Cat Keenan is a social media creator and influencer from Newport, best known for her comedy, prank, and family-focused content on TikTok. Her rise is typical of a new generation of content savvy individuals able to make a living from quirky video reels about their lives. She began creating content in late 2019, and her engaging personality, relatable humour, and creative videos quickly attracted a large audience. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her popularity grew rapidly, allowing her to turn content creation into a full-time career. She told the Argus “Life has changed dramatically financially and emotionally. We were always worried how we was going to afford things like our own home, but now TikTok has given us that opportunity”.
Before becoming a full-time influencer, Cat worked as a dog walker while balancing family life. As her TikTok following expanded during the pandemic, she began earning enough through sponsored content and brand partnerships to leave her previous job. She has described how social media transformed both her financial situation and her family’s future, enabling opportunities that had previously seemed out of reach.
Cat is widely recognised for posting entertaining videos featuring pranks, challenges, comedy sketches, and everyday family moments. Many of her most popular videos include her children and collaborators, helping to create an authentic and relatable style that resonates with millions of viewers. Over the years, she has worked with well-known brands and built a strong presence across multiple social media platforms. “We started realising we were helping change people’s lives and helping with their mental health by making them smile and giving them something to laugh about.”
Cat Keenan’s Tik Tok site @itscatkeenan has 2.4 million followers and has attracted over 38 million likes. On YouTube she has 2.2 million subscribers and has posted 1,100 videos. On Instagram she has 141,00 followers. One of her Tik Tok posts involving a ex-partner paying off her mortgage went viral attracting over 7 million likes. She told the BBC “I do work across all social media platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. TikTok is my main source of income and was where it all started.”
There have been some criticisms of inauthenticity from former friends and she has personally endured and shared some deeper moments from her life but her popularity has persevered and my view of the content was that it was lively, quirky and largely inoffensive. Evidently much planning goes into the almost daily content posts I am sure it is high quality video but on the whole it still retains a familiar filmed on my iPhone air about it.
How to make money from TikTok?
Here are the main options:
- Creator Rewards Program
- TikTok pays eligible creators for high-quality, original videos.
- In many eligible regions, you generally need:
- At least 10,000 followers
- Around 100,000 video views in the last 30 days
- To be at least 18 years old
- A qualifying account in good standing.
- In many eligible regions, you generally need:
- TikTok Shop Affiliate
- Promote products in your videos or LIVE streams.
- You earn a commission whenever someone buys through your link.
- Requirements vary by country, but creators often need at least 1,000 followers to participate.
- Brand Sponsorships
- Companies pay you to feature their products.
- You don’t need millions of followers—many brands work with creators who have small but engaged audiences.
- LIVE Gifts
- Go live and viewers can send virtual gifts.
- These gifts can be converted into cash if you’re eligible.
- Sell Your Own Products or Services
- Use TikTok to promote:
- Clothing
- Digital products
- Courses
- Art
- Coaching
- Small businesses
- Use TikTok to promote:
Tips to grow faster
- Post 1–3 videos every day.
- Focus on one niche (fitness, cooking, gaming, beauty, comedy, etc.).
- Hook viewers in the first 3 seconds.
- Use trending sounds and hashtags when relevant.