How can I monetize a TikTok account when my country isn't eligible for video monetization?
I started a TikTok account less than a month ago mostly for fun and as an experiment.
I was testing an automation workflow I built with OpenClaw. Basically, I send it a story script and it handles most of the production process automatically, then sends me back the final edited video ready to post.
The content is short horror/folklore stories.
I didn't expect much from it, but the account has grown much faster than I expected: Around 2M views, 103K likes, 8.4K followers, Brand new account and Less than one month old
Now I'm starting to think there might actually be a business opportunity here.
The problem is that I'm in Cambodia, and TikTok's main video monetization programs aren't available here. From what I can see, the monetization options available to me are mainly subscriptions and gifts.
I don't think subscriptions or gifts will work particularly well with my audience. Most viewers are local Khmer users, and I don't expect many of them to pay monthly subscriptions or regularly send gifts.
So I'm curious what people here would do in this situation.
For creators in non-eligible countries, what monetization methods have actually worked for you?
I'm considering things like sponsorships, local brand deals, cross positings... something around the audience outside TikTok.
I'm especially interested in approaches that work when your audience is mostly from a lower-ARPU country rather than the US/Europe.
I know 8.4K followers isn't huge, but the growth and engagement made me think I should probably figure this out early. TIA for your advices