TikTok’s ban is getting closer and seems more likely with each passing day. In case you didn’t know, the Supreme Court is currently reviewing the constitutionality of a law that would ban the app for all users in the US on Sunday, January 19.
The app won’t be removed from everyone’s phones immediately. However, users will likely see a pop-up message that will take them to a website with information about the ban — making the app pretty useless for people in the U.S. If the ban goes into effect, it is said to not you can post, send messages or save videos if the ban takes effect. You will not be able to update or redownload TikTok.
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So as we prepare for a TikTok ban, the 170 million people who use the app in the US are looking for alternatives. Some creators are encouraging their fans to follow them on other platforms like Instagram and YouTube, while others are starting over on apps like Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote.
Here are some of the alternatives that users are flocking to.
Xiaohongshu, otherwise known as RedNote or ‘Little Red Book’
As of today, January 15, RedNote is one of the top apps in the Apple App Store, and it’s clear why—some creators are begging their followers to switch to others Chinese app. It’s a short-form video platform like TikTok, but the layout resembles that of Pinterest and Instagram. And, unlike many other alternatives, it is also owned by China, albeit another Chinese company. But just because it’s not TikTok doesn’t mean it won’t be hit with some of the same complaints that landed TikTok in trouble with the US government. Plus, cybersecurity experts worry about privacy risks.
What is RedNote? The Chinese app, known as Xiaohongshu, TikTokkers are flocking to
“Like TikTok, RedNote is subject to Chinese data laws, which could give government authorities access to user data without the privacy protections expected in the US,” Adrianus Warmenhoven, a cybersecurity expert, told Mashable. to NordVPN, via email. “The Platform collects a lot of personal data, including location, browsing activity and device-specific information such as IP addresses. It may also share this data with third-party service providers or government authorities, raised concerns about user privacy.
“A major red flag is the app’s lack of transparency – its terms and conditions are mostly in Mandarin, leaving non-Chinese-speaking users unclear about what data is collected and how it’s used. This makes it difficult for users to make informed decisions about their privacy”.
Mashable’s Speed of Light
Lemon 8
TikTok really wants people to switch from its app to the other app, Lemon8. TikTok has ads everywhere to go along with its sister app, which works a lot like Instagram. The app is loaded with lifestyle content and looks a lot like Pinterest married with Instagram to create a massive platform for productivity and aesthetic content. However, as more users flock to the app, it is likely to see a change in content.
Meta platforms like Instagram and Facebook
Some TikTok creators already have strong platforms on Instagram, so it may be easier to find them on the Meta-owned social media site.
At the same time, Meta just spent the last few weeks tearing down the protections, guidelines, and rules that made some content creators feel safe and comfortable. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the removal of fact-checkers in favor of Community Notes, lifted bans on hate speech, removed the company’s DEI initiatives, removed tampons from men’s bathrooms in Meta offices, and deleted trans and non-binary topics on the app. its Messenger, among others. strange and hateful changes. On the other hand, some are leaving those platforms altogether.
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YouTube, especially Shorts
Since YouTube already has a strong social component and Shorts isn’t new, it might be easier to find some of your favorite creators there. Like TikTok, YouTube shorts can be up to three minutes long, and if you have the app on your phone, it’s very easy to become similarly addicted to the flick — just ask my dad. That said, it still doesn’t have TikTok’s problematic algorithm.
Clapper
Clapper is similar to TikTok. It’s a short-form video app that has seen a surge in downloads since Congress began debating whether to ban TikTok. However, it doesn’t have the same youth appeal as TikTok and other alternatives, which may be on purpose — it’s strategically appealing to Gen X and Gen Y users, according to Deadline.
“TikTok is targeting more of the younger generation, especially under 25. I saw an opportunity for a more mature user base,” its founder, Edison Chen, told Deadline. “They also want to enjoy the short video format, but most social media platforms are targeting younger generations.”
thriller
Have you looked at TikTok and thought, “Wow, this would be so much better with more AI editing tools?” If you answered yes, then Triller is probably the app for you.
Similar to TikTok, it’s a short video sharing platform, but this app makes it easier for users and creators to automatically sync their videos to music using AI. It’s creator-focused and has seen a significant increase in downloads over the past few weeks.
