So there I was, minding my own business scrolling through my TikTok feed, when I realized I’d spent an entire hour of my life watching mindless videos. A whole hour, with little to show for it (except maybe a few beauty products, a new top, and … I was today years old when I realized I may have a bit of a TikTok problem). Anyone else … anyone?
It’s been around for a couple years, but in 2021 the social platform really skyrocketed in popularity. TikTok’s essentially a video sharing platform that spans an endless variety of content, like music, hobbies, travel, fitness and more. Gen-Zers are the main audience, with us old fogies in the 20 to 30-something range following close behind. With more than 1 billion monthly active users with seemingly all sorts of time to kill, it’s the perfect place to get a bunch of eyeballs on what you’re creating — or selling.
Need a waterproof phone case for your shower? Look on TikTok (but know that I’m 100% judging the fact that you even need to take your phone with you in the shower). How about Cat Crack catnip for your favorite furry friend? Yup — TikTok. Amidst the unending plethora of useless novelties, there’s actually a whole market for crafters, makers and brands to tap into. From what I hear, it can be quite lucrative, so naturally I found myself down another TikTok rabbit hole to find out how.
If you’re a dynamite content creator — first of all, come work with us at IHMVCU because we’re always looking for the best local talent — check out three ways to cash in on the TikTok trend.
Use the TikTok ads platform
Similar to other social media, you can run paid ads through TikTok. This is a great way to target your niche audience and start to cultivate a following that could potentially lead to sales. Just remember to keep it entertaining and authentic — younger users will see right through traditional ads and lose interest.
Go live
Before you use the livestream feature, you’ll have to have at least 1,000 followers. Once you’ve reached that milestone, you can get to the business of making money! Here’s how it works: Through their individual profiles, TikTok users can purchase something called coins (as an example, 100 coins costs $1.39). As a creator, when you go Live with a piece of content your followers can send you these virtual coins, which you can turn into “diamonds” and convert to cold hard cash. So not only are you likely promoting whatever it is you’re selling, you’re also doubling up by potentially getting coins from your fans. Pretty cool, huh?
Partner with influencers
Influencers have a large following, so finding one in your niche will get your product in front of a much bigger audience than you might currently have access to. You can find influencers by searching keywords that relate to your industry or, once your account qualifies to join the Creator Marketplace (meaning you have at least 100K followers), you can get connected with the best influencers in your niche.