How Everyone's Turning Digital Videos and Influencer Deals Into Serious Money in 2025
TV ads are fading. Your phone is the new billboard.
In 2025, over US$2.2 billion will be spent on ads in South Africa—and half of that will soon be digital.
But this isn’t just about big brands and celebrities. Everyday creators—especially in South Africa, Angola, the Dominican Republic, and Thailand—are turning smartphones into money machines —no fancy equipment required.
Want in? Here’s how they’re doing it (and the free tools they’re using).
📈 What the Market Says and Why It Matters to You
TV & Video Ads = King: South Africans will spend US$726M in this category. If you're creating YouTube Shorts, TikToks, or podcast videos, you’re in the money zone.
Digital Will Overtake: By 2029, 50% of all ad spending will be digital. That means apps, social content, and even programmatic blog ads are skyrocketing.
Programmatic Is the Future: 83% of ad revenue will come from programmatic advertising. Translation: content creators, niche blogs, and video streamers can get paid just by having the right content and traffic.
Influencers Are Thriving: Local and micro-influencers are being actively recruited by brands to reach diverse and mobile-first audiences.
🎥 1. Why Video Is the New Oil
By 2025, TV & Video advertising in South Africa will account for $726.3 million—the largest slice of the ad market.
But the real story? Most of this is moving to digital platforms: TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and even Facebook videos.
In countries like Angola and the Dominican Republic, short-form video has become the default entertainment and ad format, especially on low-cost Android phones.
In Thailand, YouTubers and TikTokers are cashing in via beauty hauls, mobile gaming, and food content.
🔧 Tools Local Creators Are Using (Even on Slow Phones):
CapCut (ZA, TH, DO): Easy video editing with AI features—zero cost.
YouCut (AO): Lightweight, low-data editor. Great for voiceovers and quick exports.
Canva: Perfect for creating thumbnails and intros—even offline.
InVideo Mobile: For pre-made video templates + local language overlays.
✅ Pro Tip: Add trending audio + subtitle overlays (CapCut has an AI button for that) to boost your reach—and income potential.
💼 2. Influencer Deals Are No Longer Just for Celebs
Influencer marketing is exploding in South Africa, with brands now tapping into niche and micro-creators (1,000 to 10,000 followers). Why?
Because they convert. And they’re way more affordable than a TV campaign.
In Angola, telecom brands are sponsoring lifestyle content.
In Thailand, local clothing shops and beauty brands work with TikTokers for under $100/post.
In the Dominican Republic, food bloggers are getting free products, affiliate deals, and monthly retainers.
🔍 Where to Find Brand Deals (Worldwide):
Flick.link: Turns your Instagram bio into a monetizable affiliate store.
Collabstr: Free marketplace for influencers—available in ZA, TH, DO.
BrandSnob: See open influencer campaigns globally.
Creator.co: Matches small creators with brands for paid promos.
💸 Smart Move: Even if a brand won’t pay upfront, use affiliate links with Wise or Payoneer to get paid globally.
🧠 3. The Rise of Programmatic Income (No Followers Needed)
Here’s something wild: By 2029, 83% of South Africa’s ad revenue will come from programmatic ads.
That means your blog, video, or app can earn passively from ads—without you ever talking to a brand.
This shift is also happening across Thailand, Brazil, Vietnam, and Kenya, where creators use tools like:
Ezoic (blogs that pay per ad view)
YouTube Partner Program (for monetized shorts)
SnackVideo (pays in local currency in SEA)
Media.net (great for niche blogs and affiliate posts)
🧠 Did You Know? Even a blog post reviewing CapCut or Fiverr can attract high-paying finance, tech, or software ads.
🌍 4. How Creators Get Paid in Hard Currency (USD)
In 2025, creators from ZA, AO, DO, and TH are not just making money locally—they’re earning in USD and withdrawing through cross-border fintech.
💳 Top Global Payout Tools:
Wise: Send/receive USD, EUR, GBP. Supports ZA, AO, DO, TH.
Payoneer: Perfect for freelancers, affiliate payouts, and marketplaces like Fiverr.
Revolut (TH, ZA): Great for converting income and tracking budgets.
📲 5. Low-Data = High Potential
What if your phone is slow or your data is limited? Many of the creators in Angola and rural South Africa still monetize by using light apps, offline tools, and pre-planned uploads.
💡 Real User Stories
🇿🇦 Lebo from Soweto went from 0 to R2,800/mo using Canva and YouTube Shorts to promote affiliate software.
🇹🇭 Ning in Chiang Mai earns $350/mo uploading makeup tutorials and linking to Shopee.
🇦🇴 José in Luanda sells templates on Fiverr and withdraws via Payoneer.
🇩🇴 Camila in Santo Domingo posts food videos + affiliate links. She gets free groceries + commission.
🚀 Want to Start Today? Here's What to Do:
Pick a niche: beauty, food, travel, parenting, finance, music—whatever you're into.
Choose 1-2 platforms: TikTok + Canva, or YouTube Shorts + CapCut.
Join affiliate programs (Fiverr, Canva, Coursera, Wise).
Monetize with free tools—even on a basic smartphone.
Withdraw globally via Wise or Payoneer.
💬 Final Thoughts:
The money is real—and growing fast.
Whether you’re in South Africa, Angola, Thailand, or the DR, digital tools in 2025 are leveling the income game. So if you’ve got a phone, a voice, and a few hours a week... There’s no better time to start.
Hi, I'm Chelsea Parker, a globetrotter, storyteller, and life enthusiast with a knack for turning everyday experiences into unforgettable lessons. From surviving $20-a-day adventures in Southeast Asia to mastering mindfulness in my daily routine, I share relatable and entertaining tales that inspire you all to explore, grow, and thrive. When i'm not writing, you may find me chasing sunsets, savoring street food, or dreaming up my next big adventure.
