We won’t sugarcoat it: TikTok getting banned is a big shift for social media companies around the world. For the past few years, it has been the social media powerhouse. The announcement has sent users and creators scrambling to find new platforms that safeguard their self-expression, communities, and safety. But even as they search, many users wonder what this ban will mean for their content and the other social media platforms they’re interested in. In this article, we’re talking about what the ban means for Clapper specifically, and why we’re the best platform for creators seeking a new home.

Is TikTok Getting Banned?

As of writing this article, yes, TikTok is getting banned. In April 2024, President Biden signed a law banning TikTok. Their parent company, ByteDance, has twelve months to sell TikTok or it will be removed from the app store.

The law comes from rising concerns about security and surveillance from the Chinese government. Politicians and online creators have been debating the outcome, as well as the legality of the decision. There’s concern that the app is circulating propaganda and stealing use information, but some lawmakers questioned whether or not the ban would violate the First Amendment. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew said he was confident TikTok wasn’t going anywhere. “The facts and the Constitution are on our side and we expect to prevail again.”

The exact fate of TikTok remains uncertain, but many users are looking for alternatives. That, of course, comes with its own issues!

What Do Users Want?

Creators are pretty clear about what they want out of a new platform.

• Short-form video and Livestreams, like they’re used to.
• Easy (and better!) monetization opportunities.
• An algorithm that makes it easy to find people with similar interests.

Creators are also clear about what they don’t want from a platform.

• They don’t want to worry about shadowbanning or their content getting censored.
• They don’t want to worry about security, privacy, and another app getting banned.
• They don’t want to feel pressured to follow trends or be in superficial communities.

So the hunt for the next TikTok is on, and some users have already found their ideal alternative. It’s us! Clapper!

But What Does TikTok Getting Banned Mean for Clapper?

Does a TikTok ban mean Clapper will be banned, too? Will it change anything about Clapper?

For starters, Clapper is based in the US. Our main office is just outside of Dallas, TX and we store our user data in a US-based Cloud system. We’re also selective with the data we collect. We only collect the necessary data to ensure that our creators have the best experience possible. This data stays in our system, on lockdown: we never sell or share our creators’ information or share it with a third party.

It also means that we’ll be getting new creators and some exciting content in-app. Our community will be growing and we’ll be welcoming a ton of new niches. But the heart of Clapper, the things everyone loves about us, won’t be going anywhere!

How is Clapper Better?

Your One-Stop Shop

Clapper has a wide variety of features for creators to use from day one. And we’re constantly releasing new ones! Creators coming from TikTok will love our short-form videos, Livestreaming options, and the Clapper Shop. But we’ve also got one-of-a-kind features like audio-only Radio streams, subscription-based Clapper Fam Tiers, and profile Group chats. All of our features are free to use from day one, no matter how many followers you do (or don’t) have.

Plus our in-app editing features and extensive music library make editing your content a breeze! There’s no complicated process to learn, and you can make quality Clapper content from day one.

Our Algorithm

We have an equal opportunity algorithm, completely different from every other social media app. We tailor the videos you see based purely on your interests; we don’t push content based on how many likes, comments, or views it has, or how many followers the creator has. Every video that makes it to the FYP has the same chance to gain traction and reach new viewers. Even if you’re brand new to the app, we make it easy to reach your community.

Hassle-Free Monetization

Our creators have access to all our monetization opportunities from day one. From Livestream, Radio, and video gifts, to Fam Tiers and paid Group chats, DM Tipping and more, we give you the tools to monetize your content from the moment you create a profile. Creators are making up to $3,000 a month from Clapper alone!

Bye Bye to Banning

Clapper is only available for creators 17+, so we can be more relaxed on our community guidelines. That means our creators have a lot more freedom about what they can post! We’ll never ban creators from discussing current events; we actually encourage our creators to share their opinions and have hard conversations.

Our latest initiative to foster dialogue is the introduction of the Clapper Newsroom. We partner with content creators to cover breaking news in a variety of niches. These collaborators produce engaging videos on the latest breaking news, not only to spark conversation but also to ensure our community has access to unbiased and comprehensive news coverage.

No Ads

Since we were founded in July 2020, Clapper has been ad-free. We prioritize user experience and community connection, and nothing disrupts that quite like an ad. If someone wants to advertise on Clapper directly, we’d much rather they work with and sponsor our creators. This means that you can scroll for hours without ever coming across an ad, which is a breath of fresh air compared to every other social media platform.

Things to Expect

Like we said in the beginning, there won’t be any change to the heart of the platform. The things you love about Clapper aren’t going anywhere, but as the world moves away from TikTok, there’s going to be a few newer things to love, too.

Welcoming New Communities

This isn’t something completely new to the Clapper community, but we’ll be seeing a lot more of it. As we get closer to TikTok getting banned and as creators research new platforms to use, we’ll get waves of new communities finding and posting on Clapper. We’ll also see more mega-influencers from other platforms bring their followers onto Clapper with them. We pride ourselves on being the hub for communities and we’re excited to welcome more.

Creators who have been on Clapper for a while might not be as excited about this turn, but we promise it’s a good thing! Because of our algorithm, you won’t have any trouble reaching your followers and audience with the new influx of content. Plus, all the new creators means your content will reach new viewers! You’ll get to engage with other communities and find new niches to explore.

Testing Out New Content Styles

Just like new communities and niches, we’ll also start seeing more content creation or editing styles. We’ll see more brands with very stylized content, lifestyle creators with snappy cuts, and even creators making videos that feel cinematic. You do not have to change your content style to fit with what these creators are making, but we do think you’ll be inspired by them.

Maybe you like how one chef edits and frames his cooking videos and you want to try the same on your art. Or you may see a new niche you want to create some content for. We know the influx of new content will be exciting, and we can’t wait to see how it inspires our Clapper OGs!

Reframing Your Concept of Success

For creators that are #NewToClapper, you’ll have to reframe what success on social media means. Clapper isn’t like every other platform. Here, it’s not about views but engagement. Going viral isn’t the key to lasting success, and your account won’t grow if you just post a video without engaging with the community.

If you take the time to look at our most successful creators, you’ll see that they post frequently, respond to most of the comments under their videos, and follow a lot of other creators on the app. They go Live and actively seek out ways to engage with their community beyond just posting. If you want to be successful on Clapper, you’ll have to focus on engagement and community instead of virality.

In Conclusion

TikTok getting banned will change the social media landscape. But Clapper remains committed to our core principles. Our platform will continue to offer the same user-friendly features, uphold our commitment to communities and connection, and create a welcoming environment for all creators.

Perhaps most importantly, as a US-based company, Clapper creators can rest assured that their chosen platform faces no imminent risk of being banned. In the ever-changing world of social media, Clapper stands as a reliable and consistent space for creators from all niches.