When 25-year-old Peace Pever Anpee—better known as Purple Speedy—posted her first dance video on TikTok six years ago, she never imagined she would one day become one of Nigeria’s most recognisable faces on the platform. Today, with over 16 million followers, she doesn’t just dance to entertain—she dances to earn!
TikTok, a short-form video app launched by Chinese tech giant ByteDance in 2016, has rapidly transformed from a social novelty into a global cash cow for digital creators. With over 1.6 billion monthly active users, it has evolved into a cultural powerhouse—one where comedy skits, dance trends, lip-syncs, and educational content shape not only trends but livelihoods.
As in other part of the world, TikTok has emerged as more than just a social app. It has become a career launchpad, especially for young creatives determined to turn their passion into profit in Nigeria.
The Rise of TikTok in Nigeria
Officially launched in Nigeria in 2019, TikTok experienced sporadic growth during the COVID-19 lockdown, when millions of Nigerians were confined to their homes. With isolation came boredom—and a hunger for entertainment. The app’s user-friendly interface and engaging short-form video format gave Nigerians a new outlet to express themselves. In just a few months, TikTok installations surged past 15 million, and a new generation of digital stars was born.
Content creators like Iyabo Ojo, comedian Gloria Oloruntobi, who is professionally known as Maraji, and Chukwuebuka Amuzie, popularly known as Brain Jotter, quickly became household names on the platform. Iyabo Ojo, who earned the nickname Queen of TikTok, alongside her children, began crafting funny and engaging videos, which offered moments of joy in an otherwise grim period for many viewers. The situation was the same with skit markers Mariam Apaokagi, alias Taooma and Ada Jesus. Early adopters who also used TikTok to deliver humour and commentary through uniquely Nigerian skits, thereby laying the foundation for what would become a booming content economy.
Meet the New Kings and Queens of TikTok
As TikTok continued to evolve, so did its creators. Today, stars like 20-year-old Habeeb Hamzat, also known as Peller, and his girlfriend, Amadou Elizabeth, otherwise known as Jarvis, dominate the TikTok scene in Nigeria alongside other content creators and streamers like Rodney Umeh ( Rodn3y), Chineye Elijah(Crispdal), Eyinju Oluwa (Kid Baby), and Sydney Egere (SydneyTalker). Their skits, dance challenges, and daily content keep millions entertained, while almost activity they engage in on the platform, lead them to the bank smiling. But beyond the likes and shares lies the million-dollar question: How do Nigerian TikTokers make their money?
www.egalitarianvoice.com investigation reveals answers that lie in multi-pronged monetisation strategies that include:
• TikTok Creator Rewards Programme (available in select countries)
• Brand-sponsored conten
• Affiliate marketing
• TikTok LIVE virtual gifts
• TikTok Shop
How the Monetisation Puzzle Works
Although the Creator Rewards Programme—which pays $0.40 to $1.00 per 1,000 views—is not currently available in Nigeria, local creators are still raking in big bucks through other methods.
With over 10 million followers, Peller, for example, claimed to have earned between $10,000 and $20,000, which could change from between 15,000,000 and 30,000,000 (Fifteen to Thirty Million Naira) from a single live session.
How does it work?
During live streams, viewers are encouraged to purchase virtual gifts, which can range from inexpensive icons to costly animations and send them to creators. TikTok’s policies allow these gifts to be convertible into Diamonds, which content creators can then cash out. Although TikTok takes a 20% commission, high engagement by viewers during these live streams can still result in thousands of dollars in earnings for the Nigerian TikToker.
Nigeria’s Purple Speedy, is an example of a Tik Toker with a different revenue stream. Known for her high-energy dance videos, she partners with brands and musicians to promote products or preview new songs. A single sponsored post can fetch between $100 and $2,000, depending on her reach and engagement. With multiple collaborations per month, Purple Speedy’s income easily climbs into five figures.
Purple Speedy
Rodney, another TikToker who showcases his skills in rhymes with over 7 million followers on the app, also capitalises on music promotions. According to a young TikToker, “Music is what makes TikTok what it is. Most of these artists want to promote their songs, so they come to me.” On average, he promotes over 10 songs per week, with each promotion earning a minimum of ₦300,000—amounting to around ₦3 million weekly.
Strategy Behind the Screen
Being a successful TikTok influencer is, however, more than just dancing or making people laugh. It’s a full-time job that demands strategy, creativity, and consistency.
Content creator Deborah Adeyemi, who focuses on fashion, dance, and beauty, shared her process with eelive.ng: She told our correspondent: “I draw inspiration from trends, but I adapt them to my personal style. I never copy content. I write down scripts, plan my captions, and make sure the video aligns with my audience.”
Ruth Eghosa, a Finland-based Nigerian TikToker known for her educational content, uses the platform to teach users how to monetise TikTok. She would break down strategies through short, digestible lessons. She believes that well-researched and professionally delivered “educational content thrives here because it’s accessible and engaging,”
The Reality of Life as a TikTok Creator
But behind the glittering numbers and viral fame lies a more grounded reality. Many creators are quick to dispel the myth that TikTok pays automatically when a video trend. The truth is, according to them, trending content may increase visibility, but consistent income requires careful planning and brand building.
“There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that people don’t see. “You’re scripting videos, managing your audience, researching trends, and handling collaborations. It’s exhausting but rewarding,” Eghosa told us while advising that anyone who intends to take on the platform must plan diligently to expect any measure of success.
Miss Adeyemi echoed this sentiment, noting that TikTok creators must be strategic in every move. “You have to build a loyal community. To do that, your content must be authentic and engaging,” she explained.
Looking Ahead
As TikTok continues to dominate the social media landscape, the platform shows no sign of slowing down. For Nigerian content creators, it represents not just a creative outlet but a sustainable source of income.
The app’s ability to transform everyday people into digital celebrities—and, more importantly, entrepreneurs—is a testament to the power of the internet age. And as long as there are stories to tell, songs to dance to, and fans eager to engage, TikTok will remain a vital force in Nigeria’s digital economy.
From Iyabo Ojo to Purple Speedy, Rond3y and Peller, one thing is clear: The secret to making money on TikTok isn’t just going viral—it’s knowing your audience, staying authentic, and turning content into currency.
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