On Saturday, January 18th, many U.S. TikTok influencers found their app inaccessible, displaying a message citing a new U.S. law banning TikTok.
This led to considerable uncertainty and unease among prominent TikTok users as they sought alternative ways to engage with their audiences.
TikTok subsequently announced a temporary reprieve, allowing continued access for existing users. The company expressed gratitude to President-elect Trump, who earlier indicated plans to issue an executive order to prevent the app’s shutdown.
Following the app’s initial unavailability, leading U.S. TikTok influencers responded with a mix of disappointment and humor, exploring other social media platforms, mainly Instagram.
TikTok star Charli D’Amelio, also a Broadway performer, shared Instagram Reels, stating, “Hey reels, how we doing? We’re here,” before later posting a video of her first TikTok dance.
While D’Amelio has a large Instagram following (42.8 million), her TikTok following (156.8 million) is significantly larger.
Similarly, other top influencers used alternative platforms to thank their followers and share nostalgic TikTok moments. JoJo Siwa, known from Dance Moms and Dancing with the Stars, posted a compilation of her popular TikTok videos on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the memories created.
Spencer X, a musician and beatboxer with nearly 55 million TikTok followers, also transitioned to Instagram, expressing his gratitude for the platform’s impact on his life.
YouTuber Larri Merrit (“Larray”) shared emotional Instagram Stories with fellow influencer Quenlin Blackwell, expressing concern for their followers and urging them to support creators on other platforms.
Alix Earle, known for her vlog-style content, shared an emotional video before the ban, expressing feelings of heartbreak and loss.
She described TikTok as more than just an app or a job, reflecting on six years of daily postings and shared personal experiences.
She mentioned crying herself to sleep.
Other influencers expressed feelings of disconnection and isolation from their communities.
James Charles, initially a YouTube makeup artist, but now boasting over 40 million TikTok followers, described the situation as “dystopian” and felt disconnected from his community.
He expressed frustration with the app’s inaccessibility and described feeling cut off from his community, adding a sarcastic comment about supporting Trump.
The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision on Friday, citing national security risks, led to TikTok’s ban, overriding public concerns about freedom of speech and the app’s popularity.
President-elect Trump later announced plans to issue an executive order to temporarily extend the deadline before the ban’s enforcement, aiming to facilitate a deal that protects national security. He also indicated that there would be no liability for companies helping to prevent TikTok’s shutdown before his order.