Over the past few years, creators have become the driving force behind what we watch, share, buy, and even believe. Yet, as the creator economy matures into a $ 100 billion+ global industry, a glaring issue remains. It is still hard for creators in emerging markets to earn from their content.
Enter Circo, a fast-growing social content and video-sharing platform that is building a new kind of playground for creators, starting from Africa, but thinking globally.
With the launch of its #ReCirco campaign, the debut of its Creator Studio, and deeper monetisation tools, Circo is evolving from a social discovery app into a creator-first ecosystem. The goal? To close the monetisation gap and provide creators with a fair shot at visibility, income, and growth, regardless of geography.
“Circo is more than just a social networking app; it’s a movement to celebrate and monetise African creativity on a global stage,” says Solafunmi Laelle, CEO of Circo. “We’re committed to providing creators with the tools they need to succeed and grow their audiences.”
A creator’s approach to platform design
Circo’s strategy is refreshingly different from many traditional social media platforms. While others rely heavily on algorithms that prioritise already-viral content, Circo’s feed system is randomised and non-chronological. This ensures new and emerging creators stand a chance of discovery, not just those with high follower counts or algorithm luck.
The Hot Page curates top-performing content in real-time, letting users instantly tap into what is trending across the platform. The Search function allows for discovery across themes, niches, and creator profiles — essential for creators looking to grow their audience organically.
Beyond visibility, Circo’s low data mode is an underrated yet impactful feature. In regions where connectivity can be a barrier, this optimisation ensures that users can browse and post without worrying about heavy data consumption.
Monetisation that works for creators
Where Circo is leaning in hardest is monetisation — a pain point for creators globally, and particularly in markets like Africa, where payment integrations, local support, and platform eligibility often leave creators out.
With Circo’s digital currency, Beads, fans can support creators through virtual gifts or unlock exclusive content. Payments are integrated through Paystack and Google Pay, making the process seamless and local-friendly.
Circo also allows creators to post exclusive content visible only to select audiences, opening up possibilities for gated content, premium communities, and fan engagement strategies. It’s a system that feels closer to Patreon than Instagram — and that’s intentional.
The newly launched Creator Studio ties it all together. It gives creators an intimate channel with their ‘Fans’, a subscription-based section of the app with serial content, performance analytics, engagement insights, and monetisation tracking in one clean dashboard. For creators who are serious about turning content into income, this channel and visibility are key.
A moment for #ReCirco
Circo’s relaunch under the #ReCirco banner isn’t just about new features — it’s about repositioning the brand as a long-term partner for creators navigating an increasingly competitive content space.
While global platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok have large African audiences, many creators in the region still struggle with platform limitations — from ineligibility for monetisation programs to unexpected account suspensions.
Circo hopes to flip that script. It’s an open platform, with no surprise bans or opaque visibility penalties. For creators tired of being shadowbanned without warning or locked out of payouts because of geographic restrictions, Circo offers a cleaner, more direct path to growth.
At its core, Circo isn’t trying to be the “African version” of a global giant — it’s trying to be something more agile and creator-centric, with features that cater to both rising creators in Africa and the diaspora, and global users who want a fresh take on content discovery and monetisation.
Why now?
The timing feels right. According to industry estimates, over ₦1.2 billion was paid to African creators in 2024, and that number is expected to grow. Video remains the most consumed content format on the continent. Social media adoption continues to rise, and younger audiences are looking for platforms where they can both consume and create.
Circo’s growth ambitions mirror these trends. The platform is rolling out marketing campaigns, influencer partnerships, and product updates through Q3 2025, with a strong focus on onboarding creators and building community. The Creator Studio and monetisation tools are only phase one of a roadmap that includes creator tiers, brand collaboration hubs, and more.
What is next?
For creators looking to diversify their presence beyond the usual suspects, or get started on a platform that won’t gatekeep their earnings, Circo is worth watching.
It still has work to do: user growth, moderation systems, and feature scaling are all ongoing efforts. But in an increasingly algorithm-driven, ad-heavy social media world, Circo’s creator-first stance feels like a necessary rebellion.
The platform is now available on Android and iOS, with ongoing updates rolling out monthly. The team has also hinted at new community features and creator support initiatives in the months ahead.
In a creator economy that often favours the loudest or the most viral, Circo is betting on the most overlooked — and giving them the tools to thrive. Follow Circo on Instagram and X (Twitter) to be up to date about its activities.
Also, download Circo today to be part of a budding creative space!
