It’s official: the United States TikTok ban will go into effect on April 5th.
Well, it’s basically official. The ban hasn’t gone into effect just and there are still some variables in play, but the mass exodus has already begun. Hundreds of thousands of US TikTok users are looking for an alternative. And with the ban only days away, the hunt for the new TikTok has never been more serious.
The TikTok Ban ⛔
We covered the ban in more detail last year, but we’ll give you the cliff notes.
In April 2024, President Biden signed a law banning TikTok. Their parent company, ByteDance, had twelve months to sell TikTok or it would be removed from the app store. The law came from rising concerns about security and surveillance from the Chinese government. There’s concern that the app is circulating propaganda and stealing user information, but some lawmakers questioned whether or not the ban would violate the First Amendment.
The US Supreme Court has heard from TikTok’s lawyers and the Justice Department and upheld the TikTok ban back in January. Before his inauguration, President Trump vowed to save TikTok despite previous concerns. In fact, the president gave TikTok a 75-day extension to try to sell the app again.
That 75 days is up on April 5th.
The New Ban
If TikTok isn’t sold by April 5th, the ban will officially go into effect. While Trump has said there are quite a few buyers and shareholders interested, at the time of publishing this, no one has officially bought the app. Microsoft, the founder of Roblox, an AI company, and a consortium of investors/businessmen are among the interested parties. While Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg haven’t stated that they plan to make a bid, we wouldn’t be surprised if they did. Right now, there’s no front-runner and no way to tell if someone will purchase TikTok.
It’s a tricky subject, and sadly, we aren’t business analysts or political experts. What we do know is social media. And this ban will change more than just TikTok.
The Ban’s Effects 📉
Whether or not you support the ban, it’s impossible to ignore the good TikTok has done. It’s allowed small businesses to market themselves to people worldwide, and later to sell their products to millions of consumers. Musicians, authors, and other artists have been able to promote themselves and their music without the help of a record label, giving them the power to control every aspect of their art. And millions of users have earned extra income from their content, with some even making TikTok and content creation their full-time jobs.
And that’s just the immediate impact of a TikTok ban. Small business owners and artists will lose a life-changing marketing tool, and many Americans will lose a substantial source of income during a recession while inflation and the cost of living soar. Not to mention the users who open TikTok every day to connect with a community, find the content they love, and escape their life for a little while.
It’s no wonder that in the last week, we’ve seen a huge increase in creators and social media users asking, “Where are we going next?”
What Creators Are Looking For 🔍
TikTok users have a small but substantial list of things they need out of their next social platform. To start, they’re looking for another short-video-centric app with an unlimited FYP scroll (AKA, that sweet, sweet dopamine hit). They want somewhere they can connect with other users and build a community around shared interests. Similarly, they want a platform with a variety of communities to help them discover new interests and viewpoints. Many small business owners are seeking a space where they can continue to promote and sell their products. The TikTok shop showed creators how useful that combination was: it’s easier to sell when the button is right there.
But there are a few things TikTok could never quite nail what they’re looking for. While they love selling on TikTok, the barrier for entry was too high for a lot of small businesses to take advantage of it – and the shop fees took a lot out of their profit. Many adult users found it difficult to express themselves and share their opinions without getting banned. A lot of political creators had to talk around issues instead of about them for fear their account would be shadowbanned. Not to mention topics that aren’t suitable for minors get suppressed. And with all the filters and a focus on virality, it can be hard to find real, actual community and be yourself.
So the new TikTok has big shoes to fill. And as people search for just the right app to step into its place, one name keeps coming up again and again. Clapper.
#WhyClapper 🧡
Clapper’s been around nearly as long as TikTok, launching in July 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our goal was to help creators from all over the world find community and connect with each other. We have all the same capabilities as TikTok and some other, unique offerings that make us the perfect candidate to replace TikTok.
Short-Form Video 📸
Videos are our bread and butter. We’ve been focused on short-form video since the beginning, and our equal opportunity algorithm ensures that everyone has the chance to be heard, be seen, and be valued. With an infinite scroll and millions of downloads, we can promise you’ll never be bored with your FYP.
Livestream 👍
Creators can go Live as soon as they open an account. Unlike other platforms that make you wait to connect with people in real time, we want you to get to know the community and find your favorite way to create. Not to mention we want you to start earning money from day one.
Easy Monetization 💸
Creators are making up to $3,000 a month from Clapper alone! Considering all of our monetization features, it’s no wonder. From day one, you can receive Live gifts, open your Fam Tiers, create paid Group chats, get video gifts, and more. Our lower transaction fees mean it’s not only easy to make money, but you can keep it.
Your One-Stop Shop 🥳
Want to scroll for hours? You’ll love the FYP. Looking to market your business or your art? Our algorithm will ensure you find your audience. Hoping to sell some products? Try out the Clapper Shop and our Shop Lives. Need some community? Set up or join a Group chat to connect with other creators. Whatever you want out of social media, it’s waiting on Clapper.
No Shadowbanning 👻
As a platform for creators 18+, we don’t shadowban or flag creators just for sharing their opinions. Here you can talk about politics, your sex life, current events, and drop as many f-bombs as you want. So long as you’re respecting other creators and communities, you can speak your mind and express yourself.
Community First 🤗
It’s impossible to count just how many communities are on Clapper, but the entire Clapper community is worth noting. Our creators have been here for years; they know the platform inside and out, and they’re always excited to welcome new creators. They’ll help you get to know Clapper and make you feel welcome.
In Conclusion 🎁
The Supreme Court may not have released its official ruling yet, but it looks like TikTok is going away. There are only a handful of days left before it goes into effect, and if you haven’t started looking for your alternative, now is the perfect time. And there’s no app better fit to replace TikTok than Clapper.
Like we said earlier, we’re social media experts. You can trust us.
Clapper is a short-form video and Livestream app for creators 18+. Our goal is to give creators a platform to build communities and express themselves freely without judgment and censorship. To learn more, download the app or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.