“Maybe I’m the Only One Who Didn’t Know”: Johannesburg Woman Shows How She Made R5k With Facebook
- A Johannesburg content creator shared how she made R5,000 in one month on Facebook
- She explained that she didn't know Facebook pays for views in South Africa since TikTok doesn't
- South Africans had mixed reactions, with some making similar amounts and others struggling to get followers
- Briefly News spoke to entrepreneur Rajesperi Naidoo regarding why people shouldn't expect to get rich quickly from creating content online
Source: TikTok
A Johannesburg content creator got people talking after she shared how she made money on Facebook. TikTok user @thecitymakoti posted a video on 12 October 2025 explaining that she made R5,000 last month on the platform. She said some people might already know that Meta pays users, but she didn't. She assumed many people knew because she's seen others getting paid on Facebook.
She explained that in South Africa, TikTok doesn't pay users for their views as it does in other countries overseas. However, Facebook does pay South African users. She only found out about this six weeks ago and started posting on Facebook. After getting monetised, all she does is take her TikTok videos and post them on Facebook. She also linked her Instagram to her Facebook, so everything she posts on Instagram stories and pictures automatically posts on her Facebook page.
In just one month, she made R5,000. She said maybe some people already know this, maybe everyone knows, or maybe she's the only person who didn't know. But for anyone who didn't know, now they do.
How Facebook monetisation works?
According to Facebook, monetisation can help you earn money in ways that make sense for you, your audience and your content. To ensure the best experience for creators, advertisers and people who use Meta technologies, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria. You can check your eligibility in Meta Business Suite for technologies such as in-stream ads, Stars, Brand Collabs Manager and Subscriptions.
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To check your monetisation eligibility for Facebook content, go to Meta Business Suite, select the page you want to check and click the monetisation tab. For Instagram, check your account status in your settings. Creators need to follow all monetisation policies to make money from their content on Facebook and Instagram. These policies protect people using Meta technologies and help ensure a positive experience for everyone.
Speaking to Briefly News writer, Nerissa Naidoo, entrepreneur Rajesperi Naidoo discussed why people shouldn’t expect to get rich quickly from creating content online. She stated:
"Many people see content creators online and assume it’s an easy way to get rich quickly, but that’s far from the truth. Building an online income through Facebook or any other platform takes consistency, strategy, and a lot of time before you see real results. You have to treat it like a business, not a shortcut, by creating valuable content, understanding your audience and staying patient. The creators who succeed are the ones who show up every day, even when the money isn’t coming in yet."
Source: TikTok
Mzansi reacts to the video
Social media users shared their thoughts and asked questions about TikToker @thecitymakoti's clip:
@tshiamo_tshia said:
"Guys, it's true, neh, but yoh, I'm posting content on Facebook, and I'm on 6.9k followers but still not getting paid 😭"
@geraldine_ asked:
"Wait, TikTok doesn't pay? I'm hustling for nothing?"
@vumeka_nxulu shared:
"Made R8700 last month."
@user_26353416467219 wrote:
"This other lady made 120K 😭😭🙌🏽"
@maka_cocomelon said:
"And here I am making $0.10 per day😭😭😭"
@noluu_m added:
"And there are the likes of us who are struggling to get even 50 likes or 50 followers 😭."
@kelseykellchloe asked:
"So do you just post? Don't you only get paid once you receive stars?"
@scorpio_ requested:
"Please share how to start. I did not know."
Disclaimer: This is not financial advice. Always do your own research before making any money-related decisions.
Watch the TikTok clip below:
3 Other South Africans making money
- Briefly News recently reported on an SA English online teacher who opened up about her earnings working 12-hour days.
- Jayden Crosson shared how he built a multimillion-rand online business starting with just R600.
- An SA man showed off his day in the life of a 25-year-old making R100k per month, leaving Mzansi buzzing.
Source: Briefly News
Nerissa Naidoo (Human Interest Editor) Nerissa Naidoo is a writer and editor with seven years of experience. Currently, she is a human interest writer at Briefly News and joined the publication in 2024. She began her career contributing to Morning Lazziness and later joined Featherpen.org. As a TUW ghostwriter, she focused on non-fiction, while her editorial roles at National Today and Entail.ai honed her skills in content accuracy and expert-driven editing. You can reach her at nerissa.naidoo@briefly.co.za
Rajesperi Venilla Naidoo (Entrepreneur and Business Owner) Rajesperi Venilla Naidoo is a seasoned entrepreneur with ranging experience in various industries. She's held CEO positions in multiple companies, including Naleli Transport and Sugar and Spice, and is mainly involved in property development in the commercial property industry.
