6 platforms gaining popularity as TikTok ban deadline nears

The TikTok ban is approaching and seems more likely as each day passes. In case you didn't know, the Supreme Court is currently considering the constitutionality of a law that would ban the app for all users in the U.S. on Sunday, Jan. 19.

The app won't be immediately removed from everyone's phones. Still, users will likely see a pop-up message that will take them to a website with information about the ban — making the app pretty much useless for people in the U.S. If the ban goes into effect, you reportedly won't be able to post, message, or save videos if the ban goes into effect. You won't be able to update or redownload TikTok.

So, as we prepare for a TikTok ban, the 170 million people who use the app in the U.S. are looking for alternatives. Some creators are encouraging their fans to follow them on other platforms like Instagram and YouTube, while others are starting anew on apps like Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote.

Here are some of the alternatives users are flocking to.

Xiaohongshu, aka RedNote or 'Little Red Book'

As of today, Jan. 15, RedNote is one of the top apps on the Apple App Store, and it's clear why — some creators are begging their followers to move to the other Chinese app. It's a short-form video platform like TikTok, but the layout resembles that of Pinterest and Instagram. And, unlike many other alternatives, it's also owned by China, albeit a different Chinese company. But just because it isn't TikTok doesn't mean it won't be hit with some of the same complaints that got TikTok into trouble with the U.S. government. Plus, cybersecurity experts worry about privacy risks.

"Like TikTok, RedNote is subject to Chinese data laws, which may grant government authorities access to user data without the privacy protections expected in the U.S., Adrianus Warmenhoven, a cybersecurity expert at NordVPN, told Mashable over email. "The platform collects extensive personal data, including location, browsing activity, and device-specific information like IP addresses. It can also share this data with third-party service providers or government authorities, raising concerns about user privacy.

"A major red flag is the app’s lack of transparency — its terms and conditions are mainly in Mandarin, leaving non-Chinese-speaking users unclear about what data is collected and how it’s used. This makes it difficult for users to make informed decisions about their privacy."

Lemon8

TikTok really wants people to move from its app to its other app, Lemon8. TikTok has ads all over to join its sister app, which functions much like Instagram. The app is heavy on lifestyle content and looks a lot like Pinterest married Instagram to create one massive platform for productivity content and aesthetics. Still, as more users flock to the app, it will likely see a shift in content.

Meta platforms like Instagram and Facebook

Some TikTok creators already have robust platforms on Instagram, so it might be easiest to find them on the Meta-owned social media site.

At the same time, Meta just spent the past few weeks demolishing protections, guidelines, and rules that made some content creators feel safe and comfortable. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the removal of fact-checkers in favour of Community Notes, lifted hate speech prohibitions, nixed the company DEI initiatives, removed tampons from men's bathrooms in Meta offices, and deleted trans and nonbinary themes on its Messenger app, among other bizarre and hateful changes. In turn, some are leaving those platforms altogether.

YouTube, particularly Shorts

Since YouTube already has a robust social component, and Shorts isn't new, it might be easiest to find some of your favorite creators there. Much like TikTok, YouTube Shorts can go up to three minutes long, and if you have the app on your phone, it's pretty easy to get similarly addicted to scrolling — just ask my dad. That said, it still doesn't have TikTok's addictive algorithm.

Clapper

Clapper is similar to TikTok. It's a short-form video app that has seen an uptick in downloads since Congress began debating banning TikTok. However, it doesn't have the same youthful appeal as TikTok and other alternatives, which might be on purpose — it is strategically appealing to Gen X and Gen Y users, according to Deadline.

"TikTok is targeting more of the younger generation, especially below 25. I saw a possibility of a more mature user base," its founder, Edison Chen, told Deadline. "They also want to enjoy the short-video format, but a majority of the social media platforms are targeting the younger generations."

Triller

Have you watched TikTok and thought, "Wow, this would be way better with more AI editing tools?" If you answered yes, then Triller is probably the app for you.

Similar to TikTok, it's a short-form video-sharing platform, but this app makes it easier for users and creators to automatically synchronize their videos to music using AI. It's creator-focused and has seen a significant uptick in downloads over the past few weeks.