If you’re serious about turning content creation into income, you need three things: platform eligibility, clear monetization paths, and realistic revenue expectations. Below is a country-by-country, platform-by-platform guide—packed with up-to-date rules, requirements, and verified earning examples—so you can build, monetize, and scale from any part of the world.
The Big 3 Monetization Pillars
First, there is ad revenue sharing, which includes YouTube’s YouTube Partner Program (YPP), Facebook In-stream/Ads on Reels, and TikTok’s Creator or Rewards programs where available. Second, fan funding offers income through YouTube Memberships or Super Chat, Facebook Stars (valued at $0.01 per Star), and Instagram Subscriptions in eligible regions. Third, commerce and brand deals allow creators to earn through affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and social commerce features such as TikTok Shop or Instagram collaborations.
YouTube
YouTube’s Partner Program is available in Nigeria, India, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, and many more. The expanded eligibility criteria require 500 subscribers, three valid public uploads, and either 3,000 watch hours in the past 12 months or 3 million Shorts views in the last 90 days. Entry-level monetization unlocks early, with full modules such as ad revenue share (55% on long-form videos, 45% on Shorts) available as you grow. Payments are processed through AdSense on a monthly cycle, typically between the 21st and 26th of each month, with US tax forms required for all creators. Earnings vary widely, but creators in high-CPM niches with Western audiences can earn between $3,400 and $40,000 per million views, while mid-range payouts are often $2,000–$3,000 per million views.
Facebook & Instagram (Meta)
Meta offers monetization through Facebook Stars, where each Star is worth $0.01, and Ads on Reels. In July 2024, monetization became available for creators in Nigeria and Ghana. Instagram Subscriptions allow monthly fan support and are available in many countries including India, South Africa, and Ghana. Payouts are made via bank transfer or PayPal, depending on the region.
TikTok
In India, TikTok has been banned since June 29, 2020, so creators focus on YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels. In other countries like Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and Morocco, TikTok offers monetization through its Creator Rewards Program, which requires 10,000 followers and 100,000 views in the last 30 days. Many TikTokers earn more through brand deals, LIVE gifts, and Shop affiliate commissions than from platform ad revenue.
Country-by-Country Guidance
In Nigeria, YouTube’s YPP and Meta monetization programs are active, with AdSense paying directly to local bank accounts. TikTok is also fully available. In India, YouTube remains strong, Instagram Subscriptions are active, and TikTok is unavailable. In South Africa, YPP and Meta monetization are accessible, with typical YouTube payouts ranging from $0.50 to $3 per thousand views. Ghana saw Facebook monetization expand in 2024 and has access to Instagram Subscriptions. Morocco enjoys YPP availability and Meta features where eligible, along with TikTok Rewards in supported areas.
Payments and Taxes
YouTube pays via AdSense once you meet the payment threshold, typically $100 or its equivalent. Meta’s payouts occur through bank transfer or PayPal, with Stars converting at a rate of 100 Stars to $1. Non-U.S. creators must submit W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E forms to avoid unnecessary withholding on U.S. viewer revenue.
Earnings in Practice
On YouTube, mid-range payouts average $2,000 to $3,000 per million views, with high-performing niches reaching $40,000. Shorts revenue is shared from a creator pool at a 45% rate, while TikTok income often comes more from external deals than internal ad shares. Facebook Stars provide a predictable $0.01 per Star, though many creators combine this with sponsorships.
Conclusion
Content creation can provide predictable income when approached strategically. Focus on meeting eligibility thresholds, activating all available monetization features, diversifying revenue streams, and maintaining consistent content quality. Whether in Nigeria, India, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, or elsewhere, the combination of ad share, fan funding, and brand collaborations forms the foundation for long-term success.
