What’s Holding Back Pakistan’s Digital Growth? Key Monetization Challenges for 2025

As we approach 2025, many Pakistanis still face roadblocks that limit their ability to access global monetization tools and platforms. For a country with a rapidly growing population of digital creators, freelancers, and small business owners, not having these tools is a major setback. With an average income around 30,000 PKR ($100) per month, these limitations hinder financial growth and leave many looking for workarounds that are neither straightforward nor ideal. In this blog, we’ll explore the monetization limitations Pakistanis face, why these barriers exist, and how they affect freelancers, entrepreneurs, and creators across the country.

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YouTube Channel Membership Option

Pakistan’s YouTube creators have amassed millions of subscribers and views, creating high-quality content in entertainment, tech, education, and more. Yet, they’re missing a key revenue stream available to creators in other countries: YouTube Channel Memberships. This feature would allow fans to financially support their favorite creators through monthly subscriptions, providing a steady revenue stream for creators. Without this option, creators are forced to rely on ads, brand deals, or external sponsorships, which can be inconsistent. For many, this makes it difficult to make YouTube a full-time profession, limiting the potential growth of the industry.

Facebook Monetization

Facebook remains a popular platform in Pakistan, especially for video content and community building. However, unlike many countries, Pakistanis do not have access to Facebook’s monetization features. These features would allow creators to earn from in-stream ads, fan subscriptions, and even branded content. With no official support for monetization, Facebook creators often have to focus on unpaid engagement rather than creating high-value content. This lack of earning options pushes creators to look at external means or other platforms, which may not be as popular locally.

Snapchat Monetization

Snapchat has gained a following among younger Pakistanis, yet Snapchat’s monetization options are inaccessible. While creators in other countries earn money from Stories, Spotlight, and Discover features, Pakistanis are left without these financial incentives. This not only limits creativity but also discourages talented creators from staying on the platform. The lack of Snapchat monetization leaves creators to rely on brand collaborations, which can be difficult to secure, especially for newcomers.

Twitter (X) Monetization Blocked Alongside the Platform’s Access

In a country where freedom of speech is already a sensitive topic, the blocking of Twitter (now X) further limits Pakistanis’ access to a global audience. Even before the platform was blocked, monetization options were unavailable to Pakistani users. With Twitter’s large user base, this restriction means missed opportunities for creators, activists, and entrepreneurs to connect with the world, grow their presence, and earn. This limitation affects those who relied on Twitter to build their personal or business brand and makes it difficult for them to switch to alternative platforms.

No PayPal

One of the biggest hurdles for freelancers in Pakistan is the absence of PayPal. PayPal is essential for receiving international payments easily and securely, especially for freelancers on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. The lack of PayPal forces freelancers to rely on more complicated and costly methods to get paid, like wire transfers or third-party services that charge high fees. This limitation can discourage aspiring freelancers, preventing them from taking full advantage of the global gig economy, where Pakistani talent has proven to be highly competitive.

TikTok Monetization

With a vibrant TikTok community in Pakistan, monetization is a long-anticipated feature. TikTok monetization options are unavailable for Pakistani creators, even though many of them have gathered millions of followers and views. These creators have the potential to earn significant revenue, but without official support, they’re limited to external sponsorships or ad partnerships, which can be irregular. This impacts both small creators looking to grow and established influencers who wish to make a stable income through the platform.

TikTok Live and TikTok Shop

Aside from monetization, Pakistani users don’t have access to TikTok Live and TikTok Shop, tools that allow creators to connect with fans in real-time and promote products directly. In countries where these features are available, they’ve proven to be lucrative for both creators and small businesses. For Pakistan’s growing community of e-commerce sellers and influencers, this lack of access hinders their ability to fully leverage TikTok for online sales and brand growth.

Restricted Access to Foreign Currency Accounts

A significant barrier for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and business owners is the inability to open foreign currency bank accounts easily. Holding and managing foreign currency is crucial for individuals who work with international clients, as it minimizes conversion losses and simplifies transactions. The existing banking policies limit this capability, leading to complex financial transactions and reduced income. Freelancers and entrepreneurs find themselves losing out on income due to unfavorable exchange rates and fees, making international trade less attractive.

Limited Access to Major E-Commerce Platforms Like Etsy, eBay, and Amazon

Pakistani entrepreneurs often struggle to access major e-commerce platforms directly. Opening an Etsy, eBay, or Amazon account directly in Pakistan and linking it to a Pakistani bank is often not an option, making it challenging for artisans, retailers, and exporters to reach a global market. Entrepreneurs have to go through costly and complicated workarounds, such as establishing companies in other countries or partnering with third-party facilitators. This restricts business growth and deters new entrepreneurs from exploring the global e-commerce space.

What These Limitations Mean for Pakistan’s Economy and Youth

The lack of access to these platforms and monetization tools doesn’t just impact individuals; it holds back Pakistan’s economy. Young Pakistanis are the backbone of the country’s digital growth, with many educated and talented individuals eager to compete globally. However, limited access to international financial and online business systems keeps them from reaching their full potential.

What Needs to Change for Pakistan to Unlock Its Digital Economy?

For Pakistan to tap into its full economic and digital potential, policy reforms and international cooperation are essential. Here’s what could help:

• Collaborate with global tech platforms to make monetization features available for Pakistani users.
• Expand digital banking options so users can open foreign currency accounts with ease.
• Encourage the introduction of PayPal and similar payment processors, creating a stable and reliable digital payment system.
• Promote e-commerce inclusivity by facilitating easier access to platforms like Amazon, Etsy, and eBay.

The Urgent Need for Change in 2025

The world has become a global marketplace, but Pakistani freelancers, creators, and entrepreneurs are held back by a lack of access to essential tools and platforms. The government and tech giants need to address these issues to empower Pakistani talent on a global scale. Without these changes, Pakistan will continue to miss out on valuable opportunities for economic growth and innovation. It’s time for Pakistan to advocate for its creators, freelancers, and business owners, helping them to break free from these limitations and fully participate in the global economy.