Goodbye, TikTok?

Photo courtesy of Acquired

The U.S. TikTok ban went into effect on January 18 at 10:30 PM EST, leaving many users scrambling for a platform offering them a similar experience. In an unlikely turn of events, many of the 170 million American users who once frequented the TikTok platform have switched to another Chinese app called Rednote. 

"I'm freaking out because I'm like, where am I gonna scroll? It's so much fun talking to everyone on here." TikTok influencer Alix Earle, who got her claim to fame through the platform, explained in an uploaded video. 

In September 2016, TikTok established its presence in the app stores. By October 2018, it became the most downloaded app in the United States (Sensor Tower). TikTok had distinct features that other apps lacked, such as a thoroughly thought-out algorithm for its users based on their interests and previous engagement with content. I'm guilty of saying it enamored me to visit the app a shameful few hours or so a day. 

What I enjoyed most about TikTok was the ability to connect with more niche creators who had similar interests or didn't have a grand following. It provided many users an equal opportunity to share their content without having to be Instagram famous or somebody's son to generate millions of views. For a lucky many, TikTok has been able to kickstart and fuel small businesses and creator's careers. 

To put it in perspective, 1.3 million creators seized the opportunity to promote their skills, hobbies, thoughts, products, and memes through videoing and have amassed thousands and sometimes millions of followers. Many have confessed to TikTok being a driving force behind their livelihoods through the creator fund.

The sense of community is also unmatched. TikTok is a place where people share their thoughts or current news without it being censored. The platform also had the pleasure of raising awareness of the high-stakes politics happening around people and abroad and shed light on perspectives generally neglected in the media.

It felt more authentic that way, instead of constantly being shown content I didn't align with. It starkly contrasted the usual celebrity or macro influencer posts flooding my feeds on other apps. This enamored me to visit the app for a few hours or so daily. 

Not to fret. TikTok started working again a mere few hours after shutting down on Saturday night. Advertisers could also resume their operations, and things are back to normal… kind of. 

In retaliation against Congress for invoking the ban on TikTok for national security reasons and others who have opposed using Meta, many users fled to another ByteDance-owned app called RedNote.

Now, with so much confusion on TikTok's future in the United States, some people have assumed Meta to have bought out TikTok, with people commenting their algorithm has changed and how specific phrases or the hashtag 'Free Palestine' is now censored on their app. 

However, it's important to note that if any merger or acquisition took place, it would take hundreds of people to coordinate, a LOT of time, and something the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would need to approve of. Such plans would need to be made public due to legality.

However, those who deleted the app will not be able to access it in the app stores -- Apple and Google are protecting themselves from billion-dollar fines.

In more recent news, President Donald Trump "concept of a plan" is to delay the TikTok ban for 75 days until an ideal individual or company steps in to buy the app. However, ByteDance announced that it has no intention to sell the platform. 

Alas, if the app happens to be banned in the United States once again, but more permanently, I'm dedicating a shoutout to these trends: 

Shoutout to… 

• "Mama, a girl behind you" 

• "Send it to me, Rachel"  

• "You have been promoted"

• "Hello, Dubai" 

• "Denial is a river in Egypt"

Rest in blissful peace, TikTok.