Preparing for the TikTok Ban: What Influencers and Brands Need to Know

As the potential TikTok ban looms closer, it’s time to consider the implications for users, influencers, brands, and social media managers alike. With over 170 million American users at risk of losing access, debates rage about national security, free speech, and what this means for the future of short-form video content. Preparation is key! From downloading data and analytics to exploring platform alternatives like YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels, this roundup covers everything you need to know about navigating the uncertain future of TikTok.

TikTok Ban—Do You Need To Delete Your iPhone, Android App Next Week? [Forbes]

Just days until the ever-more-likely ban on TikTok comes into effect in the U.S., and you can expect non-stop coverage until then, as 170 million American users ask what happens next. The mood music appears to have turned against TikTok’s arguments for a stay, but nothing is certain yet. What is certain is that should the ban happen, all 170 million users should delete the app on their iPhones and Androids, with the threat of serious consequences if they do not.

Highlights of the Supreme Court Argument on TikTok [The New York Times]

Congress labeled the app’s Chinese ownership a national security risk and passed a law that would ban the social media platform unless it was sold. TikTok and creators say that violates their free speech rights.

A TikTok ban could hit the U.S. in days. What to know — and how to prepare [NPR]

The fate of TikTok — and its 170 million American users — hangs in the balance, as the Supreme Court considers the constitutionality of a law that would ban the platform in the U.S. if its China-based owner, ByteDance, doesn’t sell off its U.S. operation by Jan. 19.

Here’s my TikTok Ban for Brands guide: what to do, when to stop posting, how the ban works, and how to handle all of the things ⬇️ [Jack Appleby, LinkedIn]

When the TikTok ban takes effect, the app will be removed from app stores, preventing new downloads and updates. While users can still access TikTok initially, lack of updates will eventually render it unusable. The ban targets companies providing services to TikTok rather than penalizing individual users. Brands should prepare by ceasing TikTok advertising and influencer campaigns, downloading their content, and saving analytics data. Until TikTok becomes inaccessible, brands should continue posting content if engagement remains high. To replace TikTok, YouTube Shorts is a strong alternative for short-form vertical content, offering similar reach and flexibility without relying solely on Meta platforms.

What should social media managers do if TikTok gets banned? [Jessica Buckholtz, LinkedIn]

If TikTok gets banned, social media managers should take proactive steps to adapt. First, download your data, including videos and engagement metrics, and export detailed analytics from TikTok’s Business Suite for deeper insights. Explore alternative video editing tools like InShot, as ByteDance apps like CapCut may also be affected. Diversify your platforms by repurposing TikTok videos on Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts to test their performance elsewhere. Short-form videos will remain relevant, so stay flexible and continue experimenting across multiple platforms to maintain engagement.