How Nigerians Are Making Money with TikTok and YouTube Shorts in 2025

Short-form video content has taken the world by storm, and Nigeria is no exception. Platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts have become powerful tools for creativity, entertainment, and, more importantly, income generation. From comedians and lifestyle influencers to educators and business owners, Nigerians are cashing out by turning their creativity into money.

This guide breaks down how TikTok and YouTube Shorts monetisation works, the opportunities available for Nigerians, and actionable strategies you can use to grow your income in 2025.

1. Why TikTok and YouTube Shorts Are Booming in Nigeria

Nigeria’s youth population, fast-rising internet penetration, and love for social media have fueled the growth of these platforms.

TikTok: Known for its viral trends, dance challenges, comedy skits, and music promotions.
YouTube Shorts: Offers content creators a way to gain visibility and monetise through YouTube’s Partner Program.

According to recent stats, over 33 million Nigerians actively use TikTok, and YouTube Shorts is catching up quickly, with creators making global waves.

2. Ways Nigerians Make Money on TikTok

a. TikTok Creator Fund (and TikTok Creativity Program)

Creators with consistent engagement can apply for TikTok’s monetisation programs. These are paid based on views, watch time, and content performance.

b. Sponsored Brand Deals

Brands are partnering with Nigerian influencers for product promotions, dance challenges, and hashtag campaigns. For instance, fashion brands, fintech apps, and even food companies are tapping into TikTok influencers.

c. TikTok Live Gifts

Viewers can send virtual gifts during live sessions, which creators can convert into real cash. Many Nigerian comedians and lifestyle creators use this feature effectively.

d. Selling Products or Services

TikTok serves as a marketplace for fashion, skincare, courses, and music promotions, with creators earning through affiliate links or direct sales.

3. Ways Nigerians Make Money on YouTube Shorts

a. YouTube Partner Program (YPP)

In 2023, YouTube introduced monetisation for Shorts. Nigerians now earn a share of ad revenue placed in Shorts.

b. Brand Partnerships

Just like TikTok, brands collaborate with Shorts creators to reach audiences in Nigeria.

c. Driving Traffic to Long-Form Content

Many Nigerian YouTubers use Shorts to gain new subscribers who later consume their long-form monetised videos.

d. Affiliate Marketing & Product Promotion

By inserting affiliate links in their descriptions, creators earn commissions when viewers make purchases.

4. TikTok vs YouTube Shorts: Which Pays More in Nigeria?

TikTok is great for creating viral content and forming brand partnerships, but earnings from the Creator Fund are relatively small.
YouTube Shorts is better for long-term monetisation, thanks to ad revenue sharing and a global audience reach.

Smart Nigerian creators combine both platforms for maximum income potential.

5. Success Stories of Nigerians Cashing Out

Comedians: Skit makers like those posting comedy skits are growing massive followings and landing brand deals.
Musicians: Afrobeat artists use TikTok trends to promote their music, driving streams and bookings.
Educators & Business Coaches: Nigerians teaching skills (e.g., digital marketing, forex, or cooking) use Shorts to attract clients.

6. How to Grow and Monetise as a Nigerian Creator in 2025

Find Your Niche – Comedy, fashion, education, or motivation.
Post consistently – Both TikTok and Shorts reward frequent uploads.
Leverage Trends – Jump on viral sounds, challenges, and hashtags.
Engage Your Audience – Reply to comments and host live sessions.
Cross-Promote Content – Upload TikToks as Shorts and vice versa.
Use Affiliate Links – Promote products and earn commissions.
Apply for Monetisation – Meet eligibility requirements for TikTok Creator Fund and YouTube Partner Program.

7. Challenges Nigerian Creators Face

Internet costs remain high.
Monetisation eligibility (subscribers, watch hours) can take time.
Content competition is tough, with millions of creators globally.
Brand deals may favour influencers with larger followings.

8. Future of Short-Form Video in Nigeria

5G rollout will boost streaming quality and accessibility.
AI-driven recommendations will help more Nigerian creators go viral.
Niche communities (education, business, and lifestyle) will grow alongside entertainment.

Conclusion

TikTok and YouTube Shorts are no longer just platforms for fun—they are real income opportunities for Nigerians. By creating consistent, engaging, and monetizable content, Nigerians can tap into these global platforms to build wealth, influence, and sustainable businesses in 2025.

If you’re a Nigerian creator, now is the best time to start. Your creativity could be your biggest financial asset.