How To Make Money on TikTok in Uganda – Tips for Ugandan Content Creators

TikTok is the second most-used social media platform in Uganda after WhatsApp, and one of the few where you can actually earn a living. Having observed many misleading posts claiming to teach you how to make money on the app, some looking for views, let’s use this article to give you a practical MunaUganda approach to earning on TikTok, even with only 1,000 followers.

#1.  TikTok Monetisation in Uganda
You can earn money from TikTok in two main ways. First, through TikTok monetisation, where the platform shares part of the revenue generated from your content under the Content Rewards Program (formerly the Creator Fund). However, this programme is only available in a few countries, including the USA, UK, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and Mexico.

This leaves Ugandan creators out, although some get around it by having their accounts created in one of the supported countries, which they then use from Uganda. Even when posting from Uganda, a TikTok account set up through a relative or friend in the USA still has access to monetisation privileges such as Creator Rewards, TikTok Subscription, where fans pay recurring monthly fees for exclusive content and features, TikTok Series, where followers pay a one-time fee to watch a series of videos, and Live Gifts, where viewers send virtual currency that creators redeem for real money.

In reality, TikTok monetisation remains difficult for many creators in Uganda. It requires a large and consistently active audience of at least 100K followers, with each video pulling in at least 50K views to earn a reasonable payout based on RPM. Making things even more challenging, monetised accounts are subject to strict content rules, which restrict popular Ugandan topics such as adult-themed discussions, politics, and other controversial subjects. These limitations make TikTok monetisation in Uganda an uphill battle, even with an eligible account.

#2. The Ugandan Way of Making Money on TikTok
The second approach to making money on TikTok is far more accessible because it doesn’t depend on TikTok monetisation. Instead, you leverage your content and following to attract people who are willing to pay for the attention your account commands.

Growing and Selling TikTok Accounts in Uganda
Some creators are gifted at building accounts from scratch, posting engaging videos and growing TikTok accounts to over 100K followers in just a month or two. Brands, businesses, and even musicians often buy such ready-made accounts to save time. This can become a profitable business if you manage several accounts simultaneously.

A creator who built accounts by sharing movie clips recently sold one with 123K followers for UGX 900,000, noting it could have sold for more if not for the urgent financial need. Buyers change usernames and account details, adjust the following list, remove posts that contradict their brand while posting new content. For someone who can grow numbers quickly, this is a solid side hustle.

Brand Collaborations for TikTok Content Creators in Uganda
While working with major brands like Airtel or MTN Uganda can be tricky, as they expect a specific content style, a large audience, and sometimes personal connections, you can still earn in the early stages. Even with just 1,000 to 5,000 views per video, local businesses and campaigns value your reach and may pay for mentions, referrals, or featuring their branded products in your videos.

For example, creators making fun or helpful content around grocery shopping can secure deals with local supermarkets or emerging stores/shops trading related products. The Ugandan creator I can think of is Kisfra Ug, whose content consistently combines cooking local food with humorous commentary. At the time of this writing, he has over 103K followers and an average of 100K views per video on TikTok. Kisfra has collaborated with brands like Royco, Tableside Tales Restaurant, TBIA Kitchen Mart, and even some car-related businesses that tap into his audience. He earns while still growing his audience for even bigger deals in the future.

Every niche has its earning potential. Review phones, and Kampala’s gadget shops take notice. Explore adult-themed conversations, and bars and dating apps come knocking. Love dancing and good at it? Music artists and brands will want your moves to carry their songs or products. Whenever your content attracts attention, there’s always someone ready to pay to tap into your audience.

This approach is currently the most reliable way to make money from TikTok in countries like Uganda, where monetisation isn’t available. Imagine growing your account from 1,000 followers while generating an income.

#3. Using the Burst App
Beyond growing accounts and brand collaborations, there’s another option for Ugandan creators to monetise their TikTok content: using third-party platforms. One popular choice is the Burst App, where you link your TikTok account, find brand campaigns such as Jumia…, create TikTok videos around them, and get paid based on views. While some creators have raised complaints about the app, it can still be a worthwhile option.

@kisfraug Hi guysss, let’s try out these saucepans from @TBiA kitchen mart.                                              .. #tiktokuganda #fyp #viralvideos #food #cookingcontent ♬ original sound – KISFRA