TikTok has become a platform for creators to display their skills, develop their brands, and connect with audiences globally. However, the looming possibility of a ban has introduced uncertainty, prompting creators to reassess the stability and longevity of their presence.

The Potential Ban Explained

Concerns regarding data privacy, geopolitical tensions, and the overall impact of social media on public conversations have driven the discussion surrounding the ban.

Authorities and regulatory bodies argue that the platform’s data handling could jeopardize user privacy and national security. For creators, the ramifications of such a ban go beyond losing a channel for sharing content; it signifies a disruption in their careers, affecting established connections with millions of followers and endangering their primary source of earnings.

According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, 59% of Americans consider TikTok to be a minor threat to national security, while 29% of app users view the platform as a major threat. This perception varies among age groups and political affiliations; older individuals and Republicans are more inclined to view TikTok as a threat than Democrats. The survey also pointed out concerns regarding how TikTok handles data, with 69% of Americans surveyed expressing worry.

In March, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill requiring that Chinese company Bytedance divest of TikTok in the U.S., or else face a ban there. Politicians fear that ByteDance could be by the China tool of the Chinese government and that the data collected from users by TikTok could be compromised. 

China has criticized this bill, labeling it as a suppression of a company under the pretext of national security. The fate of this bill in the Senate remains uncertain. President Biden has shown a willingness to sign it into law if it passes Senate approval.

If the bill makes it through the Senate, TikTok could quickly disappear as an option for U.S.-based creators.

Expanding Your Online Presence

One benefit of broadening your presence is risk mitigation. By not relying on one platform, you protect your career from bans, policy shifts, or declines in popularity on a single platform. Moreover, diversifying enables you to reach an audience. Different platforms cater to demographics and interests, offering opportunities to engage entirely new audiences.

1. Strategies to Find and Utilize Different Platforms:

When searching for platforms, consider ones that match your content style and where your target audience hangs out. Platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Triller provide short video formats like TikTok but cater to their own specific platform audiences. Studying each platform’s content discovery algorithms and adjusting your approach to boost visibility and engagement is essential.

2. Tips for Tweaking Your Content:

While it’s essential to customize your content for each platform, maintaining your brand’s identity is critical. Keeping a style, tone, and message helps establish a brand’s presence across various platforms.

For instance, you can expand your social media reach by trying out YouTube Shorts if you’re already popular on TikTok. If your TikTok content revolves around 60-second comedy skits, you might adapt them for YouTube Shorts by extending them to 2 minutes, tapping into YouTube’s format and audience expectations. This introduces you to YouTube’s user community and allows you to delve deeper into content creation.

You can also use Instagram Reels to showcase behind-the-scenes moments or brief glimpses of your content, providing a perspective on your brand to attract a diverse audience. This approach ensures that you are not solely dependent on one platform for your presence and revenue, reducing the impact of changes or restrictions on platforms.

Building Direct Relationships with Your Audience

Access to your audience’s contact details, such as email lists or direct messaging features, allows you to stay in touch with your followers regardless of what happens on any platform. This direct line of communication is invaluable for sharing updates, promoting content across platforms, or transitioning your audience if necessary.

For instance, you could build an email list by offering content or early access to your videos in exchange for email subscriptions. This can be promoted on all your social media platforms, including TikTok, where a simple call to action in the video descriptions can guide viewers to the signup page.

By having access to your audience’s contact information, you establish a channel to interact with your followers without being affected by changes in algorithms or platform restrictions.

Directly engaging with your audience can be especially advantageous when it comes to announcing content releases, products, or even fundraising efforts. Direct engagement ensures that your dedicated supporters are always kept informed and can stay connected with you on any platform of your choice.

Securing Your Content and Intellectual Property

Get familiar with the data export tools and backup features provided by TikTok. These tools enable you to save your content, such as videos, comments, and profile details, safeguarding your output beyond the platform. Regularly backing up your content ensures that even if there are changes on the platform, your body of work remains safe and accessible.

• Accessing TikTok Data Request Page: Log in to your account. Go to the settings and privacy section, where you’ll tap the account button. You’ll find an option for data download or request. By using this feature, you can ask for a file containing your profile information, activities, and uploaded content.

• Submitting Your Data Request: Follow the instructions to submit your data request. TikTok may provide data formats, like JSON or ZIP; choose the one that best fits your requirements. Keep in mind that it could take a day for TikTok to prepare your data for download based on the amount of content you have.

• Download Your Data: TikTok will notify you once your request is processed. Click on the provided link to download your data archive. Ensure you have a reliable internet connection during the download process to avoid data corruption.
  
• Develop a method for storing your content: Store your videos and related information in an accessible location. Consider using cloud storage services with encryption and robust security features to safeguard your property. Additionally, having a drive as a physical backup can provide an extra layer of protection.

The possible TikTok ban serves as a reminder of how social media platforms aren’t immutable. For content creators, safeguarding their careers against uncertainties is more critical than ever.

By expanding your presence across platforms, establishing connections with your audience, and ensuring the protection of your content and intellectual property, you can secure the longevity and stability of your career.