The US TikTok Ban that lasted one day

So, over the weekend TikTok users and creators in the US have been on a rollercoaster journey with the platform. The platform faced the looming threat of a total ban unless its parent company, ByteDance, sold its stake. And then, just like that, TikTok was banned across the US… for about 18 hours.

Why was TikTok Banned in the US?

TikTok was banned in America over concerns about its ties to the Chinese government and how it handles American user data. The platform was given until January 19, 2025, to be sold to a US buyer to avoid the ban.

This ban didn’t come out of nowhere—it’s been brewing for a while. The drama really picked up in April 2024, when Biden signed the bipartisan TikTok bill. The legislation gave ByteDance six months to sell its controlling stake or risk being shut out of the US market entirely.

Why was the TikTok ban reversed and is it back for good?

For now, the TikTok ban has been delayed by 90 days, to allow them more time to consider options and to potentially sell its US operations to an American buyer. In recent weeks,  speculation has been swirling about who might swoop in at the eleventh hour to save TikTok.  Names like Elon Musk (no stranger to buying social media platforms), and MrBeast—the most-followed YouTube creator on the planet, reportedly backed by a “bunch of billionaires”—have been thrown into the mix.

TikTok’s return to US screens is largely thanks to President Donald Trump. In the lead-up to his second term in office, Trump has been vocal about his support for the platform, which played a key role in his successful campaigning ahead of the November 2024 election.

On X (formerly Twitter), TikTok’s policy-focused account, which has been providing regular updates on the ban, posted the following statement:

“It’s a strong stand for the First Amendment and Against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States.”

Trump himself has since weighed in on the reversal of the TikTok ban, suggesting a 50/50 joint ownership arrangement between ByteDance and an American owner.

What is RedNote?

Ever heard of RedNote? It’s a Chinese-owned short-form video platform that’s now the top free app in the App Store.

Think of RedNote as a mashup of Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. It currently boasts around 300 million monthly active users—a respectable figure, though still far behind TikTok’s colossal 1.5 billion. Still, RedNote was shaping up to be the leading contender to fill TikTok’s shoes in the US.

Alternative TikTok replacement Platforms.

Naturally, other big players like Instagram and YouTube were obvious options for creators looking to relocate. These platforms already have massive user bases in the US, not to mention that most creators have established audiences there. 

Instagram has long been trying to compete with TikTok in the short-form video space, with reels gaining a 57% increase in usage last year alone. Meanwhile, YouTube has been beefing up its own “Shorts” platform, recently extending the maximum video length 3 minutes long.

The future of TikTok for creators and brands

The future of TikTok still hangs in the balance. The platform will remain available to US users for at least the next 90 days, but what happens after that is anyone’s guess.

For brands and creators relying on TikTok for long-term strategies, it’s crucial to start preparing backup plans now. Flexibility will be key as the situation unfolds – here’s where to start:

1. Check Out the Competition
Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Snapchat Spotlight, and even RedNote are all solid alternatives. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket— at least prepare for all outcomes.

2. Diversify Your Strategy
Short-form video is great, but don’t forget other creator formats. Carousels, Stories, long-form videos—try it all and see what sticks.

3. Rethink Your Ad Budget
Shift some spend to Instagram or YouTube, and maybe test the waters with emerging platforms like RedNote. Smart bets win the game.

4. Follow the Creators
Creators are already migrating to other platforms. Partner with those who know how to work their magic across multiple channels.

5. Keep Your Ear to the Ground
Stay sharp—watch for policy updates, trends, and where your audience goes next. The internet moves fast, and so should you.

6. Think Niche and Community
Discord, Reddit, Pinterest, Twitch—there’s a world beyond TikTok. Find where your people hang out and meet them there.

7. Speak to Disrupt
We’re a global influencer marketing agency that combines the science of audience with the power of creators. We know exactly where your audience is and how to connect with them to drive measurable success and real business impact.

 Don’t wait until the next TikTok ban, get in touch today.