TikTok unveils a novel monetization method for travel content creators within the United States
TikTok, the popular social media platform, has introduced a new monetization program called TikTok Go in the USA. This innovative initiative allows creators to earn commissions or receive vouchers for promoting local businesses like hotels, with at least 1,000 followers, being at least 18 years old, and having a well-maintained profile as eligibility requirements [1][2].
As part of this program, TikTok has integrated a hotel booking feature within its app via a partnership with Booking.com. This enables users to book hotels directly through the app by selecting check-in/out dates and viewing hotel details like prices, amenities, reviews, and related TikTok videos [3][5].
The TikTok Go program is invite-only and focuses on creators promoting hospitality-related content, including hotels, resorts, and dining establishments [2][4]. Influencers can accept specific tasks from local merchants—such as posting a video about a hotel—and earn a commission if their content generates a booking or sale [1][3].
Key features of the program include:
- Creators can set their location in the app and see a list of jobs (e.g., making promotional videos) offered by hotels or other venues.
- Earnings are commission-based, incentivizing creators to drive bookings.
- Hotels have dedicated pages within TikTok featuring detailed information and user-generated videos tagged with the hotel name.
- The program lowers the follower threshold, making it accessible to smaller creators.
- TikTok Go aligns with TikTok’s broader e-commerce and travel push, expanding monetization beyond physical goods to services like hotel stays [1][2][3][4][5].
In addition to the hotel booking feature, TikTok has developed a "Places" tab for users to discover new travel destinations and activities [6]. Users can tag hotels in videos on TikTok, as seen in several posts on Business Insider [7].
TikTok has also heavily invested in its shopping tool, TikTok Shop, and developed Yelp-like products for local businesses [8]. The integration with Booking.com provides a seamless experience for users, as they can book hotels without leaving the TikTok app.
Moreover, users can leave reviews and earn badges as "Local Explorers" on TikTok’s "Places" tab [9]. Semafor reported that TikTok Go has potential uses in the travel industry and other business sectors [10].
Travel creator Amanda Dishman gained access to TikTok Go and found it accessible for many more people, opening up a new revenue stream for travel influencers on the platform [11]. As TikTok Go continues to expand in the USA, it is expected to revolutionize the way users discover and book travel accommodations, while providing creators with a new opportunity to monetize their content.
[1] https://www.semafor.com/2022/03/21/tiktok-go-travel-influencers-hotels [2] https://www.adweek.com/digital/tiktok-goes-beyond-shopping-to-monetize-travel-influencers/ [3] https://www.businessinsider.com/tiktok-go-program-allows-users-to-book-hotels-through-the-app-2022-3 [4] https://www.semafor.com/2022/03/21/tiktok-go-travel-influencers-hotels [5] https://www.semafor.com/2022/03/21/tiktok-go-travel-influencers-hotels [6] https://www.semafor.com/2022/03/21/tiktok-go-travel-influencers-hotels [7] https://www.businessinsider.com/tiktok-go-program-allows-users-to-book-hotels-through-the-app-2022-3 [8] https://www.adweek.com/digital/tiktok-goes-beyond-shopping-to-monetize-travel-influencers/ [9] https://www.semafor.com/2022/03/21/tiktok-go-travel-influencers-hotels [10] https://www.semafor.com/2022/03/21/tiktok-go-travel-influencers-hotels [11] https://www.adweek.com/digital/tiktok-goes-beyond-shopping-to-monetize-travel-influencers/
Technology has integrated travel within TikTok, as users can now book hotels directly through the app via a partnership with Booking.com. This advancement in lifestyle, made available by the TikTok Go program, allows travel creators like Amanda Dishman to earn a new revenue stream through their content [3, 7, 11].
