TikTok Creators Bid Farewell as U.S. Ban Looms

As the clock ticks down to a potential U.S. ban on TikTok, creators are taking to the platform to say their goodbyes and encourage their followers to find them on other social media platforms. The expected ban, set to take effect on Sunday, has left many creators scrambling to prepare for the worst-case scenario.



One TikTok creator, Tiffany Cianci, took to the platform to share a heartfelt message with her followers. "I just wanted to say goodbye, in case this is the last time you see me on TikTok," she said in her video. "I love you guys so much, and I'm so grateful for the time we've had together on this platform."

Cianci, who has built a following of over 1 million on TikTok, is just one of many creators who are bracing for the possibility of the app's shutdown. The ban, which was upheld by the Supreme Court on Friday, would require TikTok to divest from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a U.S. ban.

The impact of the ban on content creators and small businesses is expected to be significant. Blake Chandlee, TikTok's president of global business solutions, estimated that a one-month shutdown could lead to nearly $300 million in lost earnings for almost 2 million U.S. creators. Small businesses that have benefited from TikTok's marketing reach are also bracing for potential losses.

Paulina Hoong, a small business owner who has seen significant growth thanks to TikTok, said she is already grieving the loss of the platform. "I am already grieving the loss of TikTok," she said. "It felt very emotional for me this week. Not only has TikTok helped out my business, but it has helped me develop into the person who I am today through getting exposure to so many different opinions, from different cultures."



As the deadline approaches, many creators are encouraging their followers to find them on other platforms, such as Instagram and YouTube. Some are even considering migrating to Chinese apps like Xiaohongshu (RedNote), which offers similar features to TikTok.

Megan Diem Easton, a creator based near Nashville with over 80,000 followers, has been using TikTok as a side gig since 2022. She said she is worried about the potential loss of income if TikTok goes away. "I did all this hard for four years, and almost in a way created a business from the ground up, and it's being taken away through no fault of my own," she said.



The uncertainty surrounding the ban has left many creators in limbo, unsure of what the future holds. While some are optimistic that the ban can be averted, others are preparing for the worst. The impact of the ban on the broader social media landscape and user behavior remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: TikTok creators are not going down without a fight.