Peller reacts as TikTok announces ban on live broadcast at night
Peller reacts as TikTok announces ban on live broadcast at night
Popular Nigerian TikTok content creator, Habeeb Hamzat, also known as Peller, has dismissed claims that he will face financial hardship following TikTok’s temporary restriction of nighttime livestreams in Nigeria.
On Sunday at midnight, TikTok issued an in-app notification announcing that it was limiting access to its LIVE feature during late-night hours for Nigerian users. The platform said the measure was part of an ongoing safety investigation aimed at protecting its community.
The restriction also prevents Nigerian users from viewing late-night livestreams from other countries.
Reacting in a video posted on his Instagram page on Monday, Peller said critics wrongly assumed that the ban would affect his income or online relevance.
“People are expecting me to be crying after TikTok banned live in Nigeria, thinking I’ll go hungry,” he said. “I’m an ambassador to numerous brands, and none of my endorsements is less than ₦40 million.”
He stressed that his digital presence extends beyond TikTok and that he earns from multiple brand partnerships. While acknowledging the platform’s role in boosting his popularity, he noted that his financial stability comes from long-term endorsements rather than livestream earnings.
Peller also highlighted his philanthropic efforts, explaining that gifts received during livestream sessions are often redistributed to fans through giveaways.
He praised TikTok for empowering young Nigerians, saying the platform offers faster growth and visibility compared to other social media spaces.
“Many people will grow on TikTok. You can’t grow on Instagram the same way,” he said.
Addressing critics who previously advocated for restricting nighttime livestreams, Peller argued that many do not understand how important TikTok is to emerging content creators.
He urged both the platform and Nigerian authorities to consider the economic impact of such restrictions, noting that thousands of young Nigerians rely on TikTok livestreaming for income and digital exposure.
