Wondering where to go if TikTok gets banned? Here are 11 alternatives that are attracting people
As TikTok is set to shut down on January 19 and the Supreme Court considers arguments to ban the app in the U.S., millions of its users are moving to other platforms in hopes of finding viable alternatives.
The case, which has become a landmark moment of free speech versus national security, began in early 2024 when President Joe Biden signed an act to make TikTok illegal for distribution in the U.S. if TikTok’s Chinese parent company ByteDance does not sell the platform by January 19, 2025. Under the ban, the app will be illegal for distribution through the Apple App Store and Google Play.
With several apps vying for the top spot on the Apple App and Google Play stores, ironically, the number one spot is currently occupied by Chinese app RedNote, which has overtaken Lemon8, which is owned by ByteDance.
Wondering where everyone is heading? Here are 11 such apps that are leading to a potential TikTok ban.
Lemon8
Lemon8, a social media platform described as a “lifestyle community,” quickly became the No. 1 app in the Apple App Store in the first week of January and has been downloaded by over 10 million Google Play Store users.
Lemon8 works just like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest, all in one. According to its description in the Apple App Store, the platform prides itself on offering a one-stop shop for photo/video editing and sharing.
However, the app was developed and owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company that also owns TikTok. Although Lemon8 is not explicitly named in the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Control Applications Act that would enforce the ban on TikTok, the law addresses “any other application or service developed or provided by ByteDance,” meaning Lemon8 could be affected.
RedNote (Xiaohongshu)
Of all free iPhone apps, Chinese app RedNote is currently the top social networking app on the Apple App Store.
Launched in 2013, RedNote has become one of China’s fastest-growing social platforms, valued at over $17 billion, according to the Financial Times.
Known as Xiaohongshu in Chinese, RedNote, which translates to “little red book,” features a layout similar to Pinterest and is often described as the Chinese version of Instagram. According to TechCrunch, the app’s focus on short-term content similar to TikTok has helped it emerge as a viable alternative.
Instagram Reels
Following the immense success of TikTok, other major social media platforms implemented or reinvested in their own short-form video feeds in an attempt to compete. One of them was Instagram, which offers Instagram Reels.
One of the platforms most similar to TikTok’s primary function, Instagram Reels allows users to record and edit videos of up to 90 seconds. Currently, Reels is often filled with content migrated from TikTok, but if TikTok is banned, it could see a flood of new content. However, a major hesitation for some users is that it does not have an algorithm comparable to TikTok.
Facebook Reels
Since both Instagram and Facebook are owned by Meta, their Reels functions are similar. According to Facebook, Reels are short videos that can include video, music, audio, effects, and more.
Like other short video platforms, Facebook Reels has in-app editing tools and Reels can be cross-shared from Instagram. They can be 90 seconds or longer when shared from Instagram.’
YouTube Shorts
Like Reels, YouTube Shorts offers the same basic, short-form video foundation as TikTok. Like TikTok, which eventually allowed some users to create 10-plus-minute videos, YouTube Shorts has a “longer shorts” option for creators to upload content up to three minutes long, an increase from the original 60-second limit.
Clapper
Clapper is also vying for the top spot in the App Store as another rival to TikTok that appeals specifically to adults. Users can create, post, share and comment on short-form videos and live streams on an interface that looks very similar to TikTok.
It describes itself as a place where “you can see the latest trends and people’s real lives, as well as people’s opinions and talents. Free to use, no ads, no bullshit, just real life.”
According to Deadline, unlike some other competing apps, Clapper’s head office is based in the United States (near Dallas), and user data is stored in a U.S.-based cloud system.
Triller
Like Clapper, Triller’s look and function are very similar to TikTok, with some comments on the Apple App Store calling it a “copy” or “knock-off.” Similar to musical.ly for TikTok, it emphasizes the creation and sharing of music and music video content.
It describes itself as a “next-generation, AI-powered, social media and live-streaming event platform for creators” that “connects music culture with sports, fashion, entertainment and influencers through a 360-degree view of content and technology.” The app’s description also boasts users such as “Josh Richards, Charli D’Amelio, Noah Beck, Tyga and more.”
Triller also has a former TikTok executive serving as CEO and even offers a “savemytiktoks” function that allows users to transfer content from TikTok to Triller.
It is currently ranked #57 in the Photos & Editing category on the Apple Store, but the Google Play Store reports over 10 million downloads. It has jumped 100 spots on the Apple app download chart this month, according to Yahoo Finance. Triller is also currently the top U.S.-based app.
Fanbase
Currently ranked #9 in the Free Social category on the Google Play Store, Fanbase is a platform that allows users to create and monetize posts, long-form videos, audio chats, and more.
The Atlanta-based, Black-owned company said it has raised over $13 million from 16,000 investors and has hosted creators like Snoop Dogg, Charlamagne the God, will.i.am, Kandi Burruss, Jamal Harrison Bryant, and more. It also offers a TikTok merging option to transfer content from one app to another.
It is currently ranked #10 on the Apple App Store Social Networking chart.
Neptune
Neptune is a female-built and owned app that is not yet available for download in the App Store, although you can sign up as a beta tester on their website and join their Discord.
Advertised as a “bold reimagining of what social media can be,” it promises some unique features including a manually customizable algorithm and ghost metrics, meaning it doesn’t focus on follower and engagement numbers. It also says it will allow for easy, transparent monetization of content.
Twitch
For users who primarily like the live streaming option on TikTok, Twitch is an easy alternative. Launched in 2011, Twitch has been around for a while and has always focused on live content and allowing creators to earn money from streams.
While it’s most commonly associated with gaming and esports, Twitch also has lifestyle, music, and variety content. It is currently ranked #6 in the Photos & Videos category on the App Store and boasts over 100 million downloads on the Google Play Store.
RedNote
RedNote has quickly become one of the most popular alternatives to TikTok. It focuses on community engagement and short-form content. Users can create videos with trending sounds and hashtags.
(This story has been updated with new information.)
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