With the looming ban of TikTok in the US, users might start wondering what it would be like if the government got what it was aiming for. It is expected that it will have a significant impact, but what exactly will the effects of the restriction be?
Loss of Revenue Source/Employment
Ever since TikTok rose in popularity, content creators across the world found that the platform could be a source of income for them. They have put in a lot of effort to grow their follower numbers, as well as create content that would attract viewers.
What's worse is that some people actually quit their jobs to be full-time content creators, as it is the more profitable option. The ban on TikTok would not only result in the loss of revenue for creators but US-based TikTok employees as well.
Users Might Protest
Given that the ban of the app could lead to not only the loss of income but also a violation of the First Amendment rights. So far, lawmakers are convinced that the risks that come with the use of a China-based platform outweigh those rights.
Feedback from people online already shows that the government will have its hands full if they do decide to ban TikTok in the US, and it won't just be simple protests on the streets. There's a possibility that a class-action suit will be filed to oppose the decision.
Cultural Influence Would Decline
The US is the home to some of the most followed creators on TikTok. In fact, Heepsy states that the US is the second-highest ranking country when it comes to having the most followed TikTokers, which means that they have a significant influence on the current trends online.
Although TikTok is not the only social media platform where creators can share their thoughts and content, it's safe to say that the app has grown to be one of the go-to places when people look for short-form videos, whether it's for dance challenges or recipes.
Other Social Media Apps Will See an Increase in Users
If influencers or creators choose to stick to their passion for generating content, they can always just shift to other platforms, and their audiences will likely follow them there as well. This will serve as good news to other social media companies, of course.
Advertisers will either switch to other sites like Instagram or Facebook, or they will just increase the number of ads compared to what they did before. It might take some time, but users will quickly adjust to the new norms and not have a problem with TikTok being banned at all.
A New App Will Take Its Place
Just as TikTok rose to popularity, another app could just as easily do the same. It would even make sense if a US-based app that offered the same services would be created. With the right marketing and strategy, it could be just as good as TikTok, more or less.
At the end of it all, users will not care what the name of the app is or what country it's based in. If it provides them with the features they need for video creation or viewing, and if the app manages to retain active users, then it will serve as a new hub for trends.
