Get Rich Quick Schemes For The TikTok Generation

Forbes - Apr 10th, 2025
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In a viral TikTok video, influencer Jillian Randall suggests becoming an Amazon affiliate marketer as a lucrative side hustle. However, after failing to earn a substantial income, she shifted to selling digital marketing courses, claiming to earn $17,000 monthly. This reflects a broader trend where creators promote online courses promising easy income, often overstating the potential earnings. Companies like Digital Wealth Academy and The Roadmap Exclusive offer high commissions to influencers, incentivizing exaggerated claims.

The rise of side hustle culture on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram has led to a proliferation of content promising effortless wealth. Critics argue these schemes often lure individuals with unrealistic expectations, leading some to financial disappointment. Regulatory bodies like the FTC have intervened in cases of misleading claims, emphasizing the need for transparency. The phenomenon underscores the allure of quick riches and highlights the risks associated with get-rich-quick schemes in the digital age.

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RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and relevant examination of the rise of side hustle culture on social media platforms, focusing on the potential pitfalls of digital marketing courses. It presents a generally accurate depiction of the industry, though it could benefit from more verification of specific claims and additional perspectives to enhance balance. The use of clear language and structure makes the article accessible, while its focus on a topic of public interest ensures its relevance. However, the article could improve its impact by offering more actionable advice and exploring the ethical implications of the issues it raises. Overall, it is a well-structured piece that effectively highlights the complexities of the side hustle phenomenon.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article presents a generally accurate depiction of the rise of side hustle culture on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, particularly in relation to digital marketing courses. It accurately reports the claims made by influencers such as Jillian Randall about the potential earnings from affiliate marketing and selling courses. However, the article could benefit from additional verification of specific earnings claims made by influencers, such as Randall's reported $17,000 monthly income from selling courses. While the article cites the Federal Trade Commission's actions against misleading claims, it does not provide specific examples of companies or individuals who have been penalized, leaving some claims less substantiated.

6
Balance

The article provides a balanced view of the side hustle phenomenon by highlighting both the potential benefits and the pitfalls of engaging in digital marketing schemes. It includes perspectives from influencers who promote these courses and those who critique them, such as Nate Hoskin. However, the article leans slightly towards a skeptical view of the industry, emphasizing the potential for misleading claims and the risks of overpromising. It could be more balanced by including more success stories or testimonials from individuals who have benefited from these courses.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language to convey the complexities of the side hustle industry. It logically presents the rise of digital marketing courses, the claims made by influencers, and the potential for misleading statements. The use of quotes and examples helps to illustrate key points, making the article accessible to a general audience. However, it could improve clarity by providing more context on the specific mechanics of affiliate marketing and digital course sales.

6
Source quality

The article relies on a mix of sources, including interviews with influencers like Jillian Randall and commentary from financial experts like Nate Hoskin. It references data from social media platforms and the Federal Trade Commission, lending credibility to its claims. However, the article would benefit from more diverse sourcing, such as interviews with course participants or independent experts in digital marketing. Additionally, the lack of response from course creators like Digital Wealth Academy limits the depth of the reporting.

5
Transparency

The article provides some transparency by disclosing the affiliations of influencers with the courses they promote and the potential financial incentives involved. However, it does not fully disclose the methodology behind the claims, such as how influencer earnings were calculated or verified. More transparency about the sources of the data and the potential biases of interviewees would enhance the article's credibility.

Sources

  1. https://www.mightynetworks.com/resources/how-to-make-money-on-tiktok
  2. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/how-to-make-money-on-tiktok
  3. https://www.shopify.com/blog/make-money-on-tiktok
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5exD8eZ0rU
  5. https://www.tiktok.com/@skylarcalico/video/7490205680905899307