Deloitte estimates that the social media economy will exceed $2 trillion by 2026. If we were talking about a country, it would rank among the top 15 largest economies. This projection highlights the enormous size and earning potential that social media presents to content creators and entrepreneurs. We have seen the little beginnings of many influencers and how they’ve turned their fortunes around. Fortunately, there is enough space for everyone to excel with creativity and consistency.

Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Patreon offer creator funds and monetisation programmes, enabling creators to earn money from their content. However, for creators outside the eligible countries, accessing these funds and converting them into local currency can be complex. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to collect international creator funds in local currency, covering eligibility, payment platforms, currency conversion, tax considerations, and practical tips to maximise earnings while minimising fees.

Also read: The easiest way to get a virtual dollar account for AdSense earnings

What is an international creator fund?

Creator funds are monetary reward programmes offered by social media platforms to compensate eligible content creators for their work. These funds incentivise high-quality, creative, and engaging content and help the platforms remain attractive to users. Essentially, creator funds are a way for platforms to invest in their content creators, ensuring a steady flow of high-quality content, increasing their active user base, and keeping the online community vibrant. Notable examples include:

• TikTok Creator Rewards Programme: This is one of TikTok's monetisation options available in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, South Korea, France, and Brazil. Creators can earn $0.40–$1.00 per 1,000 views, with payouts ranging from $400–$1,000 per million views, depending on engagement and location. To participate, creators must also meet specific criteria, such as having at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 video views within the last 30 days.
• YouTube Partner Programme: Allows creators to monetise their YouTube content through ads, channel memberships, and Super Chats. Eligibility requires 3,000 public watch hours in the last 12 months and 500 subscribers, with payments based on views and engagement.
• Patreon and other fan-funding platforms: These are subscription-based platforms where creators can receive recurring payments from supporters, often in USD or EUR, regardless of the creator’s location. Fans subscribe to view and engage with their content.

For international creators, the challenge lies in accessing these funds, which are often disbursed in foreign currencies (e.g., USD, EUR, GBP) and restricted to specific regions. Additionally, converting these earnings into local currency without incurring high fees or delays requires careful planning and consideration.

Challenges for international creators

Here are some challenges international creators face when managing payments from creator funds.

• Geographical restrictions: Platforms like TikTok limit their Creator Rewards Programme to specific countries, excluding creators in other countries despite high viewership and engagement.
• Currency conversion fees: Banks and traditional payment processors often charge high fees for converting foreign currencies, reducing net earnings.
• Tax compliance: International creators must navigate their home country's tax obligations.
• Payment processing delays: Traditional bank transfers can take days, and some platforms require a linked payment account in an eligible country.
• Verification issues: Platforms may require identity verification or tax documentation tied to an eligible country, which can complicate access for international creators.

Also read: How to get an instant USD debit card online in 2025

How to collect international creator funds in local currency

With these challenges in the way, it is imperative to have a reliable payment system to efficiently receive and manage earnings without incurring significant losses. First, confirm that you meet the eligibility and platform requirements for international creator funds. Then you can select a payment platform. Selecting the right payment processor is crucial for efficient fund collection and conversion. Here are some factors to consider before choosing a payment option.

• Supported countries and currencies: Ensure the processor supports your country and the currencies you’ll receive.
• Fees and exchange rates: Compare transaction fees, currency conversion costs, and exchange rate markups.
• Integration with creator platforms: Verify that the processor integrates seamlessly with platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, or Patreon to avoid potential payout issues.
• Speed of transactions: Check processing times for withdrawals and conversions. Real-time or same-day transfers reduce delays.
• Multi-currency support: Opt for platforms that allow you to hold funds in foreign currencies and convert when rates are favourable, minimising losses.
• Security and reliability: Choose a processor with robust security measures and a proven track record to protect your funds.
• Ease of use: Look for user-friendly interfaces and accessible customer support, especially if you’re managing multiple income streams.

By evaluating these factors, creators can select a payment option that maximises earnings, simplifies receiving international payments, and supports withdrawals to local currencies.

One top recommendation remains Grey. With virtual USD, EUR, and GBP accounts, Grey allows you to receive payments as if you had a local bank account in those countries. It uses mid-market exchange rates with low fees, thereby maximising your earnings.

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Receiving international creator funds with Grey

Setting up a Grey account for your social media platform is straightforward.

• First, sign up on Grey’s website or on the mobile app. Register with your personal information and email address.
• Next, complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) verification by uploading your picture, a valid ID, and proof of your residence. If your uploads are fine, your account should be ready in a few hours.
• Then, visit your dashboard to request the bank accounts in the currencies you will be managing. Grey offers UK, US, and EU bank accounts, and the account details will be provided instantly.
• Now that you have a multi-currency account, link the account with your social media payout system and start receiving money immediately.
• You can hold or spend your earnings in EUR, USD, or GBP or withdraw in a supported local currency.

Managing international creators' funds efficiently

The global rise of digital platforms has transformed content creation into a sustainable career for millions, with platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Patreon offering creator funds and monetisation opportunities. For creators in regions outside the platforms’ eligible countries, accessing these funds and converting them into local currency can be challenging due to geographical restrictions, high fees, and unfavourable conversion rates.

Grey is a top recommendation, thanks to its low fees, competitive exchange rates, and global accessibility. The platform offers multi-currency accounts that integrate seamlessly with popular platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Patreon.

Get started on Grey today to manage your international creator funds efficiently.

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