Have you heard of MrBeast? The TikTok star who got super famous for his crazy stunts and big money giveaways? While that level of success might seem like a distant dream, especially in Kenya where the TikTok Creator Fund hasn’t yet made its debut, there’s still a world of opportunity waiting to be tapped through TikTok Ads and other earning avenues in TikTok.
Let’s dive into how you can use TikTok’s power to build your brand and potentially create a thriving income stream, right here in the heart of East Africa.
Also Read: How Much Does Kenyan YouTubers Earn From YouTube
TikTok Numbers
TikTok isn’t just big, it’s a global phenomenon. With over a billion monthly active users and a 3.7 billion downloads worldwide, it’s no wonder TikTok has claimed the 7th spot among the world’s most visited websites. But here’s where it gets exciting for us Kenyans.
TikTok has taken the nation by storm, with roughly 25% of our population now scrolling, dancing, and creating on the platform every month. It’s not just entertainment, it’s a cultural shift, empowering creators and reshaping how we consume content. Here is a comparison of TikTok Users in Kenya to other Social Media Platforms. 
TikTok Earnings in Kenya
There are plenty of ways to turn your TikTok prowess into cash. Whether you’re a comedic genius, a culinary wizard, or have a totally unique talent to share, there is a blueprint for you to build your personal brand and potentially create a new revenue stream. 
How to Make Money on TikTok In Kenya Infographic
Let’s break down the main money-making avenues:
1. TikTok LIVE Gifting: How TikTok Gifts Work
TikTok LIVE is a feature that enables users who have reached 1,000 followers to broadcast live video to their audience. While streaming, viewers have the option to send virtual gifts as a form of appreciation. These gifts have a monetary value, which can provide a source of income for the creator. The system converts gifts into a virtual currency that creators can later exchange for actual money, subject to TikTok’s policies and conversion rates.
How TikTok Gifts work:
1. Your viewers buy TikTok coins with actual money.
2. They use those coins to send you virtual gifts during your live streams.
3. These gifts transform into diamonds in your creator account.
4. You can then exchange those diamonds for cold, hard cash! The value of gifts varies based on the gift type. 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 |
Higher value gifts include:
| 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 |
Note: The current exchange rate is approximately 1 diamond = $0.005 USD. So, if you receive a whopping “Sam the Whale” gift (worth 30,000 coins), you’ll net about 15,000 diamonds, translating to roughly $75 USD or 9,750 Kenyan Shillings.
Requirements For Collecting TikTok Gifts
To start collecting diamonds, you must meet TikTok’s eligibility requirements:
– You need at least 1,000 followers to go live
– You must be 18 or older
– Your account needs to be at least 30 days old
Note: TikTok takes a 50% cut, so you only get half of what you earn via gifts.
To withdraw gifts from TikTok you there are some set rules: – Minimum withdrawal: $100 – Maximum daily withdrawal: $1,000 – You’ll need a PayPal account to cash out
How To Go Live on TikTok
Here is a step-by-step video showing how to go live on TikTok:
@tiktoklive_ph Welcome to TikTok LIVE! Find out how to go LIVE in 60 seconds from @rsullivan1991
♬ original sound – TikTok LIVE Philippines – TikTok LIVE Philippines
Source/Credit: Tiktoklive_ph TikTok Page
2. Brand Collaborations
As your TikTok star rises, brands will start to take notice. Here’s how to capitalize on your newfound fame:
1. Network with brands that align with your content and values.
2. Create engaging content featuring their products or services.
3. Become a brand ambassador, spreading the word to your loyal followers.
4. Attend sponsored events, further boosting your visibility and street cred.
Note: As your following grows, brands might start knocking on your virtual door, offering deals for promotions or event appearances.
3. Crowdfunding: Turn Your Ideas into Reality
Got a brilliant idea but need some financial backing? TikTok can be your personal crowdfunding platform:
1. Pitch your concept to your TikTok audience.
2. Encourage pre-orders or donations from your supportive followers.
3. Use the funds to bring your vision to life.
This method is perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, providing both the cash and the validation you need to get your business off the ground.
4. Selling Products or Services: Your TikTok Storefront
Transform your TikTok profile into a marketplace through:
1. Merchandise: Slap your brand on t-shirts, caps, or phone cases.
2. Digital Products: Create e-books or online courses showcasing your expertise.
3. Physical Products: Handmade crafts or locally sourced goods? TikTok’s your showcase.
4. Services: Offer consultations or workshops in your area of expertise.
Pro Tip: Use TikTok’s features like product tags and bio links to funnel viewers straight to your online store.
How to setup TikTok shop to sell products
@theteeacademy Replying to @shepraysbrand @The Tee Academy How To SetUp A TikTok Shop. #tiktokshopforbeginners #howtosetuptiktokshop #smallbiztok
♬ original sound – The Tee Academy
Source/Credit: theteeacademy TikTok
5. Affiliate Marketing
This method helps Kenyan TikTokers earn a passive income. This is how to do it:
1. Join affiliate programs available in Kenya (think Jumia Affiliate).
2. Create honest, engaging product reviews.
3. Use trackable affiliate links to ensure you get credit for sales.
4. Seamlessly incorporate affiliate products into your regular content.
The key to success is to focus on products you genuinely love and that resonate with your audience.
6. TikTok Account Management: Sell Your Expertise
Leverage your TikTok expertise to offer management services for businesses and celebrities.
For Business Account Management
1. Craft content strategies aligned with company objectives
2. Produce engaging, on-brand videos
3. Handle daily tasks (posting, comment responses)
4. Evaluate metrics and refine strategies
5. Incorporate current TikTok trends into content
For Celebrity Account Management:
1. Design content that enhances personal branding
2. Implement consistent posting schedules
3. Engage with fans via comments and messages
4. Promote upcoming projects or events
5. Facilitate collaborations for cross-promotion
Success Tips In Account Management
– Build a robust portfolio demonstrating TikTok proficiency
– Keep abreast of TikTok’s latest features and trends
– Gain expertise in various niches and audience-specific content creation
– Set competitive rates for the Kenyan market
– Expand your network to connect with potential clients
Remember to continually adapt your strategies as TikTok evolves to maintain your competitive edge in the Kenyan social media landscape. A good example of efficient TikTok managers in Kenya is Wingu Creatives, you can learn from or contact them for the service.
Payouts and Conversions
When converting your TikTok earnings:
– 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: Success on TikTok requires patience, innovation, and dedication. While some Kenyan creators have achieved remarkable earnings – for instance, Tizian Savage reportedly earned up to 800,000 Kenyan Shillings in one live session – it’s important to note that income can fluctuate significantly. Your potential earnings depend on various factors, including your follower base, audience engagement, and the quality of your content. Building a substantial income on the platform is possible, but it’s not typically an overnight process.
Is TikTok Creator Fund in Kenya?
Currently, the TikTok Creator Fund is not accessible to creators in Kenya. The program is limited to a select group of countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, and Spain, as confirmed by TikTok’s official website. In regions where the Creator Fund operates, 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 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 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. Currently, 1 TikTok coin is 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 and 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 Maximizing Your TikTok Potential
While the TikTok Creator Fund hasn’t reached Kenyan shores yet, that doesn’t mean local content creators can’t cash in on their creativity. Effective ways to Content Development:
1. Content Strategy
Develop content that aligns with TikTok’s short-form video format. Incorporate trending audio, effects, and templates where appropriate. Encourage viewer interaction through strategic calls-to-action and maintain a consistent posting schedule
2. Audience Growth
Utilize relevant hashtags to improve content discoverability. Cross-promote TikTok content on other social media platforms. Engage with followers through comments and collaborations ad lastly focus on building an engaged audience rather than merely increasing follower numbers
3. Content Optimization
Stay informed about current trends and incorporate them judiciously. Create content with broad appeal while maintaining authenticity. Experiment with various content styles to identify what resonates with your audience.
Key Takeaway
While the TikTok Creator Fund remains unavailable in Kenya, local content creators can still leverage the platform for potential income generation. Success on TikTok requires a combination of consistent, high-quality content production, strategic audience building, and diversified monetization approaches.
As the platform continues to evolve, it’s crucial for Kenyan creators to stay informed about new features and opportunities that could enhance their earning potential. By focusing on creating engaging content and building a loyal following, TikTok users in Kenya can position themselves to benefit from both current and future monetization options on the platform.