I just remembered you can tip creators with BAT because the icon is present.
BAT is available for tip if you use Brave browser. I don't think you can tip BAT on other browsers.
Sadly like you said, if you're not a popular figure, nobody ain't gonna tip shit :p
I don't think the issue is you are a popular figure or not. Everyone has to begin from zero follower but if you can make informative and helpful tweets, you will get followers who will in turn tip you.
As a content creator on Twitter, you must have knowledge, and creative idea for infographics, animations, ...