How to Make Money on TikTok in South Africa (2025 Guide)
Are you looking for a fun and easy way to make money online in South Africa? TikTok is no longer just a platform for dancing and lip-syncing — it’s now one of the best places to earn income using only your phone and creativity.
In this guide, we’ll explain how South Africans can make money on TikTok, even without a huge following. Whether you’re a student, content creator, or side hustler, there are real ways to earn from your videos.
1. Become a TikTok Content Creator
The first step to making money on TikTok is creating content that people love. Pick a niche that suits you. It could be:
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Comedy skits
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Educational videos (math tips, finance, health)
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Fashion and makeup
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Fitness or home workouts
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Food recipes
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Lifestyle vlogs
You don’t need expensive equipment — just your phone, good lighting, and consistency.
Tips to grow your audience:
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Post 1–2 times per day
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Use trending sounds and hashtags
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Engage with your viewers in the comments
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Follow and collaborate with other South African creators
Once you reach around 10,000 followers and 100,000 views in the last 30 days, you can unlock monetization options.
2. Join the TikTok Creator Fund (Not yet in South Africa)
As of now, TikTok’s Creator Fund is not officially available in South Africa. However, TikTok is expanding in Africa, and we expect this program to launch soon.
When it becomes available, TikTok will pay you for your views, video watch time, and engagement.
Alternative tip: Many creators open accounts in countries like the US or UK (using a VPN and banking platforms like Payoneer) to qualify for the fund — but this is risky and not recommended unless you fully understand the legal and tax issues.
3. Work with Brands (Brand Deals and Sponsorships)
Once your TikTok videos start getting consistent views (around 5,000 to 50,000+ per post), brands will start noticing you.
South African brands are now working with micro-influencers to promote:
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Fashion and beauty products
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Tech gadgets
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Food and drinks
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Events and experiences
How to get brand deals:
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Add your contact email to your TikTok bio
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Post your stats and engagement on Instagram and LinkedIn
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Register with influencer platforms like Webfluential, Humanz, or Brandbook
Brands will either pay you a once-off fee or offer free products in exchange for promoting them on your TikTok account.
4. Promote Affiliate Products
Affiliate marketing is a great way to earn passive income on TikTok. You recommend a product or service using your unique link. When someone buys through your link, you get paid a commission.
South African affiliate programs:
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Takealot Affiliates
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Loot.co.za
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Travelstart
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Amazon Global Store
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ClickBank (for international products)
How to do it:
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Create TikToks that review or demo the product
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Put the affiliate link in your bio or direct users to your Linktree
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Mention “link in bio” at the end of each video
This method works especially well if you create “Top 5 gadgets” or “Product hacks” style videos.
5. Sell Your Own Products or Services
TikTok is also a powerful platform for small business owners and freelancers in South Africa.
You can use your account to sell:
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Handmade items (jewelry, fashion, crafts)
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Digital products (CV templates, ebooks, courses)
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Services (tutoring, design, photography, makeup)
How to sell on TikTok:
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Use trending sounds with product demos
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Add your WhatsApp or online store link in your bio
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Respond quickly to customer DMs and comments
If your videos go viral, you can sell out your stock within hours!
6. Offer Paid Promotions (Shoutouts)
Once you build a good following, smaller creators may pay you to promote their pages or videos. This is called a “shoutout”.
Shoutouts usually range from R50 to R1000 depending on your views and followers. You can sell these through:
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WhatsApp
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Email
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Websites like Shoutcart or Collabstr
Tip: Make sure to disclose “paid promotion” so you follow TikTok’s rules.
7. Go Live and Receive Gifts
TikTok lets creators go LIVE and receive virtual gifts (which can be converted to money) from viewers.
To go live, you must have:
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At least 1000 followers
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Be 18 years or older
Tips for going live:
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Do Q&A sessions
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Share behind-the-scenes content
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Offer tips in your niche (e.g., study tips, fitness advice)
Fans who enjoy your content will send you Diamonds or Coins, which you can withdraw using PayPal.
8. Cross-Promote to YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels
Don’t let your content live only on TikTok. Reuse your videos to earn on other platforms.
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YouTube Shorts can monetize your content through the YouTube Partner Program
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Instagram Reels attract local brand deals
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You can also drive traffic to your blog or online store
This multiplies your earning potential using the same content.
9. Use TikTok for Business
If you own a business, TikTok is a powerful marketing tool — and that saves you ad spend.
Use your TikTok to:
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Show how your product works
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Share testimonials
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Answer customer questions
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Post “behind-the-scenes” stories
This builds trust, attracts followers, and boosts sales.
Final Thoughts: Start Now and Stay Consistent
You don’t need millions of followers to make money on TikTok in South Africa. Even with 1000 loyal followers, you can earn a decent income through smart content, consistency, and basic business skills.
Whether you want to promote affiliate links, sell a product, or work with brands, TikTok offers endless money-making opportunities.
Start creating today, stay consistent, and watch your account grow.
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