My Medium Followers Are 3X Lower but Earned 200X Than My TikTok.

HIGH NUMBER OF TIKTOK FOLLOWERS — MEAN ANYTHING TO YOU?

I learned something that I wish to share.

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I have tried many social media channels, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, Pinterest, and TikTok.

Sometimes, I get “Social media fatigue” from managing and posting on these channels.

These channels are meant to create personal or my company’s branding.

In my last story — “I Earned 200X More on Medium Than on YouTube”, I compared how writing is far more worthwhile than creating YouTube videos.

When TikTok started trending, I joined the rest, trying to figure out how to make the most of this channel.

I am not into dancing or doing crazy things on TikTok. That’s not my style.

I created multiple TikTok accounts to test different niches and find out which ones I am more comfortable creating videos in.

Finally, I decided to focus only on one TikTok channel related to my passion and my Startup—the Internet of Things (IoT).

However, I am having challenges figuring out what kind of IoT videos I should create—will these be hands-on, tips, news, or just knowledge sharing?

Below is my first video, which tries to give IoT tips. I tried in English and Malay but finally decided to deliver mainly in Malay because most of my followers are from Malaysia.

TikTok attracts a younger audience; thus, more “serious” topics did not resonate with them.

I also observed that giving topics on Final Year Projects gained popularity among youngsters or university students.

The below is the highest in terms of view:

After a few years, I gained over 6,280 followers (compared to 1,980 Medium followers) — 3X higher than Medium.

However, I need help monetizing my TikTok channel. I earned zero cents!

Compare the earnings below to the medium earnings for the last six months.

Author’s earnings for the last six months.

That’s a total of $202.42! 200 times more than TikTok!

Here’s what I learned when trying to earn money from TikTok vs Medium.

1—Find the right niche, and you will attract the right audience. However, you can’t satisfy all the audiences.
2 — It’s possible to gain followers without dancing or doing crazy things. Just give something of value.
3 — Do not spread your effort in multiple social media channels. Focus only on one channel.
4—Set your objectives and purpose for using social media—is it for fun, gaining followers, sharing knowledge, or monetizing?
5—Finally, Medium is still the best channel for a person like me to earn at least a small amount while doing it for fun and passion.

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You can follow my Medium Publications: Aspiring Writer’s Journey, Influencer’s Journey, Startup Survival Journey, and IoT World.
I have published several eBooks, such as IoT Notes (FREE), IoT: Beginner’s Guide, Startup Survival, Mastering IoT with Favoriot, Your IoT Journey (FREE), and IoT Infographics — Your IoT Journey Guide (FREE).
Or, if you prefer, check out my bookstore in Gumroad — https://mazlanabbas.gumroad.com.

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