Everything users and creators need to know amid looming TikTok ban in the US

Update 14/02/25 – 03:33 pm (IST): A recent report from Bloomberg stating that the Chinese government would be interested in Elon Musk acquiring TikTok has been refuted and called “pure fiction,” by a spokesperson of the company. Furthermore, Musk, who is often vocal about his interests, hasn’t expressed any serious interest in purchasing TikTok ahead of the potential ban. So it’s unlikely that we’ll see Musk takeover another massive social media platform.

That said, reports also suggest that TikTok users are flocking over to a similar Chinese app called “RedNote” (Xiaohongshu in China). Several creators have started prompting their audience on TikTok and platforms like Instagram to follow them on RedNote, fearing losing access to TikTok in a week.

Original article published on January 13, 20245, follows:

The future of TikTok in the United States is teetering on a knife-edge, with the Supreme Court hearing on January 10, 2025, setting the stage for what might be the app’s last stand. The law, which was signed by President Joe Biden in April of the previous year, gives ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, until January 19, 2025, to divest from TikTok or see it banned. This decision could fundamentally alter the digital landscape for millions of American users and creators.

The Supreme Court and the ban’s likelihood

During the Supreme Court’s session, the justices appeared to lean towards upholding the law, focusing on national security issues over the First Amendment arguments presented by TikTok and its advocates. This tilt was evident in their questioning, which seemed to prioritize the potential risks posed by TikTok’s Chinese ownership. Given this, the chances of a ban seem high unless there’s a dramatic shift in judicial or political strategy.

Political reactions

Politicians have been all over the place on this. Initially, Trump was pushing for a ban back in his first term, but now he’s singing a different tune, possibly influenced by the political climate and his upcoming presidency. On the other side of the aisle, Democrats like President Joe Biden have supported the legislation to address security concerns, though his administration’s approach has been more about pushing for a sale rather than an outright ban.

Bipartisan support for the ban has been strong in Congress, with many citing the risks of data privacy and the potential for the Chinese government to manipulate content or user data. Yet, there’s pushback too. Some lawmakers and civil liberties groups argue that this could set a dangerous precedent for free speech, highlighting the lack of concrete evidence that TikTok has been used for espionage or content manipulation in the U.S. Granted the fact that there’s still no proof of what TikTok is being accused of, one would have hoped things wouldn’t have come to this stage, to begin with.

Elon Musk also voiced similar concerns back in 2024, noting that “TikTok should not be banned in the USA, even though such a ban may benefit the 𝕏 platform. Doing so would be contrary to freedom of speech and expression. It is not what America stands for.”

The impact on creators and users

For creators and users, the big question is, “What’s next if TikTok goes dark?” Alternatives are plenty, but none quite match the unique ecosystem of TikTok. Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts have been trying to fill the gap, offering similar short-form video capabilities. Instagram has been especially aggressive, rolling out features like Reels to attract TikTok’s creators and users. For those interested, you can check out this detailed article on the differences between Reels and TikTok. Snapchat’s Spotlight and even Spotify’s foray into video feeds are also in the mix. However, creators like Gillian Johnson lament that these platforms don’t replicate TikTok’s engagement and audience discovery quite like the original.

Small businesses and creators are feeling the heat, with many already diversifying their presence across platforms. The advice from experts? Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Creators are encouraged to archive their TikTok content, build email lists, and engage with audiences on multiple platforms. But let’s not kid ourselves. We all know it’s no joke building an audience on one platform, let alone trying to win the insane algorithm battle on multiple platforms.

The economic repercussions for creators could be massive, with TikTok estimating billions in potential lost revenue for both creators and small businesses. For those who’ve leveraged TikTok for product launches or brand building, like Love and Pebble or countless artists, this ban could undo years of growth. Culturally, TikTok has been a hotbed for creativity, memes, and even political activism, particularly resonating with Gen Z and Millennials. Its absence would leave a void in the digital content ecosystem, possibly shifting how these groups engage with social media.

Potential outcomes and workarounds

Should the ban go into effect, existing users would still have access to TikTok, but without updates, the app’s functionality could degrade over time. There’s speculation about ISPs blocking the web version, but this would be complex to implement. VPNs offer a workaround, allowing users to appear as if they’re accessing TikTok from outside the U.S.

However, even if TikTok faces a ban, it’s not the endgame. ByteDance could still divest, and there are interested parties ready to buy. Trump’s ambiguous stance might offer a last-minute reprieve or at least a delay, considering his recent efforts to pause the ban. Legal battles could continue, with TikTok challenging both the ban’s constitutionality and its execution.

In conclusion, this TikTok drama is big. It’s not just about one app. It shows us who runs our digital world, if our data is safe, and how big tech and politics clash. For TikTok users and creators, the plan is clear: use more platforms. Talk to your followers directly. Get ready for a new kind of online world.

If you’re a TikTok creator or someone who simply loves spending time on the app, feel free to drop your thoughts on the looming ban in the comments section below.