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The app's future in the US is still in jeopardy, however, so it's not a bad idea to have a backup plan. (Or maybe you're just getting sick of TikTok and want to try a new social platform.) In this article we go over 15 apps that can be alternatives to TikTok, depending on what type of content you liked to use TikTok for.
RedNote/Xiaohongshu
RedNote became a TikTok replacement seemingly overnight. With the future of TikTok looking pretty precarious, RedNote is topping the Apple App Store and Google Play Store free app charts. RedNote is a popular Chinese app that's similar to TikTok, Pinterest, and Instagram. In Chinese, the app is called Xiaohongshu (小红书), which translates to "little red book." This is why American "TikTok refugees" call the app RedNote. Pros: Since RedNote already has a sizable user base, there's a lot of content to view and interact with. Many Chinese users seem eager to welcome Americans. Cons: TikTok creators who aren't from America likely won't be moving over, since the ban doesn't affect them. Non-binary and LGBTQ users have been censored or banned for discussing their identity. Download RedNote from the App Store or [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.xingin.xhs&hl=en_US Google Play Store\.
Lemon8
Lemon8 is another popular TikTok replacement. Lemon8 is another social media platform by ByteDance, the company that also owns TikTok. Similar to RedNote, the platform is a blend of TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest. And also similar to RedNote, Lemon8 has been one of the top downloaded free apps in the App Store and Google Play Store in the first few weeks of January. However, since the app is owned by ByteDance, it is susceptible to the same ban as TikTok. Pros: The app has a user base of over 10 million despite being released in just 2023. It's very similar to TikTok, so users will have an easy time switching over. Cons: The app is owned by ByteDance, and could be banned alongside TikTok. Like RedNote, international TikTok creators likely won't move over. Lemon8 is currently unavailable on the App Store and Google Play Store, but you may still be able to use Lemon8 if you previously downloaded it.
YouTube
YouTube Shorts could be a viable TikTok alternative. Many content creators already upload their TikToks to YouTube Shorts, so it seems like a logical place to go—especially since it has a huge user base already. YouTube also has the ability for creators to go live, similar to the TikTok LIVE feature. Pros: Many Americans already use YouTube. YouTube has very little risk of being banned. Cons: YouTube Shorts can't be as long as TikToks. YouTube doesn't have the most robust content moderation tools. Download YouTube from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Instagram Reels are similar to YouTube Shorts. Many creators upload their TikToks to Instagram Reels as well, and the platform has a massive and dedicated user base. However, Instagram doesn't allow users to go live in Reels, but they can go live on Instagram Live (which is kind of nitpicky, but still a difference). Pros: Many users already use Instagram. Instagram will likely not get banned in the US. Cons: Many Gen Z users call Instagram Reels "embarrassing" and will likely not move over. Meta's switch from fact checkers to community notes has turned many people off from their platforms. Download Instagram from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Facebook Reels are very similar to Instagram Reels. The main reason for this is that Facebook and Instagram are both owned by the same company: Meta. And similarly to Instagram, Facebook doesn't let users go live in Reels (but live video can be clipped and added to a Reel for users to watch). Pros: Many users already use Facebook. Facebook will likely not get banned in the US. Cons: Facebook is not as popular with Gen Z users, so they likely will not want to switch over to Facebook Reels. Similarly to Instagram, Meta's switch from fact checkers to community notes has turned many people off from their platforms. Download Facebook from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Snapchat
Snapchat Spotlight allows users to watch short-form content like TikTok. The videos on the Spotlight feed are usually funny or entertaining, so you likely won't find any content relating to politics, news, or other more "serious" subjects. Snapchat also has the ability to go live, but it's not available to every user. Pros: Snapchat is already a popular app with a dedicated user base. Snapchat likely won't get banned in the US. Cons: Most of Snapchat's user base is younger, with older audiences using other social media platforms. The type of content you can get on Snapchat Spotlight is limited. Download Snapchat from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Clapper
Clapper is a short-form app for adults only. The content on the app isn't necessarily adult-oriented, but Clapper only allows users that are 17 or older to sign up. While the app is trying to position itself as a TikTok alternative, it doesn't have the same depth of video editing features as TikTok, and instead focuses on unfiltered content. Pros: The app is ad-free. Creators can make communities to connect with fans. Cons: Users younger than 17 aren't allowed to sign up. The app has limited content moderation tools. Download Clapper from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Triller
Triller is a good alternative for music and dance fans. They even created a website that allows users to save their TikTok videos and convert them over to Triller. According to Triller, many famous American TikTokkers are on the platform, including Josh Richards, Charli D'ameli, Noah Beck, and Tyga. Pros: Gaining popularity in light of the TikTok ban. Focuses on music and dance, for users who prefer that content. Cons: Doesn't have a huge user base yet, so content is limited. Describes itself as "AI-powered," which may turn some anti-AI users away. Download Triller from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Likee
Likee is another short-form video app like TikTok. In fact, Likee has a lot of similar features to TikTok: a suite of editing tools, monetization, gifts, and more. In light of the TikTok ban, many users have begun to move to Likee, further increasing its user base. Pros: Growing user base. Extensive editing tools, unlike some other platforms. Cons: Not as popular as other replacements like RedNote. Wide variety of tools may be overwhelming to some users. Download Likee from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Fanbase
Fanbase is a platform that aims to platform Black creators. Fanbase is slightly different in that it's a subscription-based platform, and is somewhat similar to Patreon. But what makes it a potential TikTok replacement is the "Flickz" feature, which is a feed of short-form videos. While it does cost money to join Fanbase, that means the app has no ads. Pros: Focused on uplifting Black creators. No ads. Cons: Subscription-based model may not be accessible to all users. The platform may have too many features for users looking to only replace TikTok's features. Download Fanbase from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Neptune
Neptune is a popular TikTok alternative that isn't even out yet. While many of the apps Americans are moving to in the light of the TikTok ban have active, established user bases, a lot of users are looking towards an app that isn't available yet. That app is Neptune, which boasts a customizable algorithm and hidden metrics (like follower count). Pros: Has a customizable algorithm, unlike TikTok. Beta testers can reserve usernames ahead of time. Cons: The app isn't out just yet. The user base will be smaller, since it's new. Stay updated and sign up to be a beta tester on Neptune's website.
Zigazoo
Zigazoo is a TikTok replacement aimed at kids. Despite being a great way to connect and entertain, social media can also be a not-so-great environment for kids. If you're looking for a TikTok replacement that's more appropriate for younger kids, give Zigazoo a try. All content on the app goes through an approval process, and there's no commenting feature. Pros: Content is thoroughly moderated. The videos are usually challenged-based or educational. Cons: The app's content is aimed at kids, and might not be a good choice for older users. Children may not want to use a social media app their friends aren't using. Download Zigazoo from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Favorited
Favorited may be a good replacement if you like TikTok LIVE. While TikTok had livestreams and short-form video content, Favorited only has livestreams. Some TikTokers have moved over to Favorited to do livestream battles, so the platform will likely continue to grow in the light of the TikTok ban. Pros: Great replacement for users who like TikTok LIVEs. Some TikTokers are already moving over. Cons: Users say the app is hard to navigate. The app only has livestreams, no short-form video. Download Favorited from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Flip
Flip calls itself a shopping social network. Users can create videos that are essentially product reviews, talking about items they like or didn't like. Other users scrolling can then buy items they like. Flip says you can even make money on the platform just by creating content. Pros: A good choice if you liked TikTok Shop. Offers a unique social media experience. Cons: Some users have experience the app texting promos to their contacts list without permission. The user base isn't large, so you may not find your favorite influencers there. Download Flip from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Loops
Loops is to TikTok as Mastodon is to X. Loops is a TikTok competitor that's joining the fediverse, which is a collection of independent social media networks that can communicate with one another. These projects are open source alternatives to mainstream social media networks. Pros: Open source alternative to a mainstream social media network. Connects to the same protocol as other fediverse networks (such as Mastodon and Pixelfed). Cons: The network isn't released fully yet. Loops is new, and doesn't have a large established user base just yet. Visit the Loops website to sign up and join the iOS test flight.
Fable
Fable is a network for BookTok refugees. Fable says it's a community for people to discuss great stories, so it's not just about books—you can discuss the plot of your favorite TV shows too. On Fable, you join a club that matches your interests for books or TV shows and connect with other users about them. It's less a one-to-one replacement for TikTok as it's not focused on short-form video content, but it is a place to talk about books and TV shows with likeminded people. Pros: A great place for BookTok users to connect over books. Also includes communities to discuss TV shows. Cons: Doesn't replace the video aspect of TikTok. May have too many features for some users. Download Fable from the App Store or Google Play Store.
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