TikTok‘s brief shutdown and Trump’s intervention have sparked both relief and concern.

The platform’s service was briefly interrupted on Saturday, January 18. By Sunday, it was back online after President Donald Trump said he’d issue an executive order to extend the deadline for the ban. This move contrasts Trump’s 2020 stance when he sought to ban TikTok over concerns about data sharing with China.

The latest development that has emerged proposes a deal granting the United States a 50% ownership stake in a joint venture with ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company. The platform helped boost Trump’s popularity among young voters, whom he credited for their role in his successful 2024 presidential bid.

Creators Fear TikTok Algorithm Changes Under New Ownership

Reuters has reported concerns expressed by TikTok creators’ about potential algorithm changes if U.S. ownership becomes a reality. Kelly Sites, a part-time creator from Kansas City, worries the platform could undergo drastic shifts similar to those seen on Twitter—now X—following Elon Musk’s acquisition.

ByteDance considers its proprietary algorithm essential to its operations. Reuters reports that a sale including the algorithm is unlikely, heightening uncertainty for creators reliant on TikTok’s unique user engagement system.

Economic Stakes for TikTok Influencers

The brief shutdown underscored TikTok’s vital role in the creator economy. For influencers like Charlotte Warren, a dating and relationships content creator from Austin, TikTok is a lifeline. Warren, who earns up to $60,000 annually through TikTok, connects with over 200,000 followers and worries about transitioning her business to other platforms.

Similarly, Richard “Chuck” Fasulo, an auto-influencer with 400,000 followers in Duchess County, New York, credits TikTok for helping him escape debt and fund his family’s first vacation. The platform’s ability to drive income and audience growth has made it indispensable for many creators.