TikTok’s Time Is Ticking Away

Issue #306 | Jan. 14, 2025

We’re less than one week away from the probable end of TikTok. By government decree, on January 19, 2025, TikTok will be shut down in the United States. Of course, there is still a brief glimmer of hope the Supreme Court will intervene. President Trump has asked them to, after all. But that doesn’t mean people aren’t getting ready.

TikTok has over 1 billion active users worldwide. It is the de facto social media platform of the youth. For many young people who grew up during lockdown, TikTok is more than social media; it was the town square. A place to gossip, talk about the news, and socialize when they couldn’t step out the front door. TikTok taught them how to cook, do their makeup, and explore their political views.

But beyond that, TikTok has been an economic boon for thousands of creators. Whether they make money selling things in the TikTok Shop or based on the views of their videos, TikTok puts real money in many people’s pockets. TikTok going away is a major event. The government is taking away a vital digital third place and shutting down people’s jobs, all in one fell swoop.

TikTok users are passionately looking for solutions. This week, they sent RedNote, a Chinese version of Instagram, to the top of the App Store. Ironically, the government’s paranoia about TikTok’s ties to China has pushed an actual Chinese social media app up the charts. We’ll have a full story on that tomorrow and in Thursday’s newsletter.

In the meantime, check our list of the best TikTok alternatives in this afternoon’s missive. You don’t want to be caught on Sunday, January 19, without a social video platform to fall back on, do you?

A miracle may happen. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts has introduced a bill to extend the deadline for the ban by an additional 270 days. If his bill passes, We may sing the “So Long TikTok Blues” again in October.

We won’t know until it happens. If life has taught me anything, it is to prepare for the worst and be pleasantly surprised if the best comes. For you, our dear readers, we wish you nothing but pleasant surprises. Just remember to be prepared if the worst makes itself known.

– John-Michael Bond, Deputy Editor

PLATFORMS

Supreme Court Expected To Uphold TikTok Ban

Experts give their take on the current TikTok drama.

By Charlotte Colombo, Passionfruit Contributor

→ READ THE FULL STORY

Try Out The New TikTok Ad Assistant

If you’re trying to grow your TikTok audience, buying ads that extend the reach of your content is the platform’s preferred way to do it. Give yourself the gift of attention and set up a TikTok for Business Account today and get up to $100 in bonus advertising when you spend your first $100.

Try TikTok Ads

IN THE BIZ

TikTok users are flocking to Chinese app RedNote out of spite.
A potential new YouTube tool would allow users to turn their videos into Shorts.
The ‘Free Our Feeds’ initiative aims to billionaire-proof Bluesky’s tech.
Bytedance has denied the claim that Elon Musk may buy TikTok.

PERSONALITIES

MrBeast’s Reddit Problem

Is Reddit out to get MrBeast?

By Steven Asarch, Passionfruit Contributor

READ THE FULL STORY →

PLATFORMS

Twitch Just Had Its Lowest Month In Viewer Counts – But It’s Not All Bad News

Don’t panic quite yet.

By Charlotte Colombo, Passionfruit Contributor

READ THE FULL STORY →

JOB BOARD

Miami HEAT is looking for a Digital Content Producer.
Condé Nast is looking for a Junior Video Editor.
The Cutting Room Floor is looking for a Video Editor.
Epic Gardening is looking for a Video Editor.

SO, WHAT NEXT?

If TikTok ends up getting banned, it might be time for creators to start building their communities on other platforms. Don’t fret — we’ve got you covered.

Check out our list of the best TikTok alternatives, complete with their pros and cons, to help you make your next move.