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Ohio influencers express concerns about the TikTok ban's impact on their livelihoods.
TikTok has been a game-changer for Ohio creators—what happens if it’s banned?

Millions of TikTok users in the United States experienced a blackout on Saturday, January 18th, after the Supreme Court upheld a law that effectively banned the app. TikTok, owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, had more than 170 million subscribers in the United States prior to this disruption. The prohibition was prompted by concerns over national security and the app’s ties to China. But all hope is not lost, President-elect Donald Trump has hinted that he may help bring TikTok back to US users.

Why Was TikTok Banned?

TikTok’s ban came after growing concerns about the app’s potential to influence U.S. public opinion and gather sensitive data on American users, given its ties to China. Last year, the Supreme Court passed a bill requiring TikTok to divest its U.S. operations to continue operating in the country. The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the ban exhausted the company’s legal options, leaving many wondering what would happen next.

Trump’s Impact on Restoring TikTok in the U.S.

With Trump set to take office, he has suggested a possible 90-day hold on the ban, offering hope for TikTok’s future in the U.S. Trump’s administration may explore a workaround or push for a sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations to a different entity. In fact, there has been speculation that major figures like Elon Musk could step in as potential investors or even take control of TikTok’s U.S. operations, which could pave the way for Americans to regain access to the app.

Can TikTok Be Restored?

While the situation remains fluid, TikTok expressed hope on its website, suggesting that President Trump is willing to find a solution that will allow the app to be reinstalled once he takes office. A resolution might entail the sale of TikTok’s US operations, as required by the bill passed last year. Investors and entrepreneurs including Elon Musk, Kevin O’Leary, and Frank McCourt have been cited as potential buyers of TikTok’s U.S. operations.

TikTok Alternatives and What’s Next

With TikTok temporarily out of reach, many users are exploring alternatives. YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and Facebook Reels offer short-form video platforms that allow users to create and share videos, though each has limitations compared to TikTok. Other alternatives, like RedNote and Clapper, have gained traction in recent days as users search for new platforms to fill the TikTok-sized hole.


As the debate over TikTok’s future in the U.S. continues, President-elect Donald Trump’s potential intervention may provide a pathway for millions of American users to regain access. Whether through a sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations or a different solution, the app’s fate rests in the hands of policymakers and investors. In the meantime, TikTok users are looking to alternatives to fill the void, but many hope that TikTok’s return is just around the corner.

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