How To Get Monetized On Tiktok As A Nigerian

So, you’ve been scrolling through TikTok and you're like, “Wait o, this person just danced for 15 seconds, and boom—millions of likes and sponsorships?” Then you look at your own videos and the likes are doing hide and seek, and no single naira has entered your account since January.

Well, dear reader, if you’re in Nigeria and wondering how exactly to make this TikTok of a thing pay your bills, then you’re in the right place. Sit tight and let me walk you through the honest, step-by-step guide to getting monetized on TikTok as a Nigerian—without needing jazz or village people intervention.

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First Things First – Is TikTok Monetization Even Possible in Nigeria?

Yes, it is—but there’s a small twist. Nigeria is not officially part of TikTok’s Creator Fund regions. That’s the fund that pays creators based on views in eligible countries like the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. So, if you were planning to just upload videos and wait for TikTok to be spraying you dollars, I hate to break it to you, my dear—it’s not that simple in Naija.

But don’t fret. There are other legit ways to earn from TikTok even if you're based in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt or your quiet corner in Uyo.

Let’s Break Down the TikTok Monetization Routes Nigerians Can Explore

1. Brand Sponsorships and Influencer Deals

This is the holy grail. Many Nigerian TikTokers are making serious money through brand deals. From beauty brands to fintech startups, everyone is looking for influencers who can make their product go viral—or at least trend for one hot weekend.

To get these deals:

• Build your niche: Are you into comedy, fashion, tech, or even storytelling? Stick to your lane and own it.

• Engagement matters more than followers: You don’t need 1 million followers to get brands to notice you. A loyal, active audience is gold.

• Be discoverable: Add your email address to your bio. Brands need to know how to reach you.

2. Affiliate Marketing

Do you know you can recommend products or services on TikTok and get paid per sale? Yep, you can join affiliate programs like Jumia, Konga, or international ones like Amazon (if you’ve got an international audience), and start dropping those links in your bio or captions.

It’s the classic “I use this mic and my voice became clearer than water from Mubi” type of content.

3. Live Gifting (TikTok LIVE Gifts)

Once your account meets TikTok's requirements (usually 1,000 followers and being 18+), you can go live. Your fans can send you gifts, which can be converted to real money. The gifts come in form of roses, lions, and other funny symbols, but believe me, the money behind them is not funny at all.

Pro tips for Live:

• Go live when your audience is most active (check your analytics).

• Interact—don't just sit and stare at the screen like NEPA took your energy.

• Play games, answer questions, gist them real-life stories. Be you, be fun!

4. Selling Your Own Products or Services

This one is for the entrepreneurs and hustlers. If you run a small business, you're sitting on gold. TikTok is a marketing machine. Sell your skincare, clothing, pastries, books—even your online courses—right there on your page.

If you’re a barber, show the before-and-after of your clients. A makeup artist? Time-lapse your process. A tailor? Show your sewing magic. People buy stories, not just products.

5. Content Repurposing for Other Monetized Platforms

This one is like killing two birds with one ring light. Repurpose your TikTok videos for YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, or Facebook, where monetization is more established. That way, you build a wider brand and also tap into the monetization features of those platforms.

Key Requirements Before You Start Making Money on TikTok

Let’s be honest, monetization won’t just fall into your lap. TikTok has some unwritten rules for success:

1. Be Consistent

You can't post once in two weeks and expect people to remember you. Treat it like a 9–5 job—or better still, your daily jollof rice. Show up regularly.

2. Quality Over Quantity

Yes, it’s good to post often. But if you’re posting low-effort, blurry or unfunny content, your viewers will ghost you faster than a bad first date.

3. Know What Works

Watch the trends, join the trends, but twist them to fit your niche. Don’t just dance because everybody is dancing. Add your own flavor.

4. Use the Right Hashtags

Use niche-specific and trending hashtags to make your content discoverable. But don’t be that person that writes 30 hashtags under one video. It’s not an Instagram prayer chain.

5. Interact With Your Audience

Reply comments, go live, thank your fans. Your community is your currency.

Mistakes That Are Killing Your TikTok Money Dreams

If you’ve been on the app for months and still haven’t made a single kobo, you might be guilty of one or more of these:

• Chasing every trend without adding value

• Ignoring your analytics – how do you not check what time your followers are most active?

• Treating TikTok like WhatsApp status – your content shouldn’t be personal rants with no direction

• Not branding yourself properly – Your username, bio, and profile picture should tell your story

• Quitting too early – TikTok success is rarely overnight. Keep improving.

What About the TikTok Creator Fund? Can Nigerians Still Benefit?

Well, officially no. But there are workarounds. Some creators use VPNs and foreign bank accounts to access the Creator Fund in eligible countries, but that’s not entirely foolproof, and can violate TikTok terms.

If you're serious about it, some creators relocate or operate their accounts from locations like the UK or US to tap into this fund. But for the everyday Nigerian living in Surulere or Kano, focus on the alternative methods we’ve discussed above—they’re more than enough to get you started and growing.

Final Advice from One Naija Hustler to Another

TikTok has changed lives. And as a Nigerian, you can absolutely carve out a space for yourself on the app and earn real money from it. But like every hustle, it requires strategy, creativity, and consistency.

Don’t get carried away by fake lifestyle and skit houses filled with rented Benz. Focus on building content that entertains, educates or inspires—and the money will follow.

Remember, everyone starts from zero. Your job is to not stay there.

Summary Checklist for Monetizing TikTok in Nigeria

Conclusion

TikTok isn’t just an app where people dance and do voiceovers—it's a full-blown income stream if you use it well. You don’t need to live in the U.S. to earn from your creativity. Nigeria is full of smart, hilarious, talented creators. So why not you?

Start today. Your first video might be awkward, your first live session might have only two people (your cousin and your friend from NYSC), but keep going. You’re planting seeds.

One day, you’ll wake up and see alert.

And when that day comes, remember this blog—and maybe send me small data to say thanks.