Social media platform TikTok unveils earnings method for content creators specialized in travel videos within the United States
TikTok, the popular social media platform, has launched a new monetization program called TikTok Go, which allows local businesses like hotels to reward creators with commissions or vouchers for promoting their business. In a move to extend its existing monetization ecosystem, TikTok Go specifically focuses on travel-related bookings and content.
Starting today, creators aged 18 or older with at least 1,000 followers can join TikTok Go. Partners, primarily hotels, list promotional tasks within TikTok Go, often linked to Booking.com hotel pages. The program works by giving each hotel a dedicated landing page on TikTok where users can explore booking details, amenities, and watch related TikTok videos tagged by creators.
Creators accept tasks from hotels or travel agencies, such as filming videos about a hotel room or nearby restaurants, thereby serving as sponsored content providers in a more accessible affiliate-style model compared to traditional brand sponsorships. Content involves tagging hotels in videos, posting reviews, or showcasing amenities to encourage bookings. Payment is via undisclosed commissions and/or travel vouchers based on task completion.
Each hotel has its own landing page with specific check-in and check-out date options for booking available rooms. Creators who participate in the Go program and wish to receive commissions or voucher offers can set their location and view a list of tasks, such as posting a video, from hotels or other places like restaurants.
TikTok's e-commerce efforts include the expansion of its services to include hotel bookings, building on its existing features for booking concert and movie tickets. The company has not yet commented on the collaboration with Booking.com regarding hotel bookings on TikTok.
The barrier to entry for TikTok Go is lower compared to previous monetization programs, making it more accessible to a larger number of people. TikTok Go could open up a new revenue stream for travel influencers on the platform, although commissions may be less frequent for pricier purchases like hotel stays compared to cheaper items.
Amanda Dishman, a travel creator who runs a family blog called Salty Vagabonds, gained access to TikTok Go this week and finds it "cool." TikTok is becoming increasingly popular as a search tool among Generation Z.
The company is also investing in e-commerce, with a focus on its shopping tool, TikTok Shop, and the development of Yelp-like products for local businesses. TikTok has developed a "Places" tab, allowing users to discover new travel destinations and activities, and users can leave reviews and earn badges as a "Local Explorer."
Last year, the company filed a US trademark application for "TikTok Go" with potential uses such as "promotion of restaurants, retail stores, travel industry, and other online and offline businesses." As TikTok continues to grow and evolve, it's clear that the platform is committed to providing new opportunities for both businesses and creators.
Creators on TikTok can now earn commissions or travel vouchers by promoting local businesses, such as hotels, through the new monetization program TikTok Go, which specifically focuses on travel-related content and bookings. Each hotel has a dedicated landing page on TikTok where users can explore booking details and watch related TikTok videos, with the program allowing creators to accept tasks like filming videos about hotels or nearby restaurants in exchange for payment via undisclosed commissions and/or vouchers.
