TikTok users are mourning the app’s impending ban in the US, which is set to go into effect on Sunday.
After the Supreme Court upheld the ban, many content creators voiced their frustrations. The ban stems from national security concerns surrounding TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, which TikTok denies.
Tiktok creators express frustration over the ban
Influencers and creators are devastated by the Supreme Court’s decision, which will force TikTok to go dark in the US. Many feel betrayed, with some openly criticizing the government and the aging judges who approved the ban.
“You’ve ruined everything,” creator Kelsey Pumel said in a video. “Thanks a lot, old farts,” she added, upset over the court’s decision.
creators lose more than just a platform
For many content creators, TikTok was more than just an app—it was their livelihood.
Emily Senn, a singer and influencer with 347,000 followers, expressed her deep disappointment. “This is so much more than just an app,” Senn said through tears. “It’s a sense of community and it’s taken away from us.”
TikTok was a source of income for Senn, who relied on the platform’s monthly payouts to supplement her earnings.
With the ban looming, she fears for her financial future.
Tiktok’s economic impact on creators and businesses
TikTok supports many small business owners and content creators, contributing billions to the economy.
Last year, TikTok helped generate 224,000 jobs and added $24.2 billion to the US GDP. Some creators, like Sarah Perl, have even quit their 9-to-5 jobs to pursue full-time content creation.
“I’ve made six figures in revenue thanks to TikTok,” Perl explained, noting how easy it is now to earn money through the platform.
Creators turn to other platforms as alternatives
@emilyesenn It’s my turn to cry on the internet about the TikTok ban #tiktokban #cryingintheclub #talking
As TikTok’s shutdown looms, many creators are exploring other platforms. Some have shifted to Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, while others have joined RedNote, a Chinese social media app.
RedNote, known as Xiaohongshu, has seen a surge in downloads, with more than 700,000 former TikTok users flocking to it.
The political uncertainty around the ban
While President Joe Biden does not intend to enforce the TikTok ban, the app’s future rests in the hands of President-elect Donald Trump.
Trump, who initially supported a TikTok ban, now seeks a political solution to keep the app active.
In a video, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew thanked Trump for his commitment to finding a resolution. As the TikTok ban draws closer, creators are left grappling with uncertainty about their future.
The platform has played a vital role in their personal and professional lives, and many are uncertain about how they will adapt without it.
With alternative platforms gaining traction, the future of social media content creation in the US remains in flux.