The TikTok Ban: Timeline & What Content Creators Can Do

TikTok is one of the most popular video platforms in the world with over 1.8 billion active users. Moreover, the average user spends 53.8 minutes on TikTok every day.

Ever since its launch in 2016, TikTok has been no stranger to controversy. Despite its massive popularity, the platform has faced bans in several countries, including Albania and Estonia. Even France took action, prohibiting civil servants from installing or using the app on their phones. And most recently, the US joined the list—banning TikTok, at least temporarily.

So, what’s the deal with TikTok? Let’s dive into its history, explore the reasons behind these bans, and take a closer look at what the future might hold for this viral sensation.

Table of Contents

• A Short History
• How did TikTok get banned in the US?
• What TikTok alternatives can you use?
• Why Did TikTok Face a Ban in the US?
• How long did the TikTok ban last?
• What does the future hold for TikTok and its users?
• FAQ

A Short History

TikTok is a platform focused on hosting short videos created by its user community. Videos range from 3 seconds to 3 minutes, with the average length being approximately 40 seconds. It shared many similarities with the now-defunct Vine platform, which allowed users to create short videos of up to 7 seconds. Vine shut down in early 2017.

Developer ByteDance launched Douyin in September 2016 (only in China), and it amassed over 100 million users in under 12 months. A year after Douyin’s launch, in September 2017, ByteDance launched an overseas version called TikTok. 

Soon after its launch, the platform exploded, and it started ranking first in free app charts worldwide. Not only that, but many US celebrities like Justin Bieber, Will Smith, Jennifer Lopez, and Tony Hawk started using the app in 2018 as well. In 2025, TikTok has over 2 billion registered users.

However, despite its popularity, many countries also consider the platform a national threat. Since the user data is hosted on Chinese servers, the local government could request access to user data at any time, which might compromise national and user security. That’s the primary reason why many countries, including the US, have considered banning TikTok, either partially or country-wide. 

How did TikTok get banned in the US?

The Supreme Court debated TikTok’s presence in the US and its threat to national security on January 10th, 2025, and all signs pointed to a potential ban. A week later, on January 17th, the Supreme Court decided to ban TikTok in the US, starting on January 19th, 2025. That meant the app could not be used anymore on US soil while also being fully removed from app stores.

The only way to prevent the ban was for TikTok to transfer its US operations to an American company. Rumors swirled that big names like Frank McCourt or even Elon Musk were potential buyers, with speculation that they might take over TikTok’s US operations. However, none of these rumors materialized, and the ban officially went into effect on January 19th.

What TikTok alternatives can you use?

TikTok has over 170 million users in the US, and the enforced ban was not received well by most of them. However, most users decided to try and find various alternatives or replacements. Thankfully, there are plenty of apps similar to TikTok that people chose to download and try.

• Instagram Reels started seeing more traction the minute after TikTok got banned. It was expected since Instagram Reels is very similar to TikTok. The similar interface and video style made it an immediate replacement for TikTok in the eyes of many users. 
• Snapchat also has a TikTok-like short video system. In one of their latest social posts, the company touted creator benefits in an effort to bring former TikTok creators to its platform. 
• RedNote is a new Chinese app whose functionality and interface are very similar to TikTok. They also have trendy sounds, a hashtag system and can host short-form videos.
• Clapper is also an alternative to TikTok, but it focuses more on local content and communities.
• Likee is also a short-form video app; it has live streaming, gaming, and sharing features while integrating a powerful video creation toolkit. 

Why Did TikTok Face a Ban in the US?

TikTok’s presence in the US has sparked ongoing discussions among officials and lawmakers, primarily due to concerns surrounding data privacy and security. The platform stores user data on overseas servers, leading to apprehensions about how that data could be accessed and utilized.

Some policymakers expressed worries that the platform’s content algorithms could potentially influence public perception and information flow within the US. The ability to control what content reaches audiences has raised questions about transparency and oversight.

Additionally, discussions have highlighted the regulatory landscape in TikTok’s country of origin, where companies are subject to local laws that may require compliance with government requests. TikTok has repeatedly stated that it prioritizes user privacy and does not share US data with foreign authorities. The company has also emphasized its commitment to maintaining an open and secure platform while addressing concerns through transparency efforts and data security measures.

How long did the TikTok ban last?

TikTok was removed from app stores, and its functionality ceased in the US starting early on January 19th, 2025. However, around 12 hours later, a high-profile announcement on social media encouraged companies to delay enforcement of the ban, at least temporarily. It was also confirmed that legislative action would be taken the following day to grant TikTok a temporary extension.

On January 20th, an executive order was signed, allowing TikTok to continue operations in the US for an additional 75 days. Efforts are currently underway between TikTok representatives and key stakeholders to explore potential solutions that would enable the platform to remain accessible. Speculation continues about possible acquisitions by major industry figures, but for now, discussions are ongoing to address regulatory concerns and ensure compliance with national policies.

What does the future hold for TikTok and its users?

While TikTok has made a comeback in the US, its long-term future remains uncertain. If the platform fails to secure a US-based buyer, it could face a permanent ban, leaving creators searching for alternatives. This uncertainty has led many to explore other short-form content platforms like YouTube Shorts, Instagram, or even Rednote.

As creators adapt to new platforms, maintaining the same level of engagement and quality becomes crucial. That’s where tools like ZapCap come in—offering an effortless way to add eye-catching, TikTok-style captions that make videos stand out. Whether you’re sticking with TikTok or moving to a different platform, ZapCap helps ensure your content remains engaging and accessible across all social media channels.

tikRegardless of which platform you choose, having the right tools is essential to stay competitive. Using an AI subtitle generator allows you to enhance your content with professional-looking captions, making it more accessible and engaging for a wider audience. With features like automatic transcription, multi-language support, and seamless integration with all major platforms, AI tools help you create content efficiently without the hassle of manual editing.

FAQ

Is TikTok still banned in the US?

No, TikTok is currently available in the US after receiving a temporary extension. However, its future remains uncertain as discussions about its ownership and regulatory compliance continue.

Why was TikTok banned in some countries?

TikTok has faced bans in several countries due to concerns over data privacy, security risks, and regulatory compliance. Some governments worry about how user data is handled and potential influence over content distribution.

What are the best alternatives to TikTok?

Popular alternatives to TikTok include Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Snapchat Spotlight, and newer platforms like RedNote and Clapper. Each offers similar short-form video features with unique benefits for creators.

Can I transfer my TikTok content to other platforms?

Yes, you can download your TikTok videos and upload them to other platforms like Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts.

How can I continue growing my audience if TikTok is banned?

If TikTok faces further restrictions, diversifying your content across multiple platforms is key. Leveraging auto-caption tools and optimizing videos for platforms like Instagram and YouTube can help maintain and grow your audience.