I’ve worked in social media for years and seen platforms come and go. TikTok has been a game changer for influencers, helping millions grow their following and build businesses.

But the possibility of TikTok being banned in the US is real and it’s making creators think about what’s next. If I were in this situation I’d do this to keep thriving and stay connected with my audience.

With all the talk of TikTok being banned in the US, many creators are wondering: What’s next?

If TikTok gets banned, here are some actionable steps influencers can take to adapt and thrive.

1. Diversify Your Social Media

Steps:

• YouTube Shorts: Move your TikTok style content to YouTube Shorts which rewards short, good content.
• Instagram Reels: Instagram’s Reels is a natural fit for TikTok creators. It’s already a major competitor to TikTok with a huge existing audience.
• Snapchat Spotlight: Another option for short form content creators.
• Twitter and Facebook: Use these to engage with your audience and drive traffic to other channels.

By being on multiple platforms you reduce the risk of losing your audience if one platform goes away.

2. Move to Instagram and Facebook

Meta’s platforms, Instagram and Facebook, are some of the best alternatives for TikTok creators. Instagram in particular has a similar format with Reels so you can repurpose your existing content.

Why Instagram and Facebook?

• Huge Audiences: Instagram has over 2 billion monthly active users, Facebook’s reach is even bigger.
• Monetization: Both platforms have ways to monetize through ads, branded content and subscriptions.
• Integrated Ecosystem: You can cross post between Instagram and Facebook and reach your audience on both platforms with minimal extra effort.

How to:

• Start uploading your TikTok videos to Instagram Reels. The audience is already used to short form content.
• Use Instagram Stories and Facebook Stories to keep your audience engaged daily.
• Use Facebook Groups and Pages to build a community around your content.

3. High Value Traffic from Instagram and Facebook

Not all traffic is created equal. Brands report that Instagram and Facebook drive more valuable traffic than other platforms including TikTok. This is important for influencers to consider when planning their next steps.

Why Instagram and Facebook Traffic is Better:

• Higher Conversions: The built in shopping tools on Instagram and Facebook make it easier for followers to buy from posts and stories.
• Audience Intent: Users are in a browsing or buying mindset on these platforms so brand collaborations are more impactful.
• Mature Ad Tools: Meta’s ad platforms have robust targeting and analytics so influencers and brands can maximize ROI.

Actionable:

• Create content that aligns with Facebook and Instagram’s shopping features like product tags and shoppable posts.
• Work with brands that are already on these platforms to leverage their existing ad strategy.
• Use Instagram and Facebook’s analytics to learn more about your audience and refine your content.

Moving to platforms with proven monetization can help soften the blow of a TikTok ban.

4. Build a Personal Brand

Your value as an influencer isn’t tied to TikTok itself but to your ability to connect with your audience. Focus on building a personal brand that goes beyond any one platform.

How to Build Your Brand:

• Find a Niche: Be known for something specific, whether it’s fitness, comedy or DIY projects.
• Engage Authentically: Reply to comments, host live streams and create content that sparks conversations.
• Invest in Quality: Improve your video editing, photography and storytelling skills to stand out across platforms.

Having a strong personal brand means your followers will follow you wherever you go.

5. Vine is Coming Back

Remember Vine? It was TikTok before TikTok and there’s talk it could make a comeback under Twitter’s ownership. If Vine returns it could be a big opportunity for influencers.

Why Vine Could Work Again:

• Nostalgia: Many people still love Vine and its return could attract old fans and new creators.
• Familiar Format: Short, looping videos were Vine’s bread and butter and TikTok creators can easily adapt to this format.
• First Mover Advantage: Get in early and you can establish a strong following before the platform gets saturated.

If Vine does come back, try it out and see if it’s a good fit for your content and audience.

6. Face the Music for Influencers

If TikTok is banned, it will be big for influencers. For many creators TikTok isn’t just a platform but a job. The loss of revenue, brand deals and a loyal audience can feel devastating.

Reality Check:

• Revenue Loss: Creators who rely on TikTok’s Creator Fund or brand collaborations will see a sudden stop in income.
• Emotional Impact: Losing a platform you spent years building a following on can be demoralizing and disorienting.

How to Do This with Ease:

• Take Inventory of Your Skills: Think about what made your TikTok presence special and how you can apply those strengths elsewhere. Creativity and storytelling are portable skills.
• Try New Things: Use this as an opportunity to get into Instagram and YouTube where you can diversify your revenue streams through ads, memberships and brand deals.
• Lean on Your Audience: Be open with your audience about the changes. Transparency will help them stick with you as you move to new platforms.

By seeing this as an opportunity to grow, influencers can find ways to thrive despite the obstacles.

7. Go Long-Form

Short form videos are popular but long form content allows for deeper connections with your audience. Try expanding into YouTube or podcasting.

Why Long Form Content?

• Deeper Engagement: Longer videos let you share more about yourself and your expertise.
• Higher Earning Potential: YouTube has monetization options through ads and memberships.
• Evergreen Content: Long form videos have a longer shelf life and can continue to generate views and income over time.

Try out longer formats and diversify your content.

8. Build an Email List

Social media platforms come and go but your email list is yours to keep. It’s one of the most reliable ways to stay in touch with your audience.

How to Get Started:

• Use Mailchimp or ConvertKit to set up a simple newsletter.
• Offer exclusive content, like behind the scenes updates, discounts or early access to projects to incentivize sign ups.
• Promote your email list on your social media accounts.

Having direct access to your audience’s inbox means you’ll never lose touch, even if platforms change.

9. Work with Brands Beyond TikTok

If TikTok disappears brands will still want to work with influencers. Show brands you can create value across multiple platforms.

Brand Partnership Strategies:

• Show Your Multi-Platform Reach: Include your presence on Instagram, YouTube and other platforms in your media kit.
• Cross-Platform Campaigns: Offer to run campaigns that span multiple social channels for maximum exposure.
• Leverage Existing Relationships: Reach out to brands you’ve worked with on TikTok and suggest alternative platforms for collaboration.

Being versatile makes you more attractive to brands even without TikTok.

10. Build Your Community

Lastly, focus on building a real community. Platforms come and go but a loyal audience will follow you anywhere.

How to Build Community:

• Create a Discord Server: Offer a space for fans to interact with you and each other.
• SMS Marketing: Stay in touch with fans through text updates.
• Host Meetups or Live Chats: Deepen your connection with direct interaction.

A community is your safety net against platform changes.

Conclusion

A US TikTok ban doesn’t have to be the end of your influencer life. Diversify your platforms, move content to Instagram and Facebook and keep an eye on emerging opportunities like Vine. Remember, your influence is beyond TikTok – it’s about how you connect with your audience wherever they are.