What a TikTok Ban Would Mean for U.S. Users

Fans of video-sharing app TikTok could be left looking for a new platform as Congress voted for a potential ban of the app in the U.S. on Saturday.

Lawmakers in both state and federal governments are pushing to get rid of the platform for national security reasons, but what does the ban mean for users?

Why Might TikTok Be Banned and When Could It Happen?

TikTok is owned by Chinese parent company ByteDance that is considered a potential national security risk to the United States.

ByteDance has consistently emphasized that they are not owned or controlled by Chinese government, but as a company based in Beijing they are subject to Chinese laws that could compel it to share user data from TikTok with the Chinese government.

There are also wider concerns that TikTok’s algorithm could be used by ByteDance or China to manipulate American public opinion and push pro-China narratives, especially on sensitive issues like Taiwan or the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Legislation has been passed by U.S. Congress that would require TikTok’s operation to cease within the country if ByteDance fails to divest its stake in the video-sharing app within a year.

However, the process is not immediate, and still needs approval from the U.S. Senate and President Biden. Even then, legal challenges could still delay or prevent the ban from taking effect, meaning there is no obvious timeline at the moment.

What Will Happen to U.S.-Based Accounts if TikTok Is Banned?

If TikTok is banned in the U.S., users would lose access to the app and be unable to upload new content.

When TikTok was banned in India in 2020, users were prevented from accessing content, but the ban did not call for the deletion of data and profiles that were already on TikTok.

While the specifics are unclear, a similar system may allow U.S. users to preserve content and even provide potential migration to other platforms.

Can I Download My Videos From TikTok?

Before TikTok becomes inaccessible to users it is likely there would be some warning.

It is possible to download your content directly from TikTok and back it up easily. Downloading videos on TikTok can be done by going to the video, tapping the three-dots icon and tapping “save video”.

TikTok has not announced any specific plans for data downloads, but many users regularly back up their content as a precaution anyway.

What Would A TikTok Ban Mean For Businesses?

According to an economic impact report released by TikTok, 55 million people in the US have made purchases on the platform. It also reported that it generated $14.7 billion for small and medium businesses (SMEs) in 2023, and a further $24.2 billion in total economic activity.

TikTok has become a huge marketing tool for businesses of all sizes, providing a key way to reach Gen Z consumers. Without the platform, businesses will need to find a new way to reach audiences not often found via marketing on other social platforms or traditional advertising.

What Would A TikTok Ban Mean For Influencers?

For influencers who create content for TikTok, their future without the platform could be complicated.

According to The Washington Post, creator economy as a whole is estimated to be a $250 billion industry in 2022, expected to grow to $480 billion by 2027.

Many influencers have protested against a potential ban, arguing that it would leave them struggling to engage with audiences in the same way.

Losing the platform would mean many influencers would be forced to pivot to other platforms where they may have to grow new followings or alter their content to suit a different audience.

Have Any Other Countries Banned TikTok?

Yes, TikTok has faced bans in several other nations over similar national security concerns.

India banned TikTok and numerous other Chinese-owned apps in 2020, resulting in a surge in downloads for alternative short-form video apps within the country. However, efforts to ban TikTok in other countries like the U.S. have encountered legal hurdles, and implementing and enforcing a nationwide ban is challenging.

What Are the Alternatives to TikTok?

In the event of a TikTok ban in the U.S., users are likely to seek out alternative short-form video platforms. Some prominent alternatives include:

• Triller: A music-focused video app that has attracted many TikTok stars.

• YouTube Shorts: YouTube’s short-form video feature integrated into the main YouTube app.

• Reels on Instagram: Instagram’s short-form video feature similar to TikTok.

• Likee: A global short-form video platform boasting over 150 million active users.

• Zigazoo: A kid-friendly short-form video app marketed as a “TikTok for families.”

Are you a TikTok user with questions about a potential ban? Contact [email protected] and we will investigate.