Saudi TikTokers Propel Creative Economy Growth
Platform's economic contribution reaches SR3.9 billion, supports over 25,000 jobs in the Kingdom.
RIYADH: Saudi content creators are taking a prominent role on TikTok, as the video-sharing platform highlighted its influence in fostering the Kingdom's creative economy at an event held in Riyadh’s JAX Beast House.
The gathering featured panel discussions with local content creators Yasmeen Al-Shafai and Fareed Al-Shahrani, alongside presentations detailing how TikTok is facilitating opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses within Saudi Arabia.
Shadi Kandil, TikTok's general manager of global business solutions for the Middle East, Turkiye, Africa, Central and South Asia, underscored the platform’s role in bridging companies with creators to enhance collaborative efforts.
TikTok also unveiled its 'TikTok Effect Report,' a study produced in collaboration with Redseer Strategy Consultants.
According to this report, more than 1 million creators and approximately 170,000 small and medium-sized businesses are active on TikTok in Saudi Arabia.
The study found that TikTok contributed SR3.9 billion ($1.04 billion) to the country's gross domestic product and supported over 25,000 jobs last year.
The report highlighted the significant economic impact of TikTok advertising tools, which generated an additional SR3 billion in revenue for SMBs.
It also noted that 61 percent of Saudi businesses on TikTok reported improved brand visibility.
Furthermore, 55 percent of SMBs believe that the platform encourages youth entrepreneurship, while nearly a quarter of Saudi female entrepreneurs stated that TikTok inspired them to start their ventures.
Hatem Samman, TikTok's executive director of government relations and public policy in the Kingdom, emphasized how the platform extends its influence beyond entertainment by fostering entrepreneurship and cultural identity.
The study also revealed that TikTok influenced consumer spending amounting to SR110 billion last year, contributing significantly to the country’s global image through tourism, sports, and cultural sectors.
Overall, TikTok's presence in Saudi Arabia is marked by rapid growth in content creation and digital innovation, setting the stage for emerging industries and economic opportunities.
The gathering featured panel discussions with local content creators Yasmeen Al-Shafai and Fareed Al-Shahrani, alongside presentations detailing how TikTok is facilitating opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses within Saudi Arabia.
Shadi Kandil, TikTok's general manager of global business solutions for the Middle East, Turkiye, Africa, Central and South Asia, underscored the platform’s role in bridging companies with creators to enhance collaborative efforts.
TikTok also unveiled its 'TikTok Effect Report,' a study produced in collaboration with Redseer Strategy Consultants.
According to this report, more than 1 million creators and approximately 170,000 small and medium-sized businesses are active on TikTok in Saudi Arabia.
The study found that TikTok contributed SR3.9 billion ($1.04 billion) to the country's gross domestic product and supported over 25,000 jobs last year.
The report highlighted the significant economic impact of TikTok advertising tools, which generated an additional SR3 billion in revenue for SMBs.
It also noted that 61 percent of Saudi businesses on TikTok reported improved brand visibility.
Furthermore, 55 percent of SMBs believe that the platform encourages youth entrepreneurship, while nearly a quarter of Saudi female entrepreneurs stated that TikTok inspired them to start their ventures.
Hatem Samman, TikTok's executive director of government relations and public policy in the Kingdom, emphasized how the platform extends its influence beyond entertainment by fostering entrepreneurship and cultural identity.
The study also revealed that TikTok influenced consumer spending amounting to SR110 billion last year, contributing significantly to the country’s global image through tourism, sports, and cultural sectors.
Overall, TikTok's presence in Saudi Arabia is marked by rapid growth in content creation and digital innovation, setting the stage for emerging industries and economic opportunities.
