If you’ve ever wondered if it’s possible to make money on TikTok in Ghana, you’re not alone. For most people, the idea sounds exciting but hard to believe, especially with all the talk about challenges and payment restrictions in Africa. My experience proved it’s real. I took a single TikTok video from my studio and earned GHS790, despite the roadblocks Ghanaians face every day. All it took was one creative idea, some well-timed posting, and an understanding of how TikTok’s revenue actually works in Ghana.
Earning money on TikTok in Ghana isn’t as straightforward as it is in the US or the UK. We don’t get direct payments from the TikTok Creator Fund. Instead, we must use alternative methods, such as brand sponsorships, affiliate sales, or collecting live gifts. If you want the truth about how to start earning with your smartphone and TikTok account, keep reading. I’ll share exactly how I did it, including each gritty step, and how anyone can use these tips to really make money on TikTok.
How TikTok Monetization Works in Ghana
When you open TikTok in Ghana, making money isn’t just a matter of uploading a few fun videos. TikTok’s direct payout programs, such as the Creator Fund or Rewards, are not applicable in this case.
That means Ghanaians can’t tap into those automatic earnings from views like creators do in the US or Europe. So, how do people actually make money? There are several real ways people in Ghana earn from TikTok, which include:
1. Brand Deals and Sponsorships: Some companies pay local creators to feature their products in their short videos. Brands want real engagement, so if your videos get watched, liked, and shared, they’ll take notice.
2. Affiliate Marketing: Some Ghanaian creators add affiliate links to their profiles or mention products viewers can buy. When their followers make a purchase, the creator earns a commission. This works whether you’re promoting clothes, gadgets, or apps.
3. Live Gifts: When creators go live, fans can send virtual gifts using in-app currency. Creators convert those gifts into cash. This method is popular because it works within Ghana, regardless of the content.
4. Promoting Your Own Product or Service: From food and fashion to digital services, using TikTok as an advertising platform to reach local audiences drives real sales.
5. Workarounds for the Creator Fund: Some Ghanaians set up US-based TikTok accounts using a VPN, as explained in this summary from my previous article, in an effort to unlock the official monetization programs. But using VPNs has risks, including account bans and payment eligibility issues.
Many Ghanaian creators still face payment challenges, as direct withdrawals through PayPal or mobile money can be complicated. Services are working to fix this, with Ghana Commercial Bank’s push to partner with TikTok as a payment channel for local creators.
Regardless, for now, it’s all about using what’s available and being strategic with monetization strategies. For more detailed ideas and routes to make money on TikTok as a Ghanaian, see Truehost’s practical monetization guide.
The Step-by-Step Story: From One Video to GHS 790
It started with a single video. I spent a day thinking about what my audience really cared about. Then, I filmed, edited, and uploaded a simple, fun, and genuinely helpful clip aimed squarely at Ghanaians interested in buying or trading cryptocurrency. That’s it. But money didn’t just fall into my lap. Here’s precisely how I did it
Choosing a Profitable Niche and Video Topic
The first decision I made was to pick a niche. Most of my followers liked the tips that made their money go further. I saw Ghanaians online asking about affordable places to buy Alipay to pay for goods and services in China. Instead of just providing a list, I demonstrated a “hack” for purchasing Chinese currencies here in Ghana using Mobile Money, making it simple and highly relatable.
What made this niche work?
- Relevance: Ghanaian problems, Ghanaian solutions.
- Trend spotting: I noticed videos about money-saving tips were popping up more, so I tapped in.
- Sponsor appeal: Brands that sell everyday products are always looking for targeted audiences.
If you want to find your winning topic, use the “Three-Check”:
- Is it something you know or can learn fast?
- Does it address a genuine issue for your audience?
- Would a local business (such as food, tech, or fashion) want to pay to reach your viewers?
If your answer is “yes” to all three, you’re on the right track.
Engaging Your Audience for Maximum Reach
A good niche isn’t enough. The way you present it decides whether your video fizzles out or runs wild. Here’s what made my video pop:
- Snappy opening: I hooked viewers in the first two seconds: “See how I buy a week’s food for half price in Accra!”
- Visual storytelling: I mixed quick marketplace shots, voice-over tips, and on-screen prices. This wasn’t just talking. It looked and sounded real.
- Popular music: I used upbeat music that most Ghanaian TikTok users already liked. It kept people’s attention.
- Calls to action: “Comment if you want more tips like this!” I replied to every comment for the first six hours. The more people who posted, the further TikTok pushed my video.
- Hashtags and trending sounds: These helped get my video in front of new eyes.
Every comment, like, and share doubled my reach. That’s how the video went from 1 to almost 9000 views in a short time.
How To Turn Your TikTok Views Into Cash
All the views in the world mean nothing if you can’t turn them into money. Here’s how I earned GHS790 from that single video:
Affiliate Sales:
I mentioned a popular payment platform that accepts cryptocurrency, including Alipay and PayPal funds. I included my affiliate link in my profile (Bio), earning a total of GHS 790 in commissions from those who used my link to sign up.
For a comprehensive overview on how to make money on TikTok, check out Afriex’s TikTok earning strategies for African creators and discover what’s trending now.
Conclusion
Earning GHS790 from TikTok as a Ghanaian wasn’t magic. It was the result of choosing a local topic that mattered, engaging my audience, and using creative ways to monetize. While Ghana’s TikTokers face additional hurdles—such as a lack of a Creator Fund, complex payment options, and the need to be creative with brand deals—it is still possible to make money on TikTok here.
Don’t wait to have a substantial following or the “perfect” camera. Try a niche you care about, keep your audience engaged, and look out for brands and affiliate products that align with your content. Every viral video could be your payday.
If you’re serious about turning TikTok into a source of income, start small, pay attention to what works, and share your results. The next success story could be yours. If you’re ready to make money on TikTok, post your first video, tag me, and let’s support each other’s hustle! Looking for more ways to cash in? Explore these seven practical TikTok ideas for Ghanaians and discover which methods you can implement today.
