The Future of TikTok: Creators Fear for Their Future as Jan. 19 Deadline Looms
The fate of TikTok hangs in the balance as a Jan. 19 deadline approaches, when the social media app must be sold or face a ban in the United States. For creators like Jack Nader, who has built a following of over half a million, the uncertainty is causing anxiety and uncertainty.
Nader, 21, was able to quit his job at Starbucks and live off his TikTok earnings, but now he’s urging his fans to find him on other social media apps, seeing it as his new 9-to-5 job. He makes between $1,000 and $12,000 per month as a creator.
However, not all of his followers will migrate to his new platforms, and Nader worries about the unknown. “This isn’t just a silly app. It’s changed people’s lives, changed people’s businesses,” he said.
Other creators, like Danisha Carter, 27, are also bracing for the worst. She has built a following of $4,000 per month on TikTok and is worried about losing her income. “I need to start taking this seriously before I lose access to the platform that I built and the followers that I built,” she said.
The Supreme Court is set to decide on the fate of TikTok, and the uncertainty is causing creators to diversify their online presence. Many are switching to YouTube, Instagram, and other platforms, or creating their own websites and businesses.
Despite the uncertainty, some creators see opportunities in the potential ban. Nealie Boschma, 27, believes that the ban could be an opportunity to “get creative” and expand her business. She has earned enough as a TikTok creator to live in Los Angeles and is planning to make a video asking her fans to follow her on other apps if the ban goes through.
However, many creators are worried about trying to rebuild their audience and income on new platforms. “Whatever is going to happen is going to happen, and we’re just going to make the most of it,” Boschma said.
As the Jan. 19 deadline approaches, creators are bracing for the worst, while others see opportunities in the potential ban. The fate of TikTok hangs in the balance, and only time will tell what the future holds for these creators.
