How many minutes do you spend on TikTok each day?
It’s no secret that people are addicted to TikTok. Statistics show that around 37% of teens spend more than five hours on the app each day.
That’s a lot of time. Now imagine this: instead of mindlessly scrolling through your fyp (that stands for ‘For You Page’, and if you didn’t know that, you should probably brush up on your TikTok lingo), you’re actually making money on the app.
Here’s how to turn your hobby into a TikTok side hustle:
- Find a Hobby
If you already have something you’re good at and you love doing, great! But you can also start a hobby before you’re ready to sell your product or skills to users on TikTok.
Post your first attempts at painting a picture or creating an exam care package online and start engaging with users. When you reach the right audience, users may even offer to buy your product before you’re ready to start selling.
And you don’t even need a website or a big online following — you just need to learn how to reach the right audience on the app.
Here are some ideas of hobbies you may be able to showcase on TikTok that could turn side hustles and eventually big brands:
- Art and design: Are you someone who can draw, create art, or has a really neat handwriting? You could showcase your artwork on TikTok or start a letter-writing business if you know how to do basic calligraphy.
- Personalized gifts and exam care packages: With everyone’s busy schedules, offering a gifting service can be a game-changer.
Imagine providing thoughtfully curated packages, like the trending exam care packages, that people can personalize and send anywhere in South Africa.
This side hustle not only reduces stress for your customers but also has the potential to earn a steady income.
- DIY and crafts: Do you love making gifts for others? Show your followers how you make cards, book bouquets, and cute crocheted items. Sooner or later someone will want to buy them.
- Fitness and sports: FitTok can be a great place to showcase your incredible fitness skills or document your journey to getting healthier.
Show users your transformation and then offer tips and tricks on how they can also achieve success. Sooner or later, you’ll be able to create your own fitness eBook to sell online.
- Cooking and baking: Whether you’re learning to cook during the holidays and want to document your journey on TikTok, or you’ve pretty much a pro who’s learnt everything by watching your mom cook, share your recipes on TikTok.
And when you’re ready, the next step could be a trendy pop-up shop in a store in your area.
Once you’ve decided on a hobby you can market, here’s the next step.
- Learn How to Use Creator Search Insights
This tool has made it super easy for content creators on TikTok to grow their audience and find content gaps they can fill on the app.
You can read through the support page on how to use this tool or simply enter ‘How to use creator search insights’ into TikTok.
This search will take you to videos of other creators offering quick explanations of how to create quality content that will help you reach your desired audience on TikTok so that your products or services reach people willing to pay for them.
- Post consistently and engage with other users
TikTok rewards users who are active on the app. This means liking other people’s posts (be sure to watch the video all the way through!), and commenting, favouriting, and reposting content that aligns with you and your brand.
You also need to update your status daily and post thoughtful content using TikTok’s built-in creator search insights tool we mentioned above.
Your content is more likely to appear on the right users’ fyps when you’re active on the app and you keep learning tips and tricks from other successful creators.
How long does it take to create a TikTok side hustle?
You won’t become a Charlie D’Amelio or an Addison Rae overnight, but with consistent effort and creativity, you can certainly carve out your own niche on TikTok.
Start by sharing content that you’re passionate about and connecting with an audience that shares your interests.
Every great journey begins with those first few uncertain steps, so why not take yours today? Dive into the world of TikTok and turn your passion into a thriving side hustle!
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