Quick Answer
MBL is an acronym that stands for “money by law” or “money by logic” on TikTok. It refers to hustlers, entrepreneurs, or people who make money through legal and logical means like investing, business ownership, real estate, etc. The term is often used by creators on TikTok to describe their income sources and business ventures.
Origin and Meaning of MBL
The MBL acronym became popular on TikTok in late 2021 and early 2022. It was coined by young entrepreneurs and hustlers on the platform to differentiate themselves from illegal means of making money.
Here are some key points on the meaning and origin of MBL:
– MBL stands for “money by law” or “money by logic.” It refers to making money through legal and logical means.
– The term took off on TikTok as young creators sought to showcase entrepreneurship and legitimate side hustles.
– It distinguishes income sources like investing, ecommerce, affiliate marketing, real estate from illegal activities.
– MBL is associated with a grindset and self-starter mentality among younger generations.
– The hashtag #mbl has over 97 million views on TikTok, showing the popularity of the term.
– Similar terms like MYB (“make your bread”) and MBM (“money by motivation”) also became popular alongside MBL.
– Overall, MBL promotes making money through smarts, skills, and hustle rather than illicit means.
Common Ways MBL is Made
There are several common legal and logical ways creators claim to make MBL on TikTok. Here are some of the most popular methods:
– Investing – Trading stocks, options, crypto, and NFTs. Building long-term investment portfolios.
– Ecommerce – Selling products or services online via Shopify, Amazon, Etsy stores. Dropshipping.
– Affiliate Marketing – Earning commissions by promoting brands and products.
– Social Media Management – Managing social media accounts for businesses.
– Real Estate – Flipping houses, rental income, Airbnb hosting.
– Content Creation – Monetizing TikTok, YouTube, Instagram accounts. Selling online courses.
– Consulting – Providing business, marketing, or other professional services.
– Freelancing – Making money utilizing skills like coding, writing, design, etc.
– Business Ownership – Owning and operating a small business or side hustle.
Why MBL Blew Up on TikTok
There are several key reasons the MBL concept took off on TikTok and appealed to its creator community:
– Showcasing Entrepreneurship – MBL allowed young creators to flaunt various hustles and business ventures.
– Side Hustle Culture – The grindset mentality fits right in with the side hustle culture prominent among youth.
– Response to 9-5 Jobs – MBL is portrayed as more exciting than corporate 9 to 5 jobs.
– Financial Independence – Making money outside of traditional employment is tied to ideals of freedom and independence.
– Passive Income – The ability to earn money passively through investments and online businesses holds major appeal.
– Recession Proof – Diversified income streams provide financial security in turbulent economic times.
– Accessibility – The barriers to starting online side hustles like dropshipping are relatively low.
– Relatability – Watching peers make money is inspirational and educational for viewers.
– Flexibility – MBL allows setting your own hours and working from anywhere.
MBL vs. MLM on TikTok
MBL stands in direct contrast to MLM, another popular acronym on TikTok that means “multi-level marketing.” Here’s a comparison:
– MBL focuses on tangible products, services, and assets to generate income. MLM relies on recruiting distributors.
– Earning potential for MBL comes from your own skills, hustle, and efforts. MLM income depends on your downline.
– MBL has low barriers to getting started for most online businesses. MLM requires buying starter kits and inventory.
– MBL allows creative freedom to try different income streams. MLM restricts you to promoting a single brand’s products.
– MBL gives full control over your venture. MLM relies on another company’s system and rules.
– MBL emphasizes financial literacy concepts like investing. MLM promotes its products and opportunities.
– Top MBL creators teach business and finance tips. Top MLMs showcase wealth and recruit.
– MBL focuses on long-term, sustainable income. MLM encourages continuously recruiting more sellers.
– MBL has more credibility with fewer regulations and legal gray areas. MLM is controversial with higher risk of scams.
Criticisms and Concerns Around MBL
While MBL has been praised for encouraging entrepreneurship, some criticisms have emerged as well:
– Unrealistic expectations – Critics argue very few can make as much money as top MBL creators imply.
– Lack of transparency – Viewers do not always see the full story behind income claims.
– Promotes consumerism – Heavy emphasis on flaunting material goods like cars, clothes, and jewelry.
– Get rich quick hype – Some creators focus on showing off overnight success rather than long, tedious processes.
– Over-simplifies business – Makes starting a successful venture seem faster and easier than reality.
– Scams – A portion of purported MBL ventures promise unrealistic returns or are outright scams.
– Tax avoidance – Highlights business deductions without fully explaining tax obligations.
– Inflates success – Leading creators portray income and lifestyle as better than it is.
– Limited upward mobility – Very few can become top, full-time earning MBL creators on the platform.
– Survivorship bias – Failures and people struggling to generate revenue are rarely shown.
Signs Someone is Actually Making MBL
On TikTok, it’s easy for anyone to claim they make money by hustling – but how can you tell who is legit? Here are signs someone truly earns MBL:
– They share actionable, detailed business tips – not just flaunting wealth.
– They are transparent about setbacks and failures along the way.
– They offer educational content to teach others valuable skills.
– They have a specific niche and clear business model.
– They have been visibly progressing and leveling up the business over time.
– They have a strong grasp of financial concepts rather than vague hype.
– They understand tax obligations rather than advising overly questionable maneuvers.
– They showcase stable, long-term assets not just material goods.
– They have registered legal business entities like LLCs.
– They invest back into the business rather than inflating lifestyle.
– They focus on their own progress rather than comparing themselves to others.
– They have business partnerships, employees, or contractors.
– Most importantly, they emphasize patience, persistence, and hard work rather than overnight success.
Tips for Starting Your Own MBL Venture
If you’re inspired to start your own MBL side hustle, here are some tips:
– Pick a niche that aligns with your interests and skills. Don’t just chase money.
– Start small and lean. Use minimum viable products to validate your idea.
– Learn core business concepts like accounting, marketing, taxes, etc.
– Be strategic with investing for the long-term. Don’t try to get rich quick.
– Set realistic expectations for yourself. Success takes time.
– Learn from mentors and connect with like-minded peers.
– Ensure you comply with all legal and tax requirements.
– Reinvest early profits back into your venture to compound growth.
– Maintain a frugal lifestyle so profit turns into savings and investments.
– Have a long-term vision and strategy. Don’t just mimic what’s trendy.
– Focus on mastering high-demand skills online education can teach.
– Learn technical skills for areas like ecommerce, social media marketing, SEO, etc.
– Turn your passion into a business rather than solely chasing money.
Famous TikTokers Making MBL
Some of the top TikTok creators flaunting MBL income streams include:
@austinmacmillan – Investor and ecommerce expert, teaches trading
@ryanscribner – Documents investing journey, highlights compound growth
@jaydee_stocks – Popular trading and finance tips, economist background
@gabsfitness – Fitness influencer expanded to clothing line, over 10M followers
@tailopez – Serial entrepreneur with marketing experience, promotes programs
@marissafuchs – Quit corporate job to scale social media management agency
@baiiley.evans – Real estate tips, documents journey from minimum wage jobs
@thehowtohustler – Started print-on-demand business, teaches ecommerce
@iamgeraldhorton – Documents progress growing social media marketing agency
@jackbeyer – Former college student shares affiliate marketing strategies
@noeldyer – Finance tips to pay off debt and hit $1M in investments by 30
Key Takeaways
– MBL stands for “money by law” or “money by logic” and took off on TikTok to showcase legal side hustles.
– Popular MBL methods include ecommerce, investing, social media management, real estate, and content creation.
– MBL appeals to youth culture’s entrepreneurial and side hustle mindset.
– However, some criticize MBL content for over-hyping success. Signs someone truly earns MBL include transparency, educational content, and tangible progress.
– With realistic expectations and persistence, young hustlers can leverage online skills to build legitimate MBL ventures. But overnight success is unrealistic for most.
