TikTok’s Legal Battle: What Creators Need to Know and How to Prepare for a Ban in 2025
Article by Paola Bapelle |YEET MAGAZINE | Published on January 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM (CET)
As TikTok faces growing legal challenges in the United States, creators are understandably concerned about how these developments will affect their content, communities, and future on the platform. With the possibility of a nationwide ban becoming more imminent, it’s crucial for creators to stay informed about what’s happening and what they can do to protect their work.
Why is TikTok in Legal Trouble?
TikTok’s future is under intense scrutiny due to national security concerns raised by the U.S. government. In April 2024, President Joe Biden signed a law mandating that ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, sell its stake in the app by January 19, 2025—or face a full ban. This law stems from fears that TikTok could be used to influence U.S. users’ content or collect sensitive data for the Chinese government’s geopolitical purposes.
TikTok’s legal team argues that this law infringes on the First Amendment, which protects free speech. The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments regarding the case on January 10, 2025, but no final decision has been made yet. Legal analysts predict that the law may be upheld, which would bring a potential ban closer to reality.
What Happens if TikTok is Banned?
If TikTok is banned, it won’t necessarily vanish from users’ devices immediately. While existing users may still be able to access the app, updates will likely be disabled, and it may eventually become unusable. Sources claim that TikTok may choose to shut down the app for U.S. users entirely, redirecting them to a website explaining the ban.
Additionally, Apple and Google would be required by law to remove TikTok from their app stores, making it impossible for new users to download the app.
What Are the Best Alternatives to TikTok for Creators?
With the uncertainty surrounding TikTok, creators need to explore alternatives to ensure they can continue connecting with their followers. Some of the best TikTok alternatives include:
- Lemon8: Launched by ByteDance in 2020, Lemon8 closely mirrors TikTok’s video format and scrollable feed. It recently became the top free app on the Apple App Store, but given its parent company, it could face similar challenges if TikTok is banned.
- Red Note (Xiaohongshu): Red Note, or Xiaohongshu, offers video posts much like TikTok and is gaining popularity, especially with TikTok creators migrating to the platform. However, its Chinese roots mean it could be affected by the ban as well.
- Instagram Reels: Instagram has over a billion active users, and Reels, launched in 2020, is designed to replicate TikTok’s short-form video format. Instagram remains one of the leading platforms for creators.
- YouTube Shorts: Launched in 2020, YouTube Shorts allows users to create videos up to 60 seconds long. YouTube’s massive user base makes Shorts a powerful option for creators.
How Can Creators Prepare for a Potential TikTok Ban?
To protect their content and stay connected with their audiences, creators should consider taking these proactive steps:
- Download and Back Up Your TikTok Content: Don’t risk losing your videos if the app becomes inaccessible. Make sure you download and back up your content before any potential shutdown.
- Diversify Your Social Media Presence: Start exploring and establishing your presence on other platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Lemon8. This will allow you to continue engaging with followers if TikTok is banned.
- Direct Followers to Other Platforms: Let your audience know where they can find you if TikTok disappears. Redirecting followers to other platforms now will make the transition easier and more seamless.
How We’re Supporting TikTok Creators
Whether TikTok stays active in the U.S. or not, we understand the significant impact this legal battle may have on creators. Our goal is to ensure that creators have the tools, resources, and support they need to continue sharing their content and connecting with their audience, no matter the platform.
Stay tuned for updates and rest assured that we’re here to help you navigate this uncertain landscape.
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