TikTok has become a major entertainment app, offering everything from funny skits and makeup tutorials to social commentary and news. However, the platform may be removed from U.S. app stores by January 19 if the Supreme Court doesn’t intervene. This is due to a federal law requiring TikTok to sever ties with its China-based parent company, or face a nationwide ban.
The Situation on January 19
If the law takes effect, web hosting companies will be prohibited from hosting TikTok. Users who already have the app installed will still be able to use it, but it will be removed from the Apple and Google app stores, meaning new users won’t be able to download it. TikTok will also be unable to send updates, security patches, or bug fixes, which could lead to app performance issues and security risks over time.
Workarounds for Accessing TikTok
Yes, there are potential workarounds, but they require some technical knowledge and it’s unclear what will remain effective. The most common method is using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN allows users to mask their location by encrypting their data and rerouting it through servers in other countries. This may allow users to access TikTok from a different country’s app store.
Lauren Hendry Parsons from ExpressVPN suggests users could also adjust their phone settings to switch to a nearby country’s app store. However, if many people do this, tech companies like Apple and Google might take legal action and find ways to block the app.
Android users may also be able to sideload TikTok from third-party app stores. But sideloading bypasses the security features of official app stores, which could expose users to malware.
ALSO READ: Donald Trump receives an unconditional discharge in the hush-money case
Will I Still Be Able to Watch My Favorite Videos?
TikTok allows users to save videos they’ve posted or enjoyed, as well as content from their favorite creators. These videos can be downloaded and stored on your phone. However, some creators restrict downloading their videos, and you can’t save content from private accounts or those of users under 16.
If you want to keep your activity, you can request a copy of your TikTok data, which includes your comment and video-watching history. TikTok says it may take a few days to process this request.
Which Apps Will People Move to Next?
If TikTok is banned, other popular social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube are expected to benefit from the shift. Instagram’s Reels and YouTube’s Shorts already have similar short-form video features, and many TikTok creators will likely move to these platforms, which have large existing audiences.
However, some experts believe that younger users might not switch to platforms like Instagram and YouTube, which are more popular with older generations. TikTok’s unique format and appeal are hard to replicate, and YouTube is still known for longer videos.
For users who want an alternative to mainstream platforms, apps like Triller (popular for music videos), Zigazoo (designed for kids), and Twitch (owned by Amazon for live streaming) are also worth considering.
ALSO READ: Hoda Kotb bids an emotional farewell as Today co-anchor, saying, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart”