, if you’re a Kenyan fashion influencer, you can partner with local fashion brands or even international companies looking to tap into the Kenyan market.
3. Affiliate Marketing on TikTok
Affiliate marketing is another popular way to make money on TikTok in Kenya. By sharing special links to products or services, you can earn a commission every time someone makes a purchase through your link. Since TikTok doesn’t allow direct links in videos, you’ll need to use a link-in-bio tool like:
- Linktree
- Beacons.ai
- Link.Bio
With these tools, you can direct your followers to a website or product page where they can make a purchase. Every time someone buys a product using your link, you earn a percentage of the sale. To maximize your earnings from affiliate marketing in Kenya:
- Promote products that are relevant to the Kenyan audience.
- Share authentic reviews of the products to build trust with your followers.
4. Selling Products Through TikTok Shop
If you own a business, TikTok Shop is an excellent feature for selling products directly through the app. Many small business owners in Kenya are using TikTok to showcase their goods and services, from clothing to beauty products. TikTok’s in-app shopping feature allows you to link products to your videos, making it easy for viewers to make a purchase.
For example, if you run a Kenyan fashion brand, you can post videos of your latest collections and link them directly to your TikTok Shop, where followers can buy the items instantly.
5. Building an Audience with Viral Content
The key to making money on TikTok in Kenya is building a large following. The more views and followers you have, the more opportunities you’ll have to monetize your account. Here’s how to grow your audience:
- Create viral content that resonates with Kenyan culture and trends.
- Use popular hashtags such as #KenyanTikTok, #NairobiLife, or #KenyanFashion to increase your reach.
- Participate in TikTok challenges and trends to get noticed by a larger audience.
By focusing on Kenyan-related content, you can tap into a local audience that is more likely to engage with your videos and support your efforts to earn money.
6. Leveraging Crowdfunding for Business Ideas
For business-minded creators, crowdfunding on TikTok is a great way to raise funds for new ventures. You can share your business idea with your audience and ask for support. Platforms like M-Changa or GoFundMe allow you to collect donations from viewers who are interested in your project.
Once your business is established, you can continue using TikTok to market your products or services, reaching new clients and customers across Kenya. Whether you’re starting a small business in Nairobi or launching a creative project, crowdfunding through TikTok can help you get the support you need.
7. TikTok’s Creator Fund
While TikTok’s Creator Fund is not yet available in Kenya, it’s still worth mentioning for future consideration. The fund allows creators to earn money based on the views and engagement their videos receive. To qualify, creators need at least 10,000 followers and 10,000 views on their videos in the last 30 days.
Although this option is currently available only in select countries, TikTok continues to expand its monetization features, and Kenyan creators might soon be able to take advantage of this opportunity.
8. Monetizing TikTok Live with Virtual Gifts
In addition to the Creator Fund, going live on TikTok is one of the most effective ways to engage your audience and make money through virtual gifts. Live streaming lets you interact with your viewers in real time, and they can send virtual gifts like roses or lions, which can be converted into diamonds and then exchanged for cash.
To maximize your TikTok Live earnings:
- Schedule live sessions regularly.
- Engage with your audience by answering their questions and acknowledging their comments.
- Promote your live sessions ahead of time to increase viewership.
By consistently engaging with your audience through live streams, you can grow your following and boost your earnings.
9. Garnering Tips from Your Followers
TikTok’s Tips feature allows viewers to send money directly to creators as a way of showing support. Unlike virtual gifts, tips are not subject to TikTok’s 50% commission, so creators keep 100% of the tip amount, minus a small processing fee.
Although the Tips feature is currently only available in select countries, including the US and the UK, it’s expected to roll out to more regions, including Kenya, in the future. When it becomes available, creators will have another way to monetize their content.
10. Legal and Regulatory Considerations in Kenya
As TikTok continues to gain popularity in Kenya, it’s essential for creators to understand the legal implications of earning money through the platform. While there are no specific laws governing TikTok earnings in Kenya, creators must still comply with general regulations regarding online income.
For example, income earned from TikTok must be reported to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and is subject to taxation. Additionally, creators must follow TikTok’s community guidelines to avoid account suspension or potential legal issues related to content creation.
Conclusion
Earning money on TikTok in Kenya is possible with the right strategies and a dedicated approach. Whether through brand partnerships, virtual gifts, or affiliate marketing, Kenyan creators have numerous opportunities to turn their TikTok presence into a source of income. Focus on growing your audience, creating engaging content, and exploring the various monetization features TikTok offers to maximize your earning potential. With time, effort, and creativity, TikTok can become a lucrative platform for Kenyan influencers, entrepreneurs, and content creators.
