The potential ban of TikTok in the United States has sparked concern and uncertainty among its vast user base. With over 170 million U.S. users, including most teens and a third of adults, the impact of a ban would be significant. Here's what users need to know and how they might be affected.



Access to Content and Creators

If the ban goes into effect, users will no longer be able to access TikTok through app stores, and updates, security patches, and bug fixes will cease. While users who already have the app installed will still be able to access it, the quality and functionality of the app will likely degrade over time. This could lead to a loss of access to favorite videos, creators, and online communities built around the platform.

Shift to Alternative Platforms

With TikTok gone, users will be forced to find alternatives to satisfy their entertainment needs. Established social media platforms like Meta's Instagram, Snapchat, and Google's YouTube are expected to benefit from TikTok's absence, as they already offer short-form video features like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. These platforms have large user bases that overlap with TikTok, making it easier for creators to switch and maintain their audience. However, some experts argue that younger users may not migrate to these platforms, as they are already popular among their millennial parents. Additionally, while Meta's algorithm is addictive, it is still not TikTok, and YouTube is primarily known for its longer-format videos.

Lesser-known apps like Triller, which is popular for music videos, and Zigazoo, which was designed with kids in mind, could also gain traction among TikTok users looking for alternatives. There's also Twitch, the live-streaming platform owned by Amazon. However, it's uncertain whether these platforms will be able to replicate TikTok's success and provide the same economic opportunities for creators.

Economic Consequences for Creators and Businesses

The ban could have significant economic consequences for TikTok creators and businesses reliant on the platform. Many creators have built their livelihoods around TikTok, generating revenue through the platform's live feature and rewards program. Gillian Johnson, a 22-year-old filmmaker, uses her TikTok earnings to fund her equipment for projects like "Gambit" and "Awaken! My Neighbor." If TikTok is banned, these creators will lose their primary source of income.

The ban could also be especially devastating for those who have left full-time jobs to build careers and incomes around their content on TikTok. According to a study by Oxford Economics, TikTok contributed more than $24 billion and 200,000 jobs to the U.S. economy in 2023. A ban could lead to job losses and a significant impact on the economy.

While some creators may shift to other platforms like Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts, it's not guaranteed that they will maintain their audience or income levels. Younger users, in particular, may be less likely to follow creators to other platforms. Additionally, the algorithms on these platforms may not be as effective at promoting creators as TikTok's algorithm.

Potential Workarounds

If the ban goes into effect, users and creators may look for workarounds to access TikTok. One common workaround that's brought up is a VPN, or virtual private network, that allows users to mask their location. A VPN encrypts your traffic data and then routes it through private tunnels to secure servers around the world, which prevents anyone else from being able to read it. Lauren Hendry Parsons, the director of communications and advocacy at ExpressVPN, maintains that people could access their TikTok accounts by using a VPN and making some other changes to their phone's settings that would allow them to jump to a nearby country's app store.

U.S. TikTok users with Android devices might also be able to continue to update the platform through third-party app stores, a method called sideloading. However, bypassing the security protocols that well-known app stores have in place might also leave users more vulnerable to malware, said Gus Hurwitz, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania with expertise in telecommunications and technology.

Conclusion

A potential TikTok ban would have far-reaching implications for users, creators, and the broader social media landscape. While established platforms like Instagram and YouTube are expected to benefit from TikTok's absence, the ban could also create opportunities for new platforms to emerge. However, the economic consequences for TikTok creators and businesses reliant on the platform are significant, and the shift to alternative platforms may not be seamless. Users should be prepared for the possibility of a ban and consider exploring alternative platforms and workarounds to maintain access to their favorite content and creators.