Kenyan content creators will have to wait longer for direct monetization on TikTok, as the platform has only recently initiated discussions with local creators. Despite growing calls from Kenyan creators for social media companies to implement compensation mechanisms for their content, TikTok has yet to roll out direct payment features.
Fortune Sibanda, TikTok’s Director of Government Relations & Public Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa, acknowledged the demand for monetization but indicated that, for now, creators will need to rely on existing methods like gifting and brand partnerships. Sibanda assured that TikTok is actively exploring additional monetization strategies and will provide updates in the future.
Previously, TikTok announced plans to introduce a subscription model, called "Series," in Kenya by June 2024. This feature would allow creators to charge for exclusive content, provided they meet specific criteria such as having at least 10,000 followers and consistent engagement. However, there has been no official word on when this service will be available.
Kenya is one of the top countries for TikTok usage, with 54% of global activity occurring there, according to the 2023 Reuters Institute Digital News Report. The platform is particularly popular among 18 to 24-year-olds, with 44% using it regularly, despite some security concerns. While TikTok remains one of the fastest-growing social networks in Kenya, creators eagerly await the implementation of direct monetization options to better capitalize on their content.
Technology
NATCOMS Urges NCC to Extend NIN-SIM Linkage Deadline Amid Portal Issues and Extortion Concerns
The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to extend the NIN-SIM linkage deadline from September 14 to September 30.
Visa Empowers Safaricom with Payment Facilitator Certificate to Boost Kenya’s Merchant Ecosystem
Visa has awarded Safaricom Plc a Payment Facilitator certificate, marking a pivotal advancement in their partnership.
First Private Spacewalk Achieved by Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis on Polaris Dawn Mission
Today marks a historic milestone as Polaris Dawn Mission Commander Jared Isaacman and Mission Specialist Sarah Gillis became the first individuals to perform a spacewalk on a private mission.
Apple Unveils Thinner, Brighter Apple Watch Series 10 with Sleep Apnea Detection
Apple has just announced the latest iteration of its popular smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 10.
OPay to Introduce N50 Stamp Duty on Transactions Over N10,000
OPay, a leading financial technology firm in Nigeria, has announced plans to implement a N50 stamp duty fee on transactions of N10,000 and above starting from Monday, September 9, 2024.
Historic AI Treaty Open for Signing by Global Powers to Ensure Responsible Innovation
The first legally binding international treaty on artificial intelligence (AI) is set to open for signing on Thursday by countries that helped negotiate it, including EU members, the United States, and the United Kingdom, the Council of Europe has announced.
Kaduna State Inks Smart City Deal with Huawei, Aims to Become Tech Hub of Nigeria
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has revealed that the state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Huawei Technologies Company, Nigeria Limited, for the implementation of the Kaduna State Smart City Project.
X TV: A New Video Platform from the Controversial Twitter Owner Arrives on Streaming Devices
If you've been eagerly awaiting a video-centric app from the platform now known as X, once hailed as the "world's town square," X TV might be just what you’ve been waiting for.
Kenyan E-Commerce Startup Chpter Secures $1.2 Million in Pre-Seed Funding to Expand AI-Powered Platform Across Africa
Kenyan e-commerce startup Chpter has successfully raised $1.2 million (Ksh.155 million) in its pre-seed funding round, as the company prepares to expand its AI-powered commerce platform to more African markets.
X (Twitter) Banned in Brazil for Failing to Meet Legal Requirements
X, formerly known as Twitter, has been banned in Brazil after failing to meet a deadline set by a Supreme Court judge to name a new legal representative in the country.
California Passes Controversial AI Regulation Bill Amid Worries of Stifling Innovation
A significant bill to regulate advanced AI models has cleared California's legislature, despite growing concerns that it could hinder the very innovation it seeks to control.
Australian Man Sentenced to 17 Years in One of History's Worst Global Sextortion Cases
In a disturbing case, a 29-year-old Australian man, Muhammad Zain Ul Abideen Rasheed, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for orchestrating what authorities are calling "one of the worst sextortion cases in history." Rasheed pleaded guilty to 119 charges involving 286 victims, the majority of whom were children under the age of 16.
Government Officers Urged to Prioritize Data Security, Huawei offers training
Government officers have been urged to prioritize the security of records and data accessible via the internet, as cyber threats become more sophisticated with the adoption of technology in service delivery.
Flutterwave Expands Footprint in Africa, Secures Payment License in Uganda
In a significant move, the leading African fintech company Flutterwave has announced that it has secured a Payment Systems Operator (PSO) license from the Bank of Uganda, allowing it to deepen its operations and support payments across the continent.
Zuckerberg Reveals Biden’s Pressure on Meta to Censor COVID-19 Content, Admits Moderation Mistakes
Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, addressed the company's controversial role in moderating COVID-19-related content during the pandemic in a statement released on Monday, August 26, 2024.