YouTube, TikTok, Other Top Online Money Making Avenues In 2023, Lessons For 2024

The monetisation of Twitter is one of the trendy online revenue streams embraced by Kenyans in 2023
Through drop shipping, Kenyans have been able to sell different products without owning a physical business premises
Although there were petitions in parliament to ban TikTok live-streaming features in Kenya, it remained a top income stream for many content creators

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Elijah Ntongai, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, leverages more than three years of expertise in financial, business, and technology research, providing profound insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

In 2023, Kenyans embraced the vast opportunities presented by the development of online spaces.

From the monetisation of Twitter to the burgeoning popularity of TikTok live-streaming, YouTube content creation, online stores, and a myriad of freelance gigs, Kenyans have proven that the internet is not just a space for connection but a thriving marketplace.

1. Twitter monetisation

One of the standout trends of 2023 was the monetisation of X (formerly Twitter), and Kenyans, like many others globally, harnessed the power of their tweets to generate income.

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A Kenyan who wished to remain anonymous told TUKO.co.ke that Twitter will get even more significant for Kenyans, stating that he has already earned three times a month in a row.

"I will not tell you how much I earned, but I can tell you that my earnings have increased every month, and I am sure they will keep increasing. At the moment, I am getting deals to market products on my timeline, and it will get better," said the Kenyan earning on X.

2. Dropshipping and marketing

Dropshipping is a business model that allows you to sell products online without owning or operating the physical location where those products are stored and processed.

Many market jewellery and accessories, clothes, shoes, electronics, and other materials on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, TikTok, and other social platforms.

TUKO.co.ke reached out to Kate, a businesswoman who has been dropshipping in 2023.

"My friend introduced me to this business when I got out of campus, and I couldn't get a job. Now I sell watches, suits, shoes, kid's clothes, and anything I want. I just get pictures, post, sell, and make my profit.

The good thing is that I don't need much capital, and I don't need to pay rent. I just need to be a good salesperson. Now this is my side hustle, and I get KSh 10,000 to KSh 15,000 a month," Kate told TUKO.co.ke.

3. TikTok live-streaming

This is one of the earliest ways in which Kenyans started making money on social media, and although there were petitions in parliament to ban TikTok livestreaming features in Kenya, different resolutions were reached.

Consequently, Kenyan content creators have earned big on TikTok through donations, growing and selling accounts, managing brand accounts, running ad campaigns, selling products, and brand sponsorships.

4. YouTube content

YouTube channels are the new thing for Kenyans, with all types of content posted on the platform to woo viewers.

There has been a proliferation of YouTube content on couples, relationships, shopping, political commentary, skills learning, travelling, Vlogs, and many other types of videos.

Consequently, YouTube has been a substantial revenue source for many content creators, with claims that Kenyans are making between KSh 100 and KSh 200 for 1000 views.

5. Other online gigs

Beyond the glitz of social media, many Kenyans found financial success in more traditional online gigs.

Freelance writing and transcription services became sought-after skills, providing individuals with a flexible and remote means of earning income.

Online platforms connecting freelancers with clients globally became the bridge for Kenyans to earn through projects such as research, graphics design, SEO content creation, AI training tasks and many other tasks.

As we look forward to 2024, the digital frontier continues to expand, offering boundless opportunities for those willing to explore and innovate.