TikTok uninstalls are up by 150% in just the last few days. Thousands of US-based creators have made the choice to delete their TikTok accounts. But what’s the reason for this mass exodus? Why are so many users abandoning ship?

The TikTok Ban (Yes, Still)

We’ve covered the US TikTok ban several times. Back 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 by the Chinese government. There was concern that the app was circulating propaganda and stealing user information, but some lawmakers questioned whether or not the ban would violate the First Amendment.

After several extensions, a ban from the Justice Department and Supreme Court, the ban went into effect on January 19th, 2025. Then, after his inauguration on January 20th, 2025, President Trump reversed the ban, and the app was back in the US. But the president still insisted that ByteDance sell TikTok to a US entity.

As of this week, January 22, 2026, TikTok has officially transitioned. Now the app is majority-owned by a group of US-backed investors. Namely, Oracle, an Austin-based database software and cloud computing tech company. Other part owners include Silver Lake, a private equity group, and MGX, a UAE-based investor focused on AI and advanced technology.

Since the Transition

As of writing this, TikTok has only been in the hands of its US-based owners for a week. However, US-based creators are already running into issues. So much so that uninstalls are up by 150%.

But what’s upset users? Why are so many of them rushing to delete TikTok?

TikTok’s New Privacy Policy

Users are growing more and more concerned about their privacy and how companies collect their data. Which is why they looked closely at the new privacy policies in place on TikTok. Now the app may collect:

• Racial or ethnic origin
• National origin
• Religious beliefs
• Mental health diagnosis
• Physical health diagnosis
• Sexual life
• Sexual orientation
• Status as transgender
• Status as nonbinary
• Citizenship status
• Immigration status
• Financial information
• Government-issued identification numbers

Some of these were already in place before, but it’s how they want to use this sensitive information that is cause for concern. According to the privacy policy, TikTok “processes such sensitive personal information in accordance with applicable law.” This vague language has many users worried. Why would a social media app need all of this information?

Censorship Concerns

Censorship concerns are always present on social media. But the new ownership and some recent app behaviors have users raising their eyebrows.

Suppressed Videos

Since the transition, many creators have noticed that their videos aren’t performing. Either they aren’t seeing the same views they usually do, or their videos weren’t being posted, period. Additionally, a lot of users have shared that they’re only seeing videos from a few weeks or months ago. Nothing recent is making its way to the FYP, meaning that creators and all their videos are being suppressed.

The Owner

Oracle owns the largest share of TikTok. And Oracle’s co-founder, executive chairman, and chief technology officer, Larry Ellison, also raises some user concerns. Notably, his ties to President Trump and his pro-Israel stance. Users are worried that his political ties might sway how the app is run and what videos are pushed. And, since the app changed hands, they’ve already noted videos about recent ICE protests and Palestine being suppressed.

Creators have already been concerned about their privacy and censorship on TikTok for years. But now their concerns about restricted speech and algorithm suppression don’t seem unfounded. And it’s playing out in real time.

That leaves creators with one huge question. Where is everyone supposed to go?

Come to Clapper

Founded in 2020, Clapper is the short-form and livestream alternative to TikTok. Not only do we have all of your favorite features from other platforms, but we care about your information and will never censor your videos.

We Value Your Privacy

The only reason we collect data is to ensure the app runs smoothly. And the only data we collect is what’s necessary to optimize your experience. What types of videos do you like a lot? Yes. Citizenship status, financial information, and exact location? Absolutely no.

And we’ll never sell your data to a third party. We take your private information as seriously as we take our own.

No Political Ties

Clapper is based out of Dallas, TX, and is independently owned. We have no political ties and no agendas we’re trying to push. Our goal is to empower you to create content you’re passionate about and share your voice.

That includes talking about politics and hard issues. Share your hot takes and discuss current events without worrying about censorship or suppressed content.

An Endless Scroll FYP

There aren’t a lot of TikTok alternatives that have what drew creators and viewers in: an endless scroll FYP with a great algorithm. Clapper has had both for years. Our first and primary feature is an endless scroll FYP. Plus, we have an equal opportunity algorithm. That means we give each video an equal chance to take over the FYP.

Your Favorite Features

A lot of TikTok alternatives only have one or two key features. But Clapper has all of your favorite features rolled into one platform. Your TikTok favorites like Livestreams, an endless scroll FYP, and social media commerce (our Clapper Shops) are just the beginning.

We have Group chats, where you can chat with all of your followers 24/7. There are Fam Tiers, a subscription-based membership/rewards system for your followers. One of our first features was audio-only Radios, like a podcast exclusively for your Clapper fam. And with our recent editing feature updates, you can say goodbye to your over complicated eiditng tools.

Best of all, it doesn’t matter where you’re located or how long you’ve been on the app. All of our creatoes hae acess to all of our features from day one.

Monetization Made Easy

Other platforms make you jump through dozens of hoops to earn money from the content you create. TikTok is no different…but Clapper is.

We give you the tools and power to monetize your content whenever (and however) you want. There are five ways to earn money on Clapper, and you can start earning from day one. And creators are earning up to $3,000 a month on Clapper.

In Conclusion

TikTok is going through some huge changes. Creators are concerned about suppression, hidden agendas, and censorship. If you’re like thousands of TikTok users and are considering deleting your account, start one on Clapper instead. There’s no corporate or political agenda; all the same features you love, and we actually value your privacy.

Download Clapper to start creating content on a platform that actually cares about you. Learn more about Clapper with our Creator’s Guide, your 101 on all things Clapper. And once you’re on the app, you can enter our #ImOnClapper giveaway for the chance to win $1,000!