Ever scroll through TikTok or YouTube and wonder, “How are these people actually making money?” You’re not alone. From Lagos to Nairobi, Accra to Johannesburg, thousands of Africans are now earning real income online not from shady “get rich quick” tricks, but from creativity, consistency, and smart strategies.
In 2025, the creator economy in Africa is booming like never before. And the best part? You don’t need fancy equipment or a million followers to start. Let’s dive into seven real ways Africans are making money on TikTok and YouTube right now and how you can, too.
| “If you want more online income ideas, see 15 Legit Remote Jobs Hiring Africans in 2025.”
1. Brand Partnerships and Sponsorships
This is the bread and butter for many African creators. Brands both local and international are eager to reach young, engaged audiences across Africa.
Take Eniola from Nigeria, for example. She started sharing makeup tutorials on TikTok during lockdown. Her videos weren’t perfect at first, but her energy was infectious. Fast-forward to 2025, and she’s partnering with African beauty brands, earning thousands of dollars per campaign.
Brands love creators who:
- Have a loyal audience (even if small).
- Match their product’s vibe.
- Can create authentic, entertaining content.
Pro tip: You don’t need to wait for brands to find you. Reach out directly with a short, professional pitch showing your audience stats and engagement.
2. YouTube Monetization (AdSense Revenue)
Yes, people are still making money from YouTube ads and it’s getting better. In 2025, YouTube’s Partner Program now supports creators from more African countries, meaning more people can earn through AdSense.
Here’s how it works:
You need at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past year (or 10 million Shorts views).
Once approved, YouTube places ads on your videos.
You get paid based on views, watch time, and engagement.
Creators like Moses from Kenya make between $500–$2,000 a month from simple educational videos about digital skills and freelancing. Not bad for content you can make with a smartphone and good lighting!
Tip: Focus on evergreen topics, things people will still search for next year, like tutorials, reviews, or finance tips.
3. TikTok Creator Rewards and LIVE Gifts
TikTok has become a full-time income stream for many Africans, especially with the new Creator Rewards Program launched in late 2024.
Here’s how it works:
TikTok pays creators based on video performance (views, watch time, engagement).
You can also earn through LIVE gifts, where followers send you virtual gifts that can be converted into real money.
Think of Zinhle from South Africa, who streams funny storytelling sessions every evening. Her audience sends her gifts, and she earns hundreds of dollars a month, just by doing what she loves.
Want to try it?
- Go LIVE often, even short streams count.
- Interact with viewers; make them feel seen.
- Use trending sounds to boost discoverability.
4. Affiliate Marketing
Ever mentioned a product or service in your video and dropped a link in your bio? That’s affiliate marketing and it’s one of the most underrated income streams for African creators.
For instance, David from Ghana runs a small tech YouTube channel reviewing gadgets. He includes Amazon and Jumia affiliate links in his video descriptions. Every time someone buys through his link, he earns a commission.
Affiliate marketing works especially well if you:
- Create niche content (tech, beauty, fitness, finance).
- Have a trusting audience that values your recommendations.
- Use clear call-to-actions like “Check the link below to grab yours!”
Pro tip: Start with global platforms like Amazon Associates or Impact, then explore local ones like Jumia and Konga affiliates.
5. Selling Digital Products or Courses
If you have a skill, you can teach it. Africans are now turning their knowledge into income through digital products like e-books, Notion templates, and online courses.
A perfect example is Aisha from Tanzania, who teaches content strategy. She uses YouTube to share free tips and promotes her paid e-book and mini-course in her video descriptions.
You don’t have to be an “expert.” Just share what you’ve learned and what works for you. People love learning from relatable creators who speak their language literally and culturally.
Popular digital products include:
- E-books (e.g., “How I Grew to 10K Followers in 3 Months”)
- Online workshops
- Canva templates
- Presets and editing packs
6. Crowdfunding and Memberships
Some creators build loyal fan bases that want to support them. Platforms like Patreon, Buy Me a Coffee, or Ko-fi let your audience contribute monthly or one-time payments.
You can offer exclusive perks like behind-the-scenes videos, shoutouts, or early access to new content.
Take The African Nomad, a travel vlogger who documents her adventures across Africa. She earns extra income from Patreon supporters who want to see bonus travel tips and private Q&A sessions.
Start small: Even $5/month from 20 supporters adds up to $100 enough to reinvest in better gear or faster internet.
7. Selling Merchandise or Collaborating on Products
This one’s fun and surprisingly profitable. Many African creators now launch their own merchandise: t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, or even digital stickers.
Remember Femi from Lagos who went viral for his “Na Who Dey Breathe?” meme? He turned that catchphrase into a merch line that sold out in weeks!
If you’ve got a strong personal brand or catchphrase, people will love to buy something that connects them to your content.
Tools that make it easy:
- Print-on-demand sites like Teespring or Redbubble.
- Local printers if you want to sell within your country.
- Promote your merch naturally in your videos, don’t oversell.
Final Thoughts: Start Where You Are
The truth is, you don’t need a huge audience, fancy gear, or viral fame to start making money on TikTok or YouTube. You just need consistency, creativity, and connection.
Every African creator you see winning today started small with one video, one idea, one viewer. So don’t overthink it. Pick a niche, post consistently, and learn as you grow.
Who knows? A year from now, someone might be reading your success story in an article just like this.
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