The popular short-form video-sharing app TikTok has been facing increasing scrutiny from the US government over concerns about data security and ties to the Chinese government. As a result, many of the platform’s top content creators are taking steps to ensure they can continue to reach their followers, even if TikTok is banned or restricted in the US.
In recent weeks, numerous popular TikTok creators have taken to the platform to urge their followers to find them on alternative social media platforms, such as Instagram and YouTube. This move is seen as a precautionary measure, as the US government’s Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) is currently reviewing TikTok’s acquisition of Musical.ly, a social media app popular among teenagers.
The CFIUS review is focused on whether TikTok’s acquisition of Musical.ly poses a risk to national security, given the app’s ties to the Chinese government. If the review determines that TikTok does pose a risk, the company could be forced to divest its ownership of Musical.ly or face other penalties.
TikTok’s popularity in the US has grown rapidly over the past year, with the app now boasting over 500 million monthly active users worldwide. However, the app’s success has also drawn the attention of lawmakers and regulators, who are concerned about the potential for the Chinese government to access user data.
In response to these concerns, TikTok has repeatedly stated that it stores user data in the US and Singapore, and that it does not share user data with the Chinese government. However, these assurances have not been enough to alleviate concerns among lawmakers and regulators.
As a result, many TikTok creators are taking steps to ensure they can continue to reach their followers, even if TikTok is banned or restricted in the US. By urging their followers to find them on alternative platforms, creators are hoping to minimize the disruption to their online presence.
“I’m not sure what’s going to happen with TikTok, but I want to make sure my followers can still find me,” said one popular TikTok creator, who asked to remain anonymous. “I’ve been encouraging my followers to find me on Instagram and YouTube, just in case.”
Other creators are taking a more proactive approach, using their TikTok accounts to promote their presence on other platforms. For example, some creators are using TikTok’s “link in bio” feature to drive traffic to their Instagram and YouTube accounts.
The move to alternative platforms is not just limited to individual creators. Brands and advertisers are also taking notice of the uncertainty surrounding TikTok, and are beginning to diversify their social media strategies.
“TikTok has been a key part of our social media strategy, but we’re starting to look at other options,” said one marketing executive, who asked to remain anonymous. “We don’t know what’s going to happen with TikTok, but we want to make sure we can still reach our target audience.”
The uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future in the US has also led to a surge in interest in alternative short-form video-sharing apps. For example, the app Triller has seen a significant increase in downloads in recent weeks, as users look for alternatives to TikTok.
As the situation surrounding TikTok continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the app’s creators and users are preparing for a worst-case scenario. By urging their followers to find them on alternative platforms, creators are hoping to minimize the disruption to their online presence, and ensure they can continue to reach their audience, no matter what happens.
