Social media has become a powerful tool for students in Nigeria to earn money online, especially through platforms like TikTok and YouTube. With the right strategy, consistency, and creativity, students can monetize their content and turn their online presence into a profitable venture. This guide will walk you through how to make money on TikTok and YouTube in Nigeria as a student without needing huge capital.
Why Choose TikTok and YouTube?
Both TikTok and YouTube provide excellent opportunities to generate revenue through content creation. Here’s why:
- TikTok has a massive user base, making it easy to go viral and attract engagement.
- YouTube rewards creators through ad revenue, sponsorships, and memberships.
- Both platforms allow creators to monetize their skills, talents, and knowledge with minimal investment.
How to Make Money on TikTok in Nigeria
1. Join the TikTok Creator Fund
Although TikTok’s Creator Fund is not yet available in Nigeria, you can use a VPN to apply if you meet these requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have at least 10,000 followers.
- Accumulate 100,000 video views in the last 30 days.
2. Earn Through TikTok LIVE Gifts
Going live on TikTok allows your followers to send you virtual gifts, which can be converted into real money. Engage your audience with entertaining or educational live sessions to boost your earnings.
3. Brand Sponsorships & Paid Promotions
Brands are looking for influencers to promote their products. With a solid audience, you can collaborate with brands and earn through sponsored posts.
4. Affiliate Marketing on TikTok
Sign up for affiliate programs, such as Jumia Affiliate or Amazon Associates, and promote products in your TikTok videos. You earn a commission for every sale made through your referral links.
5. Sell Your Own Products or Services
If you have a skill or a product to sell, TikTok is a great place to showcase it. You can sell digital products, courses, handmade crafts, or clothing using TikTok Shop.
How to Make Money on YouTube in Nigeria
1. Join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)
To start earning ad revenue on YouTube, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have at least 1,000 subscribers.
- Accumulate 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months or 10 million YouTube Shorts views in the last 90 days.
- Link an AdSense account to receive payments.
2. Earn from YouTube Shorts Fund
YouTube rewards creators for short-form content through the YouTube Shorts Fund. Create engaging short videos to increase your chances of getting paid.
3. Affiliate Marketing on YouTube
Promote products and services in your video descriptions with affiliate links. Each time someone makes a purchase using your link, you earn a commission.
4. Sponsorships and Brand Deals
If your channel has a dedicated audience, brands will pay you to feature their products or services in your videos. Reach out to companies or register on influencer marketing platforms like Upfluence or FameBit.
5. Sell Digital Products & Courses
You can sell your ebooks, courses, or templates through your YouTube channel. If you have expertise in a field, package your knowledge into a course and sell it via platforms like Udemy or Teachable.
6. YouTube Memberships & Super Chats
Once you qualify, you can enable channel memberships, allowing your subscribers to pay a monthly fee for exclusive content. Also, when you go live, fans can send you money via Super Chats.
Tips to Succeed on TikTok and YouTube as a Student
- Be Consistent: Post regularly to keep your audience engaged.
- Create High-Quality Content: Use a good phone camera and proper lighting.
- Engage With Your Audience: Respond to comments and messages.
- Follow Trends: Use trending hashtags and sounds to increase visibility.
- Optimize Your Content: Use SEO-friendly titles, descriptions, and tags.
Making money on TikTok and YouTube in Nigeria as a student is possible with the right approach. Whether through ad revenue, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, or selling products, you can turn your content into a steady income stream. Start today, stay consistent, and watch your online brand grow!

