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Here’s What the Top SA TikTok Stars Are Earning in 2025

Published

2 months ago

June 30, 2025

Chiraag

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Inside the flashy world of local influencers and what they’re really banking from the app

TikTok may have started as a Gen Z dance hub, but in South Africa, it has evolved into much more – a launchpad for real careers, lucrative brand deals, and, in some cases, multi-million-rand empires. From comedy creators to Christian influencers, South African TikTokers have transformed short-form video into a full-time hustle – and in 2025, the money on the table is higher than ever.

But how much are the top SA TikTok stars actually earning? While exact figures are often kept private, here’s what we know: the biggest creators are raking in serious cash, and it’s not just from TikTok itself.

Let’s break down where the money really comes from – and which local creators are leading the pack.

Also read: How Much Does a South African Pilot, Doctor, and Architect Earn in 2025?

The New Rules of Getting Paid on TikTok

Unlike YouTube or traditional TV, TikTok doesn’t have a single, straightforward payment model. Most South African influencers earn through a mix of revenue streams:

Sponsored content – High-performing creators can earn R10,000 or more for a single branded post, depending on reach and engagement.
Brand ambassadorships – Popular names often sign ongoing deals with brands like Shein, Coca-Cola, Chery, and Mr Price.
Live streaming – Fans send digital gifts during livestreams, which creators can convert into real cash.
The Creator Fund – Where available, this pays based on views and engagement, though it’s not yet a primary income source in South Africa.
Cross-platform gigs – Many creators now host events, appear in TV shows, or expand into traditional media.

How much they earn depends on several key factors: follower count, average views, content quality, engagement, and niche. Broadly speaking:

Micro influencers (10k–50k followers) typically earn between R2,700 and R9,000 per branded post.
Mid-tier creators (50k–500k) earn from R9,000 up to R90,000 per post.
Macro influencers (500k–1 million) can fetch between R90,000 and R180,000.
Mega influencers (1 million or more) often earn R180,000 or more per post, with additional income from appearances, campaigns, and livestreams.

Image 1: Google Play

Meet the South African Creators Cashing In

Wian van den Berg – 20 million+ followers
Arguably South Africa’s biggest TikTok export, Wian built his following with slick magic tricks and light-hearted pranks. In 2025, he’s not just a creator but a full-blown brand strategist and consultant, helping others grow their digital presence while still working with global names.

Sphokuhle N – 4.9 million followers
Bubbly, stylish, and deeply relatable, Sphokuhle has collaborated with Shein, Coca-Cola, and Chery – balancing brand deals with content rooted in Christian faith, beauty, and dance. She’s also broken into television and continues to grow her presence across platforms.

Moghelingz (Banele Ndaba) – 2.8 million followers
Blending viral humour with heartfelt social commentary, Moghelingz has carved out a space that spans digital and traditional media. With acting credits on Netflix and SABC2, their brand has grown beyond TikTok while continuing to deliver high-value campaigns.

Keegan Gordon (BigmanKG) – 4.5 million followers across platforms
Keegan’s content focuses on random acts of kindness, uplifting messages, and feel-good stories. His approach has attracted brands focused on impact and community-building – a growing priority in 2025’s purpose-led marketing space.

Tyla – Millions of likes, global fan base
Though best known as a recording artist, Tyla expertly uses TikTok to connect with fans, tease new releases, and share behind-the-scenes moments. Her social strategy has helped fuel her rapid rise in music, both at home and internationally.

So… Can You Actually Get Rich on SA TikTok?

Yes – but it’s not as simple as going viral once. South Africa’s top TikTokers in 2025 are digital entrepreneurs. They manage content calendars, brand relationships, and multiple revenue streams. TikTok is often just the starting point – the real money comes from visibility, reliability, and building trust with an audience.

Brands are increasingly prioritising creators who are plugged into their communities and culture. That gives South African influencers a huge edge – especially those who can blend entertainment with authenticity.

Cultural Impact & What’s Next

Today’s SA TikTokers aren’t just entertainers – they’re influencers in the truest sense: trendsetters, social commentators, and, in some cases, role models. Whether it’s spreading joy, teaching through comedy, or celebrating faith and family, these creators are helping define what it means to be a public figure in Mzansi.

And while they might not be publishing their pay slips anytime soon, one thing is certain: the top TikTokers of 2025 are building something much bigger than content. They’re building influence – one scroll at a time.