Exploring the Effects of the TikTok Ban
The social media platform, TikTok, has been a topic of discussion for many lawmakers. The reason is that the platform itself is owned by a Chinese company called ByteDance. US lawmakers argue that the tie TikTok has to China threatens national security because the Chinese government could use TikTok to spy on Americans or weaponize it to covertly influence the U.S. public by amplifying or suppressing certain content (CBS News 2024).
With its short-form video format and algorithmic content discovery, TikTok has rapidly become a global phenomenon, gaining an estimate of 1 billion users worldwide. In fact, there are about 150 million US individuals using TikTok in the United States alone. Due to the plethora of users that TikTok has, many U.S. users are concerned about what it would mean for them if TikTok were to be banned.
To add on, influencer culture has risen because of TikTok. Therefore, if TikTok were to be banned in the US, what would happen to influencers who rely on the platform to connect with their audience? Additionally, could we expect to see more users flocking to platforms such as Instagram or Facebook if TikTok becomes inaccessible? In this blog, we explore the answers to these questions.
TikTok as a Search Engine
TikTok began as a platform primarily for dance videos but has evolved into a diverse array of content across various topics. With that being said, TikTok has emerged as a reliable search engine. In fact, Over 2 in 5 Americans use TikTok as a search engine and nearly 1 in 10 Gen-Zers are more likely to rely on TikTok than Google as a search engine. Moreover, more than half of business owners (54%) use TikTok to promote their business, posting an average of 9 times per month and 1 in 4 small business owners use TikTok influencers for product sales or promotions.
Potential Effects of the TikTok Ban
TikTok has birthed a new generation of influencers, whose success and livelihoods are intricately tied to the platform. A ban would disrupt the influencer economy, forcing influencers to recalibrate their strategies and potentially diversify their presence across multiple platforms. Brands, too, would need to reassess their influencer marketing strategies in light of shifting audience demographics and engagement patterns. Additionally, brands may need to relook at their strategy for building community on social media if TikTok is no longer at their disposal.
The potential ban of TikTok is expected to prompt influencers, business owners, and avid users to shift their focus to alternative platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, or others. Moreover, the ban could spur the emergence of new platforms as users will want a fresh experience in the absence of TikTok.
Shift in Content Creation Trends
TikTok has revolutionized content creation, empowering users to become creators in their own right and fostering a culture of creativity and self-expression. A ban could disrupt this and force creators to adapt to new platforms with different algorithms and audience dynamics. This shift could influence the types of content produced and the trends that gain traction.
In conclusion, the effects of a TikTok ban would extend far beyond the platform itself. It could potentially reshape the social media landscape and influence user behavior, content creation trends, and industry dynamics. While the prospect of a ban raises legitimate concerns over data privacy and national security, it also highlights the complex interplay between technology, regulation, and societal impact. As policymakers weigh the decision, it’s essential for business owners and users who rely heavily on the platform to seek out other platforms where they can equally capture their audience’s attention.
At Power Move Marketing, we specialize in helping brands grow their digital presence and engage with their audience. If you or your brand need help to navigate the potential ban of TikTok, please contact us.