TikTok has warned that it could be shut down in just six days, as the Supreme Court is currently considering legislation to ban the app. So we thought it was time to consider other platforms like TikTok that might be able to fill the hole in our lives.
The law gives TikTok's parent company ByteDance until Jan. 19 to sell its U.S. operations or face a ban on operating in the country. TikTok wants the law to be suspended, but if that doesn't happen, the app will effectively be banned in the country.
1:1 While there is no replacement for TikTok, there are some viable options to consider that offer a similar experience. Many companies have spent the last few years building TikTok clones within their products, and several startups are looking to challenge the app's dominance.
Here are a variety of apps worth checking out.
instagram reel
Image credit: Meta Image credit: Meta
Instagram's Reels product is probably the most popular TikTok clone, and for good reason. Creators often share the same content on Instagram Reels that they post on TikTok, so many of the videos are the same. Additionally, many of the sounds and topics that are trending on TikTok end up on Instagram Reels. Instagram Reels could be a great alternative to TikTok since much of the content is the same.
However, given that TikTok's algorithm is nearly unmatched, Instagram Reels may not be able to display videos of interest to the same level as TikTok. But Instagram has been enhancing its Reels recommendation algorithm over the past few years, so we can probably expect it to improve even more over time.
If the TikTok ban becomes a reality, Instagram Reels will become the most popular place for short-form video content, as it already controls much of the social media world and has almost the same people and type of content as TikTok. There is a possibility that it will happen.
YouTube short
Image credit: YouTube Image credit: YouTube
YouTube is also a platform that builds and prioritizes products like TikTok. YouTube Shorts gives you access to YouTube's vast library of songs and music videos, so if you already spend a lot of time on YouTube or love discovering new music on TikTok, YouTube Shorts is the perfect TikTok for you. may be an alternative.
YouTube Shorts has an advantage over other services on this list: it's integrated with popular long-form video content platforms. Millions of people around the world already go to YouTube every day to watch content, so if TikTok were to be banned, especially if popular TikTok creators chose YouTube, YouTube would It can be your go-to place. As your new home for content.
Unfortunately, content on YouTube Shorts is often not as engaging as platforms like TikTok or Instagram Reels, as it may include content reposted from longer YouTube videos. However, you can still search for the content you want to watch and find videos based on hashtags or keywords.
snapchat spotlight
Image credit: Snapchat Image credit: Snapchat
Snapchat's Spotlight feed is also a good alternative to TikTok if you're looking for short and interesting content. Unlike TikTok or Instagram Reels, Spotlight typically only shows videos that are interesting and entertaining. You probably won't find any political or news content in your feed, but this could be a selling point for some users.
Spotlight has a trending section where you can watch popular videos based on different topics and trending songs. Similar to Reels on TikTok and Instagram, you can search for content based on keywords and hashtags.
But one of Snapchat Spotlight's biggest drawbacks is that it struggles to get beyond younger users. Given that adults are more likely to use platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, Spotlight's content may not be as appealing as it is primarily aimed at a younger audience.
triller
Image credit:Triller
Triller, which started out as a TikTok competitor, could be a good alternative for those primarily interested in the music and dance side of TikTok. It's worth noting that Triller's user base is much smaller than TikTok, so its content is somewhat limited.
Triller is already looking to take advantage of a potential TikTok ban in the US The company recently launched a website, SaveMyTikToks.com, to allow TikTok users to transfer and save their TikTok videos to Triller's platform, giving creators a chance to Apps that encourage you to migrate your content to Triller's platform.
Additionally, Triller recently hired former TikTok executive Sean Kim as CEO to focus on overhauling the app. Kim was TikTok's head of product from 2019 to 2022, where he worked on the “For You” feed, creator monetization, developer platform, third-party integrations, and more. Triller's addition of one of TikTok's top talents could help the platform build a service that is better positioned to replace TikTok.
red note
Image credit: RedNote
TikTok users in the United States are already flocking to Chinese short video app Xiaohongshu (known in English as RedNote). Released in 2013, the app is China's answer to Instagram.
The app features a layout similar to Pinterest and has many social shopping features. It offers users a combination of video and live streaming functionality. RedNote includes a lot of content similar to what you'd find on TikTok, like beauty tutorials and product reviews.
It's unclear whether RedNote will be able to maintain the interest it currently has. It's also unclear whether the U.S. government will want to crack down on the app because of its Chinese ownership if it gains a sizable user base in the United States.
lemon 8
Image credit: ByteDance
In the months leading up to TikTok's ban, the company has been promoting its sister app Lemon8. TikTok also recently started allowing users to access Lemon8 with their TikTok accounts.
The app is similar to Instagram and Pinterest, where you can share slideshows and photo collections, and browse content through “Following” and “For You” feeds. Lemon8 provides access to creative tools, filters, effects, stickers, text templates, and more.
However, it's worth noting that Lemon8 could be caught up in a TikTok ban, especially since the main concern about TikTok among lawmakers is Chinese ownership. As a result, Lemon8's U.S. presence remains unclear.
likey
Image credit: Likey
Likee is a short video app with editing tools and live streams in addition to the ability to share videos. The app boasts over 100 million users from all over the world.
Similar to Snapchat, Likee is focusing on AR filters, allowing creators to use them in their videos and live streams. Likee also has an extensive music library, so if you use TikTok, it might be a good way to discover new music.
Additionally, the app has a monetization feature that allows creators to earn money for their content through “SuperLikes” from their followers. However, like the other smaller apps on this list, Likee doesn't have the same reach as TikTok, which limits engagement to some extent. Of course, this may change over time.
fan base
Image credit: Fanbase Image credit: Fanbase
Fanbase is basically a subscription-based social network that combines TikTok, Instagram, Patreon, Clubhouse, and Snapchat. The app features short videos, images, long videos, stories, live streams, and audio rooms. The app is free to use, but you can access exclusive content by paying a subscription.
What makes Fanbase a possible alternative to TikTok is the app's “Flickz” feed. Similar to TikTok, Flickz includes a discovery feed and a feed dedicated to content from creators you follow. At Fanbase, you can find all kinds of content, including videos about sports, cooking, music, humor, and more.
The app was founded with a mission to recognize and platform Black creators, whose content is often appropriated or underrepresented on traditional social media platforms. Fanbase is an ad-free platform that is committed to not shadowbanning or suppressing your content.
Jigazoo
Image credit: Zigazoo Image credit: Zigazoo
Zigazoo is a relatively new short-form video platform aimed at younger users and could be a great alternative to TikTok for kids and teens. The app is considered a safer alternative to TikTok, as it features upbeat and playful videos, lacks commenting features, and has strict moderation policies.
The app allows users to view and create short videos based on assignments and educational prompts. Zigazoo also features fun dance videos, one of the most popular content categories on TikTok. Similar to TikTok and Instagram Reels, this app includes a variety of effects, sounds, and filters for your videos.
While the app is not a replacement for TikTok for adults, it is a good alternative for younger users, especially those whose parents are concerned about TikTok's potential harm to children and teens.
Added to favorites
Image credit: Favorite
Favorited is an a16z-based social app that gamifies live streaming. This app allows live stream creators to interact with their viewers and earn money through virtual gifts from their viewers. Also, the app splits revenue 70/30 for creators, while TikTok splits revenue 50/50 for live creators.
Favorites also allow creators to link their digital stores. However, unlike TikTok, Favorited does not have a discovery feed to help users find new content.
The app has 750,000 users so far this year and thousands of new registrations a day. Unfortunately, the app doesn't have much of a presence outside of the US, but of course that could change.
clapper
Image credit: Clapper
Clapper is a platform that champions authentic expression and unfiltered interaction. This app is a short-form video platform known for limited moderation and may not be suitable for everyone.
Clapper allows you to post videos up to 3 minutes long. The app has audio-only features that allow users to create rooms with 20 speakers and up to 2,000 listeners. Additionally, creators can create communities where they can engage with their followers one-on-one.
The app contains no ads and focuses on unfiltered content rather than polished content designed to go viral. It includes some video editing features, but they're pretty limited compared to what's available on TikTok. And of course, the app's user base is very small, so social interaction is somewhat limited.
fable
Image credit: fable
Fable is a great app for TikTok users who are part of the social network's reading-centric BookTok community. The app has a book club where you can discuss the books you're reading, similar to TikTok.
Unfortunately, Fable is far from a perfect replacement for TikTok as it lacks the video aspect. Instead, it could provide a way for BookTok authors and community members to continue the discussion on another platform.
Neptune
Image credit: Neptune
Nepture is an up-and-coming social network founded by women and committed to putting content creators first. The app has started to be talked about on social networks like TikTok and X by users who think it could be the next TikTok. Their hopes are not haphazard, as Neptune's marketing strategy positions the app as a better and better alternative to TikTok.
A beta version of the app is expected to be released this month or in February. General release of the app is planned for spring.
The company says that with Neptune, creators' content will be viewed based on its quality and impact, not on algorithms. The app will also feature customizable content feeds and ghost metrics, allowing users to try new ideas without performance pressure.