As TikTok’s Jan. 19 shutdown approaches and the Supreme Court continues to consider arguments to ban the app in the US, millions of its users are flocking to other platforms in hopes of finding a viable alternative.
The case, which has become a free speech vs. national security landmark, began in early 2024 when President Joe Biden signed an act to make TikTok illegal for distribution in the US if TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, doesn’t sell the platform until January. 19, 2025. Under a ban, the app would be illegal to distribute through the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Several apps are vying for the top spot in the Apple App and Google Play stores, with the number one spot currently held, ironically, by Chinese app RedNote after dethroning Lemon8, which is also owned by ByteDance.
I wonder where everyone is going? Here are 10 apps gaining traction that lead to TikTok’s possible ban.
Lemon 8
Lemon8, a social media platform described as a “lifestyle community,” quickly became the no. 1 in the Apple App Store in the first week of January and has been downloaded by more than 10 million Google Play Store users.
Lemon8 works a bit like TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest all in one. The platform, as per its description on the Apple App Store, prides itself on providing a one-stop shop for photo/video editing and sharing.
However, the app was developed and is owned by ByteDance, the Chinese company that also owns TikTok. While Lemon8 is not explicitly named in the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Surveillance Application, which would implement the TikTok ban, the legislation addresses “any other application or service developed or offered by ByteDance” that would says Lemon8 may be affected.
RedNote (Xiaohongshu)
Among all the free iPhone apps, the Chinese app RedNote is currently the top social networking app on the Apple App Store.
Launched in 2013, RedNote has become one of China’s fastest-growing social platforms, valued at over $17 billion, according to the Financial Times.
Known as Xiaohongshu in Chinese, which translates to “little red book,” RedNote features a Pinterest-like layout and is often described as a Chinese version of Instagram. According to TechCrunch, the app’s focus on short-term content, similar to TikTok, has helped it emerge as a viable alternative.
Instagram scrolls
After TikTok’s rapid success, other major social media platforms implemented or re-invested in their short-form video feeds in an effort to compete. One of them was Instagram, which offers Instagram Reels.
One of the platforms most similar to TikTok’s main feature, Instagram Reels allows users to record and edit videos of up to 90 seconds. Currently, Reels is often full of content migrating from TikTok, but could see an influx of fresh content if TikTok is banned. A major hesitation for some users, however, is that it does not have an algorithm comparable to TikTok.
Facebook scrolls
Since Instagram and Facebook are owned by Meta, their Reels functions are similar. According to Facebook, Reels are short videos that can consist of video, music, audio, effects and more.
Like other short video platforms, Facebook Reels has in-app editing tools and reels can be shared from Instagram. They can last up to 90 seconds or more if shared by Instagram.
YouTube shorts
YouTube Shorts, like Reels, offers the same basic premise of short-form video as TikTok. Like TikTok, which eventually allowed some users to make 10-minute videos, YouTube Shorts has a “longer shorts” option for creators to upload content of up to three minutes, an increase from the original 60-second limit.
Clapper
Clapper has also been vying for the top spot in app stores as another TikTok rival that appeals especially to adults. Users can create, post, share, and comment on short-form videos and live streams in an interface that looks remarkably similar to TikTok.
It describes itself as a place where “you can see the latest trends and people’s real lives as they unfold, as well as people’s thoughts and talents. FREE to use, NO ads, No BS just live Real.”
Unlike some other competing apps, Clapper’s main office is located in the United States (near Dallas) and user data is stored in a US-based cloud system, according to Deadline.
Thrillers
Like Clapper, Triller has a very similar appearance and function to TikTok, with some reviews on the Apple App Store referring to it as a “copy” or “knock-off”. Like the musical.ly prerequisite for TikTok, it places an emphasis on creating and sharing music content and music videos.
It describes itself as a “next-generation, AI-powered, social media and live event streaming platform for creators” that merges “music culture with sports, fashion, entertainment and influencers through a 360-degree view of content and technology”. The app description also boasts users like “Josh Richards, Charli D’amelio, Noah Beck, Tyga and more.”
Triller also has a former TikTok executive serving as CEO and even offers a “savemytiktoks” feature that allows users to migrate content from TikTok to Tiller.
It is currently ranked 57th in the photo and editing category in the Apple Store, but the Google Play Store reports over 10 million downloads. According to Yahoo Finance, it jumped 100 places on the Apple App download charts this month. Tiller is also a US based app.
The fan base
Currently ranked #9 in the free social category on the Google Play Store, Fanbase is a platform that allows users to create and monetize posts, long-form videos, audio chats, and more.
Self-described as a “next-generation Social Creator Hub that lets every user monetize from day one” without ads or shadowbans, the Atlanta-based, black-owned company says it has raised over $13 million from 16,000 investors and hosts. creators like Snoop Dog, Charlamagne the God, Will.I.Am, Kandi Burruss, Jamal Harrison Bryant and more. It also offers a TikTok merge option for transferring content from one app to another.
It is currently ranked 10th on the Apple App Store social network chart.
Neptune
Neptune is an app created and owned by women that is not yet available for download in the app stores, although you can sign up as a Beta tester on their website and join their Discord.
Advertised as a “bold reimagining of what social media can be,” it promises some unique features including a manually customizable algorithm and ghost metrics, meaning it doesn’t focus on follower and engagement numbers. It also says it will allow easy and transparent monetization of content.
vibration
For users who primarily like the live streaming option on TikTok, Twitch is an easy option. Launched in 2011, Twitch has been around for a while and has always focused on live content and allowing creators to monetize streams.
While typically associated with gaming and esports, Twitch also has lifestyle, music, and diverse content. It is currently ranked #6 in the Photos & Videos category on the App Store and boasts more than 100 million downloads on the Google Play Store.
Contributed by: Fernando Cervantes Jr., Greta Cross, USA TODAY
