TikTok Influencers In Canada Don't Just Make Videos, They Make Bank — Here's How Much
But it's not all roses and royalty checks.
Someone holds up a smartphone with TikTok open on the screen.
Who knew that lip-syncing videos and 15-second dance routines could be more lucrative than a 9-to-5? A recent deep dive into the world of Canadian TikTok influencers found some are earning enough to make the average office worker consider a career change.
The study by Clark Influence surveyed 350 Canadian TikTok content creators with more than 10,000 subscribers each. The results shed light on budding trends and viewpoints, offering a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of Canadian TikTok influencers.
Who are they?
The majority of TikTok influencers surveyed in Canada are women (68%), aged between 18 and 25 years old (52%), and based in Ontario (49%). Most produce content in English (79%) and many have between 10,000 and 50,000 followers (39%).
For just under a third of influencers (31%), TikTok isn't just a hobby, it's their full-time job. They hook viewers with content spanning lifestyle (22%), humour (19%), and beauty/wellness (13%), motivated by a desire to entertain, share knowledge and make money.
According to the study, success on TikTok hinges on authenticity, valued by 65% of influencers. Other key elements include originality (36%), Humour (33%), consistency (28%), commitment to community (18%), and relevance (18%). The joy of content creation is evident, with 85% of creators finding happiness in their work, highlighting the link between passion and success on the platform.
Turning passion into paychecks
For one, the findings show that influencer incomes vary, based factors like follower counts, engagement rates, and the nature of brand collaborations. Some top influencers earnings rival traditional media figures.
Around 3.61% of TikTok influencers are making over $100,000, which shows the upper echelons of success achievable on the platform. Top earners have managed to spin their 15 seconds of fame into serious cash, often by leveraging their large followings for lucrative brand deals.
But not all stars shine with the same intensity. A striking 68.9% of TikTok creators in Canada earn less than $10,000 annually and around 15% don't earn anything at all. The majority of earnings come not from TikTok directly but through viewer donations and brand collaborations.
Companies are increasingly recognizing the value of TikTok's highly engaged audience, leading to more partnership opportunities for creators. Collaborations range from product placements to sponsored content, forming a substantial part of a successful TikTok creator’s income. Exactly half of the collabs on the platform (50%) are with wellness, beauty and fashion brands, followed by food (23%) and tech (13%).
Compensation for creating a sponsored TikTok post typically ranges from $500 to over $1,500. The amount can vary based on the creator's expertise and performance, the specifics of the contract (like the brand involved, timing, level of involvement, and deadline), the exclusivity and rights associated with the content (like reuse and amplification rights), and whether the creator is represented by an agency.
Not all fun and filters
The Clark Influence report highlights the not-so-glamorous side too. Balancing algorithm anxiety and internet trolls is part of the daily grind for TikTok stars.
Influencers also often grapple with maintaining creativity, managing online negativity, and finding a balance between their online persona and personal life. Around 38% of creators reported performance pressure as the most difficult challenge to overcome in their profession. A quarter reported production rate as the send highest challenge, followed by production ideas (10%).
Trending now
Looking ahead, the study anticipates changes in content trends and influencer-brand dynamics. As the platform evolves, so will the strategies of its content creators. The report suggests that adaptability and innovation will be key for long-term success on social platforms.
Three out of five creators believing the public views them positively, and since likes are money, theyll keep banking on popularity. In a TikTok-boosted economy, influencers are turning swipes and smiles into serious business.
