TikTok Ban: A 'Techno-Feudal' Wake-Up Call for Influencers

The looming TikTok ban in the United States has exposed the 'techno-feudal' power dynamics between social media platforms and content creators, highlighting the dependency of influencers on these platforms for their livelihoods. As the deadline approaches, creators like Brandon Edelman (Bran Flakezz) are grappling with the reality that their dreams could be yanked out from under them by the colossal, omnipotent entity that is the U.S. government.

TikTok's unique algorithm has allowed creators to amass large followings and generate income, but the looming ban threatens to disrupt this ecosystem. The ban would not only impact TikTok creators but also the broader influencer economy, as it would force creators to diversify their platforms or risk losing their audience and income.



The TikTok ban is a stark reminder of the power imbalance between social media platforms and content creators. Influencers rely on these platforms for their livelihoods, but they have little control over the algorithms that determine content visibility and user engagement. In the case of TikTok, the platform's unique algorithm has allowed creators like Brandon Edelman (Bran Flakezz) to amass large followings and generate income, but the looming ban threatens to disrupt this ecosystem.

Preventing influencers from carrying their followers across platforms can have significant economic and social consequences, as well as impact the overall digital ecosystem. Here are some key points supported by data and examples from the provided materials:

1. Economic consequences:
* Loss of income for influencers and businesses: Influencers and businesses rely on their followers for income. If they can't carry their followers across platforms, they may lose a significant portion of their audience and, consequently, their income. For instance, Brandon Edelman, known as Bran Flakezz on TikTok, has hundreds of thousands of followers and relies on the app for his livelihood. If TikTok is banned, he would lose this income stream (Mashable, 2025).
* Decreased consumer spending: Influencers drive consumer spending by promoting products and services. If they can't carry their followers, this spending may decrease, leading to economic losses for businesses. For example, Hurst, a plant seller on TikTok, sold 57,000 plants in 2023 through the app. If TikTok is banned, he would lose this sales channel (Los Angeles Times, 2024).
* Job losses: The influencer economy supports many jobs, from content creators to those working in related industries. A ban on TikTok could lead to job losses in this sector. According to Rory Cutaia, CEO of Verb Technology, roughly 7 million small-business owners and 1 million influencers rely on TikTok for their livelihoods (Los Angeles Times, 2024).
2. Social consequences:
* Disruption of online communities: Influencers often build and maintain online communities around shared interests. Preventing them from carrying their followers across platforms can disrupt these communities. For instance, Ophelia Nichols, known as shoelover99 on TikTok, uses her account as a hub for "love and compassion." If TikTok is banned, these communities could be dismantled (ABC News, 2024).
* Reduced access to information and resources: Influencers often share valuable information and resources with their followers. If they can't carry their followers, this information may not reach those who need it. For example, Tara Blair Ball, a relationship coach on TikTok, has 270,000 followers. If TikTok is banned, she would lose this platform for sharing her expertise (Mashable, 2025).
3. Impact on the overall digital ecosystem:
* Reduced competition and innovation: TikTok's unique algorithm and features have driven innovation in the social media landscape. If it's banned, this competition and innovation could be stifled. For instance, TikTok's "For You" page has driven the app's popularity and influenced other platforms' algorithms (Mashable, 2025).
* Potential for increased censorship: If influencers can't carry their followers across platforms, it could lead to increased censorship and control over online content. For example, Xiao Qiang, a research scientist at UC Berkeley, argues that banning TikTok could be a matter of reciprocity, with China blocking U.S. social media platforms in response (The Conversation, 2024).

In conclusion, preventing influencers from carrying their followers across platforms can have significant economic, social, and digital ecosystem consequences. These points are supported by specific examples and data from the provided materials, demonstrating the potential impact of a TikTok ban on the digital landscape.