So, TikTok might actually get banned in the U.S. (again). For quite some time now U.S. lawmakers have debated whether the app is a national security threat and now things seem to be serious with TikTok set to close US operations come 19th January.
So, where are all the TikTok refugees going? Here are seven platforms that are either welcoming them with open arms or outright stealing TikTok’s thunder.
- RedNote (Xiaohonshu) – the Chinese Instagram.
If your passion is lifestyle content, this is just for you. RedNote has just recently seen a huge rise in US-based downloads to the point of ranking #1 on US app stored most downloaded application. It is especially popular among users into travel and fashion.
However, since it’s also China-based, some people are side-eying it for potential to end up just like TikTok. On that note, others are taking it as vengeance—if we can’t TikTok, let’s hop onto another Chinese app.
- Lemon8 – the ByteDance backup plan.
Guessed who owns this one? Yep, ByteDance, the one and only behind TikTok. Lemon8 is more into beauty, fitness and lifestyle with many comparing it to a breed between TikTok and Instagram.
Some speculate that if TikTok goes down, Lemon* is waiting to pick up the pieces.
- Clapper – basically TikTok, but for grown-ups.
Social media has been largely taken up by the “Gen Z” with trends and all that. Based on that, clapper is trying to make something for a more mature audience. It offers short videos, live streaming and a “radio” feature for podcast-like content. Basically, it’s TikTok but without the dancing teens and the filters.
- Instagram Reels.
Not coming for anyone here but let’s face it, Meta has a history of “borrowing “ideas. I mean, they saw Twitter, we got threads, they saw TikTok, we got Instagram reels. While reels is already a huge part of Instagram, it is recently getting a boost in users who are bracing for a TikTok-less future.
- YouTube Shorts.
With TikTok, short-form video content gained popularity and thus we got the YouTube shorts, and creators are making serious money from it. Besides, YouTube has been around for like forever so if you are looking for stability, this might just be the safest bet.
- Snapchat Spotlight.
Now Snapchat may not be the social giant it once was, but its Spotlight space is still alive and kicking. So, while it hasn’t completely taken off, a TikTok ban could change that…
- Triller.
Remember Triller? It was supposed to be TikTok’s replacement years ago. While it never quite reached TikTok’s level, the app still has a dedicated user base, especially among musicians and influencers who want more control over their content.
That said, TikTok is massive, and nothing will fully replace it overnight… But if the ban actually happens, you can bet that one (or more) of these platforms will rise to the top. Whether you’re a creator looking for a new audience or just someone who needs their daily dose of chaotic, algorithm-fueled entertainment, these apps are your best bet.
Until then, we wait for updates on the TikTok ban. TikTok Ban in the U.S, a National Security Threat or Political Power Play?
