TikTok content creator reacts to looming ban: 'On TikTok, our voices are heard'

ORLANDO, Fla. - As the deadline for a federal law that could ban TikTok creeps closer, users of the application are jumping ship to another Chinese-based app.

The Chinese social media application is called Xiaohongshu, which translates to "little red note" in English – users refer to it as "RedNote." It shares similar content to TikTok, and since Monday, has become the top downloaded free app in the country on Apple’s iTunes.

At the rate users are joining the new app, content creator and Florida, Meghan Lynn, said the government should pay attention.

What they're saying:

"It is very interesting to me, and it is very telling that our own American citizens would rather run into the arms of what would be a foreign adversary, rather than listen to their own government," said Meghan Lynn.

TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has until January 19 to either sell the app, or face a ban in the United States.

For some of the app’s estimated 170 million American users, a ban could be a major blow – especially for those who make money off videos and sponsorships procured through the app.

"[TikTok] has changed the trajectory for small businesses," Meghan Lynn said. "Bakeries, boutiques, people that write books and create… it has been a game-changer for a lot of Americans. Not to mention, stimulating our own economy."

Meghan Lynn has more than 500,000 followers on TikTok and has appeared alongside Senator Rick Scott in a few TikTok videos. Although she said her finances will not be drastically affected by the ban, she hopes the government reconsiders.

"TikTok is a vital platform for freedom of speech, freedom of expression," Meghan Lynn said. "On TikTok our voices are heard."

Is TikTok getting banned?

What we know:

The popular social media platform has been actively defending their ownership of the app before the Supreme Court. The Associated Press reports TikTok's parent company is based in China, which has sparked some potential national security threats for the U.S. government. 

According to government officials, Chinese authorities could hand over sensitive data on the huge number of Americans who use it or could influence the spread of information on the platform.

After hearing oral arguments on January 10, the Supreme Court seems likely to uphold a law to ban TikTok.  Typically, the Supreme Court can take several months to announce decisions, but this case is expected to be decided in the next few days.

What's next:

The law will take effect on Jan. 19, unless the court steps in before then.

President-elect Donald Trump has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to delay enforcement of TikTok’s impending ban, arguing that his incoming administration is uniquely positioned to resolve the ongoing dispute between the app’s Chinese ownership and U.S. national security concerns.

The Supreme Court does have the power to grant an injunction which would block the law or President-elect Donald Trump could potentially negotiate a "political resolution" when he takes office on January 20.

If TikTok isn't sold to an approved buyer, according to the Associated Press, the app would be prohibited by federal law from being offered in digital stores. However, users who already have the app will still have access to it, although updates will no longer be available. 

With the possible end of TikTok, other apps have gained some new popularity. 

Lemon8, also owned by TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, is a emerging lifestyle app that allows users to post pictures and short-form videos. 

Some TikTok users have quickly found interest in the Chinese social media app Xiaohongshu (RedNote) in protest of the looming ban. This app appears to be the most similar to TikTok. Xiaohongshu, which in English means "Little Red Book," combines e-commerce and short-form videos.

What happens if TikTok is banned?

Why you should care:

If TikTok is banned, app stores like Apple and Google will no longer offer it for download in the U.S. Existing users can continue using the app, but without updates, its functionality will degrade over time.

Creators are already diversifying their presence across platforms like Instagram and YouTube, while apps like RedNote and Clapper have seen a surge in downloads. 

TikTok has become a hub for pop culture, trends, and content creation. A ban could significantly reshape the social media landscape, prompting users to adapt to new platforms while creators seek ways to maintain their audiences.

What are the top alternatives to TikTok?

What you can do:

With TikTok’s fate uncertain, several platforms are poised to attract its displaced user base:

• Xiaohongshu (RedNote): Known as the "Little Red Book," this Chinese app combines e-commerce and short-form videos. It recently became the top free app on Apple’s U.S. app store.
• Lemon8: A ByteDance-owned lifestyle app blending TikTok’s video features with Instagram’s photo-driven interface. However, its future is also uncertain due to the divest-or-ban law.
• Instagram Reels: Meta’s short-video feature already has significant overlap with TikTok’s user base, boasting over 2 billion monthly active users.
• YouTube Shorts: Pew Research Center reports YouTube as the most widely-used platform, offering TikTok-like scrolling for bite-sized videos.
• Snapchat: With features like disappearing stories and user-curated video highlights, Snapchat remains a favorite among younger audiences.
• Twitch: For users who enjoy livestreamed videos, Twitch is a strong alternative with 105 million monthly visitors.
• Clapper: A U.S.-based TikTok clone designed for Gen X and millennial users.

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