Ban-facing TikTok a cash cow for TN youngsters

From earning a monthly income to establishing themselves as actors, there are many who make more through their TikTok popularity than even white-collared workers.

“Depending upon the number of followers you have, and the frequency of your posts, you can easily make between $200 to $1000 per month,” said Nagma Nasser, popularly known as @thatmalluchick to her 4,09,6000 followers on TikTok. “Influencers like myself are taken up on a payroll by TikTok and offered customised pay packages based on our follower base,” she said.

TikTok powers users above 13 years of age to sign up and post quirky 15-second videos on the platform. Videos that largely range from lip-syncs of funny one-liners, viral dance steps to famous songs and adventurous stunts are huge hits on the platform.

“I made a career out of it,” claimed Mirnalini Ravi (23), who became an internet celebrity through the app. She has 4,75,5000 followers on TikTok alone. “I just posted videos for fun, but they became viral. As my followers started building up, many brands like Sound Logic headphones, Mobiistar mobile started making deals with me to promote their products through the reach I have. The deals are usually bartered ones, or some brands pay me money. I don’t negotiate, I’m happy with what they offer,” she said.

Pragathi Joy (18), studying to clear her medical entrance examinations, said, “I have 4,26,6000 followers on TikTok but I don’t want to monetise from this yet as I’m focusing on my exams. Once I clear them, I will think of getting on board with collaborators.”

Commenting on the trend, Isha Gupta, a social media expert who has worked with Scoopwhoop, said, “TikTok has the mass audience in its grip. Everyone – from auto drivers, construction workers to teens in the city – use the app. So brands like Fruity, Maaza that want to capture the interest of the masses pay influencers hefty sums for promotions.”