By Anamati Inyang
December 30, 2025
The 2025 Sub-Saharan Africa TikTok Awards went beyond celebrating viral videos, trending sounds; offering rare insights into how some of Nigeria’s most successful creators build, sustain, and monetise their platforms.
From entertainment, sports to tech, health, and lifestyle, Nigerian creators stood out at the awards, earning nominations, wins for content that continues to shape digital culture across Africa.
Beyond the glamour of trophies, red carpets, many of them shared hard-earned lessons on growth, consistency, turning passion into profit in an increasingly competitive online space.
Creators agreed that success on TikTok is not accidental. It is built on courage, discipline, consistency, and a willingness to show up repeatedly, even when results are slow.
Here are some of the key takeaways shared by top Nigerian creators at the event.
Confidence is key – Belove Olocha
Best Entertainment Creator winner, Belove Olocha, who boasts over 535,000 followers, believes the biggest barrier for many aspiring creators is self-consciousness.
According to her, worrying too much about public opinion stifles creativity and consistency, both of which are crucial for growth.
“You have to be shameless,” she said. “If you want to succeed, you must get over the fear of what people will say.”
Olocha explained that creative freedom comes when creators stop seeking approval and start expressing themselves authentically. That freedom, she said, allows originality to thrive and helps creators stand out.
Start before everything is perfect – Victor Ademola
Sports content creator Victor Ademola, runner-up in the Best Sports Creator category, said his growth journey began when he stopped waiting for perfect conditions.
With over 627,000 followers, Ademola admitted that he once delayed content creation because he wanted better tools and environments. Over time, he realised that clarity of message mattered more than perfection.
“If you wait for everything to be perfect, you may never start,” he said, adding that consistency and relevance eventually earned him recognition.
It will never get cheaper – Izzi Boye
Tech creator and Educator of the Year winner, Izzi Boye, offered practical advice for creators intimidated by the cost of gadgets.
With more than 884,000 followers, Boye said waiting to acquire expensive equipment before starting is a flawed mindset.
“It will never get cheaper. The bigger you get, the more money you will spend,” he said.
He advised aspiring creators to collaborate with brands, review borrowed devices or react to existing content rather than delaying.
According to him, audience trust attracts opportunities over time, not the other way around.
Love it enough to do it for free – Fans Tribe HQ
Tokoni Iderima, popularly known as Tokalways and founder of Football Fans Tribe, stressed that passion is the foundation of sustainability.
Nominated for Creator of the Year, he said content creation is too demanding to rely on motivation alone.
“Everything I do around football, I would have done for free,” he said.
He noted that setbacks such as equipment damage or delayed payments are inevitable, and only genuine love for the craft keeps creators going. On monetization, he added that creators must eventually decide whether to go full-time or balance content creation with other commitments.
Turn your profession into content – Dr Olawale
Health creator Dr Olawale, nominated for the Social Impact Award, encouraged professionals to leverage their expertise online, responsibly.
According to him, credibility must come before visibility.
“You must be an authority in your field before sharing advice,” he said. “Learn, grow, then teach.”
He advised young professionals to build solid knowledge, experience before turning their professions into content, noting that trust is the most valuable currency online.
As the African creator economy continues to expand, the voices from the 2025 TikTok Awards highlight a clear message: sustainable success is built on authenticity, consistency, and purpose, not shortcuts or overnight fame
