With a potential ban on TikTok approaching, many users in the United States are actively seeking alternative social media platforms that can keep them connected to the latest trends in pop culture or deliver the entertaining clips that made TikTok so popular.
The short-form video app, a cultural sensation, might face a ban on January 19 unless it severs links with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or ceases operations in the U.S. The Supreme Court is set to make a decision regarding the law that mandates this action, after hearing oral arguments last week indicating they may support the law. A ruling could come as soon as this week. President-elect Donald Trump has asked the Court to pause enforcement of the statute to allow for negotiations towards a “political resolution” once he takes office.
In the U.S., TikTok boasts over 170 million users, leaving uncertainty about which platforms might gain the most if it is banned. Experts suggest that established giants like Instagram and YouTube might see a significant user surge, though some individuals are on the lookout for newer options. Below are summaries of possible alternative platforms:
**Xiaohongshu (RedNote)**
In light of the potential ban, many U.S. TikTok users have turned to Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social media application also known as “Little Red Book.” This platform, now popularly referred to as “RedNote” in some app stores, blends short-form videos and e-commerce. It boasts 300 million monthly active users, primarily young women who utilize it as a resource for product reviews, travel, dining recommendations, and beauty tutorials. On Tuesday, RedNote emerged as the most downloaded free app on Apple’s U.S. app store.
**Lemon8**
Also owned by ByteDance, Lemon8 is a lifestyle app that allows users to share images and short videos. Although it features TikTok-like content, the focus is more on photos, drawing similarities to Instagram and Pinterest. In recent weeks, several creators have promoted Lemon8 as a top alternative should TikTok face a ban, some even using paid promotional content tagged #lemon8partner. However, Lemon8’s future in the U.S. is uncertain as the law that targets TikTok also includes provisions that could affect all apps linked to ByteDance.
**Meta’s Instagram**
Launched in 2020, Instagram’s Reels feature provides a similar short video format reminiscent of TikTok. As of 2022, Instagram recorded 2 billion active monthly users. Should TikTok be banned, many content creators might shift to Instagram, but experts warn that the youngest users may shy away from a platform popularized by older generations. Although Instagram’s algorithm keeps users engaged, it has yet to match TikTok’s addictive qualities.
**YouTube**
YouTube may not generate the same headlines as TikTok, but it is reported to be the most widely-used platform for both teens and adults according to Pew Research Center. Users can engage with Shorts, offering a TikTok-like experience. However, while popular, YouTube has always been more associated with longer videos, leaving some TikTok fans wary about finding the diversity of content they currently enjoy.
**Snapchat**
Having debuted in 2011, Snapchat remains a favorite among younger audiences with its disappearing video feature. The application has influenced similar features on Meta’s platforms. By 2020, Snapchat introduced a new feature highlighting the most entertaining Snaps, broadening user engagement. As of last year, Snapchat had approximately 692 million active users worldwide.
**Twitch**
For users who favor TikTok Live feeds, Twitch offers a viable alternative. Known for streaming, this Amazon-owned platform hosts many well-known content creators and garners around 105 million monthly visitors, making it a strategic option for those interested in live content.
**Clapper**
Gaining followers amid the possible TikTok ban, Clapper is another app designed to mirror TikTok’s functions. Launched in 2020 by entrepreneur Edison Chen, Clapper originally positioned itself as a free speech-oriented platform. However, it later shifted its focus toward community-building and connection.
**Other alternatives**
For users seeking alternatives off the beaten path, options like Triller, known for music videos, and Zigazoo, targeted towards children, might pique interest. As the social media landscape shifts, it’s likely that new platforms will emerge in the upcoming months as organizations compete to attract users searching for fresh experiences.
