Starting from Scratch on TikTok

When I first started my TikTok journey, I had no idea what to expect. I had never even opened the app before, and I had no clue that it could be a platform for making money. But I was determined to find a way to make money online and take control of my own income. So, I decided to give TikTok a try.

I started my first TikTok page called "Why Football" on January 1st, 2022. I was posting content about football, which was based heavily off my YouTube channel of the same name. At first, the views and followers were not impressive. I was only getting around 500 views per video and not gaining many followers. But I enjoyed posting on TikTok and decided to start another account focused on NBA content.

For about a month, I was posting on both accounts without much traction. Then, something amazing happened - my first video on the NBA account went viral, reaching over 100,000 views. This was the breakthrough I needed to keep going. The followers started flowing in on both accounts, and within a month and a half, I had reached 10,000 followers and was monetized.

Reaching 10,000 followers meant that I was eligible for the TikTok Creator Fund, which allowed me to earn money from my content. However, the earnings from the Creator Fund were not substantial. I was only making around £150 per day, which was not enough to live on. But I kept posting because I enjoyed it, and my accounts continued to grow.

Unfortunately, my first TikTok account, "Why Football," was banned for unoriginal content. This was a setback, but I learned a lot from that experience. I used what I learned to launch my second account, "Why Inspire," which eventually reached 500,000 followers.

With "Why Inspire," I focused on branding and consistency. I changed the logo and implemented a black and white filter for all my videos. I also included a call to action at the end of each video, encouraging viewers to follow me for more motivational content. This approach paid off, and my account went viral, gaining thousands of followers in just a few days.

I continued to post consistently, reaching milestones like 100,000, 200,000, and eventually 500,000 followers. I was earning a decent income from the TikTok Creator Fund and sponsorship deals. However, my success was short-lived. I experienced a shadow ban, where my content was only shown to my existing followers. This led to a decline in followers and ultimately, my account was permanently banned.

Losing my 500,000 follower account was devastating, but it taught me the importance of diversifying my income streams. I realized that relying solely on TikTok for income was risky, and I needed to explore other platforms and opportunities. I started a YouTube channel and focused on personal branding. I also launched a TikTok growth community where I could mentor and help others on their TikTok journeys.

The Viral Breakthrough

After weeks of posting content on both my football and NBA accounts without much traction, I finally experienced my first viral video. It happened on my NBA account, and the video reached over 100,000 views. The rush of dopamine I felt was indescribable. Refreshing my phone and seeing the influx of followers, likes, and comments was an incredible feeling. This viral breakthrough was the turning point in my TikTok journey.

From that moment on, the followers started pouring in on both my NBA and football accounts. I went from 5,000 followers to 10,000 followers within a month. It was a significant milestone for me, especially considering my initial goal was to reach only 500 subscribers. Little did I know that this was just the beginning of my exponential growth.

As I continued to post consistently, my followers continued to increase. I reached 100,000 followers, then 200,000, and eventually 400,000 followers. It was like clockwork. I had a system in place, posting four times a day and utilizing employees to filter videos for me. This allowed me to focus on creating content and maintaining the momentum.

The views on my videos were outstanding. In just one week, I was getting nearly 10 million views. It was during this time that I realized the potential of TikTok as a platform for business and income generation. I was earning a decent amount through the TikTok Creator Fund, but I also explored other avenues, such as sponsorship deals. Brands approached me to promote their products or services at the end of my videos, providing an additional stream of income.

However, despite the success and the promising future, there were challenges along the way. My account received a warning from TikTok, stating that it was at high risk of being restricted due to multiple violations. This sent a wave of concern through me, but I reached out to TikTok's support and hoped for a resolution. Unfortunately, the warning sign was just the beginning of a more significant setback.

My account was permanently banned. Overnight, I went from earning a comfortable income to zero. It was devastating, and I felt a mix of anger, disappointment, and sadness. But instead of letting it be the end of my journey, I decided to learn from the experience and adapt.

I started a YouTube channel, where I shared my experiences and insights about TikTok. I focused on building my personal brand and expanding my reach beyond TikTok. I also promised myself that I would never solely rely on one platform again. I understood the importance of diversifying income streams and exploring multiple platforms for content creation and monetization.

Eventually, TikTok launched the Creativity Program, and I eagerly joined, despite my initial promise to never go back to TikTok. The program provided better payment opportunities, and I saw it as a chance to continue earning from my content. Alongside TikTok, I also focused on my YouTube channel and built a community where I could mentor and support others on their TikTok growth journey.

The Rise and Fall of my 500,000 Follower Account

After months of consistent posting and strategic branding, my TikTok account had finally reached a major milestone - 500,000 followers. It was an incredible achievement that I had worked hard for, and I was reaping the rewards of my efforts. The account was monetized, and I was earning a comfortable income from the TikTok Creator Fund and sponsorship deals. Life was good, and I was excited about the future.

But then, disaster struck. I received a warning from TikTok that my account was at high risk of being restricted due to multiple violations. I was shocked and confused. I had been following all the rules and guidelines, so why was this happening? I reached out to TikTok support, desperate for a solution. They assured me that they would look into it and resolve the issue.

For a brief moment, things seemed to be back on track. My videos were performing well, and I was back to earning my usual income. But it was short-lived. Suddenly, my account was permanently banned. Just like that, all my hard work, my 500,000 followers, and my income streams were gone. I was devastated.

I felt a sense of loss and betrayal. I had put so much time and effort into building that account, only to have it taken away from me. It was a harsh reminder that nothing good lasts forever, and that relying on a single platform for income is risky.

But instead of wallowing in self-pity, I decided to learn from this experience. I made a promise to myself to never put all my eggs in one basket again. I realized the importance of diversifying my income streams and not relying solely on TikTok or any other single platform.

I turned my attention to other platforms like YouTube and Instagram. I started a YouTube channel where I shared my experiences and insights from my TikTok journey. I also focused on building my personal brand and creating content that resonated with my audience. I learned the importance of branding and how it can make a significant impact on the success of a social media account.

While the loss of my 500,000 follower account was devastating, it ultimately pushed me to explore new opportunities and grow as a content creator. I discovered the TikTok Creator Fund and the potential for monetization through the program. I joined the program and started earning income again, albeit not at the same level as before.

I also learned the value of having multiple income streams. I began working with brands and securing sponsorship deals, further diversifying my sources of revenue. I realized that relying solely on the TikTok Creator Fund was not sustainable in the long run.

Today, I continue to grow my presence on TikTok, YouTube, and other platforms. I have learned valuable lessons from my rise and fall, and I am more determined than ever to build a sustainable and successful career as a content creator. I no longer put all my faith in a single platform, but instead focus on creating quality content and connecting with my audience across multiple channels.

The journey from 0 to 500,000 followers and back to zero again was a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of diversification. While the loss of my 500,000 follower account was a setback, it ultimately propelled me forward on my path to success.

Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

Throughout my TikTok journey, I've learned valuable lessons that have shaped my approach to social media and content creation. The highs and lows, the successes and setbacks, have all contributed to my growth and development in this industry. Here are some of the key lessons I've learned and how I plan to move forward.

1. Diversify Your Income Streams: One of the most important lessons I've learned is the importance of having multiple income streams. Relying solely on the TikTok Creator Fund or any single source of income is risky. I've realized that it's crucial to explore different avenues for monetization, such as affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and even launching my own products or services. By diversifying my income streams, I can protect myself from sudden changes or bans on a specific platform.

2. Consistency is Key: Consistency has been a driving factor in my TikTok journey. Posting regularly, engaging with my audience, and staying active on the platform has played a significant role in my growth. I've learned that consistency not only helps with algorithmic visibility but also builds trust and loyalty among my followers. Moving forward, I plan to continue prioritizing consistency in my content creation efforts.

3. Adaptability and Flexibility: The ever-changing landscape of social media requires adaptability and flexibility. I've experienced the ups and downs of algorithm changes, shadow bans, and even account bans. These challenges have taught me the importance of being adaptable and finding new ways to navigate the platform. Moving forward, I plan to stay informed about updates and trends, and adjust my strategies accordingly.

4. Branding Matters: The importance of branding cannot be overstated. In my TikTok journey, I've seen the impact that a strong brand identity can have on engagement and growth. From logo design to consistent visual elements, branding helps create a recognizable and memorable presence on the platform. I've learned that investing time and effort into developing a cohesive brand image can make a significant difference in attracting and retaining followers.

5. Learn from Setbacks: Setbacks are inevitable in any journey, and my experience on TikTok has been no exception. From account bans to shadow bans, I've faced challenges that have temporarily halted my progress. However, I've learned to view these setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Each setback has taught me valuable lessons about the platform, audience engagement, and content creation. Moving forward, I will continue to embrace setbacks as learning experiences and use them to improve and adapt my approach.

In conclusion, my TikTok journey has been filled with ups and downs, but each experience has contributed to my growth as a content creator. By diversifying my income streams, prioritizing consistency, staying adaptable, focusing on branding, and learning from setbacks, I am confident in my ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape of social media. Moving forward, I am excited to continue sharing my knowledge, experiences, and insights with my audience while pursuing new opportunities for growth and success.