TikTok Ban updates and what is means for marketers and business owners in 2025.

Today, we’re diving into one of the most talked-about topics right now: the TikTok ban. It’s official—TikTok and its popular editing app, CapCut, are banned in the United States. How did we get here, and what does this mean for creators, marketers, and businesses? Stick around as I break it all down—the facts, the impact, and what’s next. Spoiler alert: it’s a wild ride, so grab your popcorn—or, you know, your stress ball.
What Happened?
Let’s start with the facts. The ban isn’t just a rumor anymore; it’s real. January 18th around 7pm Central Standard Time, everyone's TikTok apps locked them out saying the government has banned the app in the US. Now this was rummered for many weeks leading up to this day but many people thought it was a hoax.
The government slipped this decision into a larger humanitarian bill, meaning it wasn’t debated or discussed openly in Congress. Classic move, right? It’s like sneaking extra snacks into your movie ticket budget—except instead of Skittles, it’s a massive policy decision that impacts hundreds of millions of American users.
The main reason the government wants to ban it in the US is because the app is known to collect a lot of information about its users including buying behavior, watch preferences, personal info like their location, and other information. Like EVERY SINGLE OTHER social media platform. But since they are based in China it’s a big problem.
And here’s the kicker: all three branches of government agreed to pass this bill. Now, there’s speculation that President Trump might step in with an executive order to reverse this decision, which is what he did on January 19th, just 12 hours after the ban started. So you guys only had to go without this precious app for about 12 hours over a Saturday night. And if you have a social life you probably didn’t even notice.
Now this ban freeze is only stated to last for 90 days or the next 3 months before something concrete is decided. The only way I see the app staying available in the US is if a US company purchases the US division to keep the data privacy in our boarders.
But let’s face it - TikTok’s days in the U.S. are numbered. It’s important to note that many lawmakers involved in this decision have likely never even used TikTok. Imagine Grandpa trying to figure out how to film a dance challenge—yeah, it’s like that.
Pros and Cons of the Ban
So, what does this ban mean for pop culture, businesses, and creators? Let’s weigh the pros and cons.
Pros:
TikTok has often been criticized for being an “endless pit of attention-sucking content.” If you’ve ever lost two hours to watching raccoons doing tricks, you’re not alone.
It’s a major contributor to overstimulation, and some argue it’s fueling the so-called “iPad kid” effect. (You know, those kids who can’t function without three screens, a podcast playing, while playing on their phone.)
Concerns about Chinese data collection are valid. There’s also the argument that foreign powers could influence what content we see. (Although, let’s be honest, my algorithm is 90% recipe videos, celebrity impressionists, and funny skits.)
Time wasting app: I find myself using TikTok as a way to procrastinate things I need to do, when I am bored, or in transition between tasks. While it is super fun and one of the first apps I go to open, I have had to personally put an app timelimit per day of 1 hour so I don’t over use it. There are some days that I exhaust my self imposed screen time limit before noon… ya. Its a good reminder how much time I am putting into this app.
Cons:
TikTok has been a game-changer for communication. It’s an open platform where everyday people can share their stories, learn, and even find opportunities that mainstream media won’t touch. Plus, where else can you learn how to make a three-course meal in under 60 seconds?
The platform has created massive opportunities for U.S.-based creators. If an account has over 10,000 followers, many of them are getting paid through the Creator Fund, affiliate marketing programs, and sponsorship dollars from brands they like. It’s a wild world that we live in currently .
I’ve personally interviewed creators on my podcast (rhymes with odd, make sure to subscribe to the channel for weekly interviews) who were earning anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 a month just from TikTok. That’s not just side hustle money—that’s “pay off your student loans and get guac every time at Chipotle" money.
It’s a huge loss for small businesses. With 175 million users in the U.S. and 3 million small businesses leveraging TikTok Shop, the ban hurts way more people than it helps. TikTok acts as many of these businesses only way they are getting customers. While I would encourage any business to have multiple customer marketing channels - lots of brick and mortar product companies rely on this platform to provide for their families and reach new customers.
Unique Aspects of TikTok: TikTok brought something entirely new to the table:
Raw, unfiltered content straight from someone’s phone. It’s like having a backstage pass to humanity. Sometimes oversharing if we are being honest (show the girl giving tips for doing anal for the first time from TikTok). *sometimes WAYYY too honest
Viral trends, meme culture, and challenges that unite millions. (Except for that one challenge where people tried to eat Tide Pods—we’re just going to pretend that didn’t happen.)
A search feature that’s quickly become a learning tool for Gen Z and beyond. Who needs Google when you have TikTok?
Possibly the biggest benefit for the general public is the way information would freely move from people. Up until this point we had to rely on ‘credible’ new sources to tell us what is happening. I learned so much about people’s experiences during the hurricanes, wild fires, election and campaigns for politicians, people involved in the school shootings, so much information that is coming right from people experiencing what is happening. No filtering and editing information. That is really unique to this platform and something that everyone is really going to miss
And of course the For You page which is the secret sauce in my opinion. An ever evolving, endless newsfeed of videos specifically designed to keep you entertained and feel like you never need to leave.
The Marketing Impact
From a marketing perspective, TikTok has completely reshaped the game. Here’s how:
TikTok’s vertical video feed inspired Reels, YouTube Shorts, and other platforms. Its influence is undeniable. Vine walked so TikTok could sprint. Everyone else is basically copying TikTok’s homework at this point.
Without TikTok, reaching new audiences will be harder. Marketers and creators will need to shift their focus to other platforms. (Hello again, Instagram. We missed you. Sort of.)
Omni-channel marketing is more critical than ever. Creators will have to expand their efforts to Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Snapchat, and maybe even emerging platforms. Yes, LinkedIn. Get ready for business professionals doing dance trends—it’s coming. Jussttttt kidding….kinda
My prediction? Many TikTok creators will go back to Instagram and double down on Reels. Others will explore platforms they’ve ignored, like LinkedIn or YouTube. And let’s not forget: a new platform could swoop in to fill the void TikTok leaves behind. Keep an eye out for that. (Maybe I’ll start one. I’ll call it TokTik—wait, no, that’s terrible.)
The biggest missing piece that TikTok has that others don’t is the ability to be discovered in the feed. The For You page is the ultimate ‘good content will win’ contest with each post. Other platforms just show your content to a small group of your followers and expect you to pay for ads to get it pushed to other people. TikTok rewards good content by sharing it to more people. That will be the biggest shot to the hear of marketers is the ability to take big swings and hit some out of the park every once and a while.
My Predictions
Here’s how I think this will play out:
President Trump’s 90 day extension will give creators enough time to build a parachute and attempt to send their followers to other platforms like Instagram.
A U.S.-based company, likely Meta, could acquire TikTok. But let’s be honest, if Meta takes over, they’ll probably ruin it. Just look at what they did to Facebook—it’s basically a bunch of 40 year olds complaining about everything with ads every other post. There is also talk of Mr. Beast, the most popular YouTuber being in talks of purchasing the platform as well. It’s all speculation at this point but Wall Street values the US division at like 300 billion or some crazy amount of money
When that happens, a new platform will emerge. Teenagers will flock to it first, and the rest of us will follow. It’s the social media cycle. It’s like musical chairs, but with apps.
Closing Thoughts
So, what can we take away from this? The TikTok ban is more than just losing an app. It’s a seismic shift in how we communicate, create, and market. Whether you’re a business owner, a marketer, or just a casual user, this is a moment to adapt and evolve.
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