In today’s digital age, TikTok and Instagram are no longer just platforms for entertainment—they’ve become powerful tools for earning money. Whether you’re a student, content creator, entrepreneur, or just someone looking for a side income, these platforms offer real opportunities to generate revenue if you use them correctly.
This guide breaks down practical, tested, and beginner-friendly methods to start making money on TikTok and Instagram in 2025.
Why TikTok and Instagram?
Both platforms have huge, active user bases:
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TikTok has over 1 billion monthly active users.
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Instagram has over 2 billion users with strong monetization tools.
They’re both highly visual and allow for organic growth, meaning you don’t need to spend money on ads to go viral or reach new people. Let’s dive into how you can start monetizing your content effectively.
1. Affiliate Marketing
What It Is:
Affiliate marketing involves promoting a product or service using a special link. When someone clicks and makes a purchase, you earn a commission.
How To Start:
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Join affiliate programs (most are free to join):
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Amazon Associates
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Digistore24
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ShareASale
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Choose a product relevant to your niche (e.g., fashion, tech, finance).
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Share your affiliate link in your bio (Instagram/TikTok).
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Create engaging content explaining or reviewing the product.
💡 Pro Tip: Use tools like Linktree or Beacons to organize and display multiple affiliate links in your bio.
2. Sponsored Posts and Brand Deals
What It Is:
Brands pay you to promote their products or services on your account.
Requirements:
You don’t need millions of followers—5,000+ followers with good engagement can get you started. The key is having niche-focused, consistent content.
How To Get Brand Deals:
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Join influencer marketplaces like:
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Collabstr
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AspireIQ
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Influencer.co
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Reach out directly to brands via email or DMs.
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Create a simple media kit with your niche, follower count, and engagement rate.
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Post content showing how you use a brand’s product authentically.
3. Sell Your Own Products or Services
TikTok and Instagram are perfect platforms to promote and sell your own products, digital or physical.
Ideas:
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Digital products: eBooks, Canva templates, guides, presets.
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Services: Coaching, makeup, fitness training, and graphic design.
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Physical products: Handmade items, clothing, art, and dropshipping products.
How:
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Use Reels and TikTok videos to showcase your products.
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Share behind-the-scenes, how-to guides, or customer reviews.
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Include a strong call to action like “DM to order” or “Link in bio to buy.”
4. Use Built-In Monetization Tools
Both TikTok and Instagram reward creators for great content with direct monetization options.
TikTok:
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TikTok Creator Fund (available in select regions).
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TikTok Creativity Program for longer videos.
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TikTok Shop (sell directly through your profile).
Instagram:
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Reels Bonus (invite-only).
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Subscriptions (offer exclusive content to paying followers).
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Badges during Instagram Live sessions.
💡 Note: These features require you to meet platform-specific eligibility criteria like minimum followers or consistent content.
5. Live Gifts and Tips
Live streaming allows your followers to support you financially through virtual gifts or tips.
TikTok:
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Go Live and receive virtual gifts, which are redeemable for cash.
Instagram:
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Use the Badges feature during Lives—followers buy badges to show support.
To Succeed With Live Videos:
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Go live at least once or twice per week.
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Host interactive sessions (Q&A, tutorials, challenges).
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Let your audience know your live schedule in advance.
6. Content Licensing or UGC (User-Generated Content)
If you’re good at content creation but don’t want to be an influencer, you can create content for brands as a UGC creator.
How to Make Money:
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Brands buy your content to use in their ads.
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You don’t need followers—just quality content.
Where To Find Jobs:
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Fiverr (search for “UGC Creator”)
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Upwork
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UGC Facebook Groups or Discord communities
7. Tips for TikTok & Instagram Success in Nigeria (or Anywhere)
To grow and monetize effectively:
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Be consistent: Aim for 3–5 quality posts per week.
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Use trends: Hop on trending sounds, challenges, or hashtags.
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Engage: Respond to comments, follow others in your niche, and do collabs.
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Invest in content quality: Use good lighting and clear audio.
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Study competitors: Learn what works by observing top creators in your niche.
Final Thoughts: Start Now, Grow Over Time
Learning how to make money using TikTok and Instagram is easier than ever in 2025. You don’t need a million followers or fancy equipment. All you need is a clear niche, valuable content, and the consistency to show up daily.
Start with one method—like affiliate marketing or live streams—and expand from there. Every post, every Reel, every story gets you one step closer to financial freedom.