It's a common perception that influencers are cashing in, especially as they often showcase sponsored products on their platforms. But what is the rea
It’s a common perception that influencers are cashing in, especially as they often showcase sponsored products on their platforms. But what is the reality behind their earnings? In a video posted on April 20 by HeyKaki, three TikTok influencers—Tan Jie Hao, Cavin Chua Kar Shin, and Ong Yi Ting—discussed the challenges of their profession and why they believe their earnings are justified.
During the conversation, host Xi Ying revealed insights from a survey conducted with 300 youths, where approximately 27.8% estimated that influencers earn between $4,000 and $6,000 a month. Notably, 21% believed the figure could rise to $6,000 to $8,000, while 13.2% thought it could reach $8,000 to $10,000. Some respondents even speculated that influencers could make more than $10,000 a month.
Chua, who creates dance and satirical content as Cayydences, humorously dodged the question about their actual earnings, while Ong, known for her Hokkien videos on Lashyoyt, explained the evolving advertising landscape. She noted that traditional ad budgets used to be between $40,000 and $50,000 but now, influencers handle everything—from ideation and filming to editing and posting—on their own. “We deserve what we’re paid,” she asserted.
Chua emphasized the time it takes to build a following, explaining that companies typically reach out only after influencers establish audience engagement, which requires considerable effort. He also mentioned the taxing nature of client interactions, where lengthy discussions sometimes lead to clients dropping projects without payment.
Tan, who posts comedic skits under the username Dysfunc_t, highlighted the lack of transparency in influencer pricing. He explained that offers can vary widely; some clients propose specific rates while others suggest barter arrangements. Chua added that there are also periods when they earn nothing, revealing, “Some months, we earn zero dollars.”
The conversation took a turn when Chua shared his experience with a scam, recounting an incident where a client wanted him to promote clothing that was allegedly held up in customs. He was nearly duped into paying $300 to retrieve the items before a friend intervened.
Influencers are classified into tiers based on their following, according to SEO agency Firstpage. Micro-influencers, with 10,000 to 100,000 followers, can earn between $50 to $500 per sponsored post, while macro-influencers, who typically have 100,000 to 1 million followers, can make between $500 and $10,000 per post. Mega-influencers, often celebrities, can earn as much as $30,000 for a single post. However, these figures are averages, and actual earnings can vary significantly based on numerous factors.
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