Is TikTok Being Banned? If So, What Now?

NATALIE PETERSON
Jan 4
4 min read

Here is What We Know

As of January 4, 2025, TikTok faces a potential ban in the United States due to national security concerns over its Chinese ownership. In April 2024, President Joe Biden signed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, requiring TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to divest its U.S. operations by January 19, 2025, or face a ban.

ByteDance challenged this law, but in December 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit upheld the divestment requirement. ByteDance then appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which is scheduled to hear arguments on January 10, 2025. President-elect Donald Trump has requested the Supreme Court delay the enforcement of the law to allow time for a political resolution.

If the Supreme Court does not intervene, TikTok will be banned from U.S. app stores starting January 19, 2025. This would prevent new downloads and updates, and could eventually lead to the app becoming non-functional for existing users.

The situation remains fluid, with potential outcomes including a forced sale of TikTok's U.S. operations, a complete ban, or a political resolution under the incoming Trump administration. Users and stakeholders should stay informed as the January 19 deadline approaches.

If The Ban Goes Into Effect

If the TikTok ban goes into effect in the United States, here's what would likely happen:

1. Removal from App Stores

TikTok would be removed from app stores like Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
New users would no longer be able to download the app.

2. Updates and Maintenance Halted

Existing users could continue using the app, but they would no longer receive updates or security patches.
Over time, the app could become less functional or insecure due to the lack of updates.

3. Limited or Blocked Access

Internet service providers (ISPs) or app platforms could be required to block access to TikTok entirely.
This would make the app non-functional, even for users who have already downloaded it.

4. Impact on Businesses and Creators

Businesses and content creators who rely on TikTok for marketing or income would need to shift to other platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or Snapchat.
Marketing strategies would need adjustment, and creators might lose access to their audience base on TikTok.

5. Possible Sale or Rebranding

If ByteDance (TikTok’s parent company) complies with the U.S. government’s demand to sell its U.S. operations to a domestic company, TikTok could continue under new ownership.
This might involve rebranding or transitioning user data and systems to a new entity.

6. Potential Workarounds

Some users might attempt to access TikTok via virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass restrictions, though this could violate the terms of the ban.

7. Broader Implications

This ban could set a precedent for how other apps owned by foreign companies are treated in the U.S.
It could further strain U.S.-China relations and lead to retaliatory actions by the Chinese government.

The ban's enforcement, timeline, and full scope will depend on legal rulings, government policies, and compliance by ByteDance.

How To Prepare For A Ban

For Casual Users

Download Your Data:
- Use TikTok’s settings to download a copy of your data, including videos, likes, comments, and messages.
- Go to Settings > Privacy > Download Your Data to make a request.
Save Your Favorite Videos:
- Use TikTok’s built-in save feature or third-party tools to download videos you want to keep.
- Be sure to respect creators' intellectual property rights.
Follow Creators on Other Platforms:
- Many TikTok creators share content on Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Snapchat, or other platforms.
- Check their bios for links to their other accounts.

For Creators and Influencers

Diversify Your Platforms:
- Start building a presence on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook.
- Share your handles in TikTok posts and bio to direct your audience.
Export Your Content:
- Download your videos in high resolution so you can re-upload them to other platforms.
- Organize your content by categories or themes for easy reuse.
Engage Your Community:
- Encourage followers to subscribe to an email newsletter or join a private community (e.g., Discord, Patreon).
- This ensures you maintain a direct connection to your audience.
Adjust Monetization Strategies:
- Explore other monetization options, such as YouTube’s Partner Program, Instagram bonuses, or affiliate marketing.
- Consider launching a website or blog to host content and generate revenue.

For Businesses

Reassess Social Media Strategy:
- Identify which platforms offer similar audience demographics to TikTok (e.g., Instagram, YouTube Shorts).
- Start running ads or building organic content on those platforms now.
Capture Customer Data:
- Use TikTok to drive traffic to your website, email lists, or other owned platforms.
- Create campaigns to encourage followers to engage outside of TikTok.
Repurpose Content:
- Reuse TikTok videos for other platforms with minor edits to fit different formats.
Explore Emerging Platforms:
- Keep an eye on newer apps like Triller, Clapper, or Lemon8 that cater to similar audiences.

For All Users

Stay Informed:
- Follow updates on the legal status of the ban.
- Be aware of any workarounds, like potential VPN use (while understanding legal implications).
Back Up Connections:
- If you’ve made meaningful connections on TikTok, exchange contact details to stay in touch.

As a chronically online person myself, we must hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Preparing early can help you transition smoothly to alternative platforms and ensure you don’t lose your content or community. It is best to get ahead of it now in order to be ready for those speed bumps to come. If you are struggling with the next steps, do not worry. We have your back! Let us take the stress off your shoulders and prepare the move for you. Fill out a form today or email us at medusamediacompany@gmail.com to get started.