I begged strangers on the internet to help me pay my rent – once they saw my sobbing on camera they were happy to
A CASH-STRAPPED woman has revealed she’s finally able to afford her rent after she cried online in a desperate attempt to make some money.
Social media user Claudia Brookes took to TikTok after she realised she wasn’t going to be able to cover the cost of her rent this month.
In a desperate plea for help, Claudia took drastic measures, as she uploaded a clip of herself crying and bravely opened up about her financial struggles.
With tears streaming down her face, the young woman revealed she wasn’t able to think of a way out of the dire situation which could make her homeless if unresolved.
”Guys, I literally don’t know what to do anymore,” Claudia, believed to be from the US, shared on her platform.
”I am so stressed with money, I don’t even know how I’m gonna pay rent this month.”
According to Claudia, she’d attempted joining TikTok’s Creator Fund – however, as she hadn’t reached the required 10k following, the application was rejected.
In July 2020, the social media giant TikTok launched the Creator Fund to allow its users to earn money by raking in views.
But although the revenue may seem lucrative, there are several requirements TikTok users need to be able to provide to successfully apply, such as being a legal resident of the US, UK, Germany, Italy, France or Spain.
You also need to be at least 18 years of age, boast 10k authentic – not purchased – followers, and the videos have received at least 100k authentic views in the 30 days prior to applying, Backstage reported.
According to Chris Kubbernus, CEO of Kubbco, a creative social media agency, hitting the required 10k-strong fanbase will most likely take 50–100 pieces of content, unless you already have a significant audience from another platform.
Several factors come into play when determining what kind of money creators receive, such as the number of views, view authenticity, other ways of engagement, including likes, comments and shares, as well as the creator’s location.
Generally speaking, according to HootSuite, TikTok Creator Fund members can expect to receive two to four cents per 1,000 views.
This means that an influencer going viral with a million views a month may be able to add a mere $40 (£30) to their bank account.
After sharing her heartache on the popular platform, not only did Claudia’s video garnered a of attention winning her an astronomical 4.1million views – but she also saw her following skyrocket.
Unlike the mere 25 fans she had before the now-viral video, Claudia’s profile now boasts a whopping 34k followers.
Beyond grateful, the brunette beauty said: ”I just wanted to take two minutes to thank you guys after having a mental breakdown yesterday.”
What is the TikTok Creator Fund?
While it is not a grant or ad revenue program, the Creator Fund provides payment to qualified TikTokers based on a “variety of factors” across their content.
“We want all creators to have the opportunity to earn money doing what they love and turn their passion into a livelihood,” the website continues.
With no limit on the number of qualified TikTokers who can join the fund, payments may increase or decrease at different times throughout one’s run on the platform.
Some factors affecting the funds a qualified TikToker may earn include number of authentic views per video, the amount of engagement, and whether or not the work falls within the Community Guidelines.
Back to normal, Claudia said she was feeling ”thrilled” and ”very excited”.
In the follow-up video, the woman, who insisted she did have a job, added she was looking forward to ”making some extra money”.
”It’s just not covering everything right now and my car just broke down.
”I know it’s easy to judge people on here – but I am trying.”
Dozens of fellow social media users raced to comments, where the reaction was positive and welcoming.
One new follower said: ”Congrats sis!!! I followed you immediately I think we all can relate to struggle with money and we FEEL FOR U.”
Another penned: ”I wish my life could change like this too! It’s hard out here god bless you girl.”
”Joined but haven’t made anything since l can’t get put of the 200 range! but bless you!!” a third cried.
”Get that money girl,” someone else chimed in.
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