Preparing for a TikTok Ban: 12 Short-Form Video Apps You Need Now
I thought my first blog post would be about design. Instead, it’s about social media platforms. But here we go.
With TikTok facing a ban to begin tonight in the USA, many creatives, marketers, and casual users are scrambling to find a new home for their short-form videos. Below is a list of popular TikTok alternatives—each with a quick rundown of why you might try them, plus a brief ethical or political note.
1. Facebook & Instagram Reels
What It Is: Meta’s built-in short-form video features on Facebook and Instagram.
Why It Matters: You can leverage massive user bases, robust advertising tools, and seamless cross-posting.
Ethical/Political Note: Owned by Meta, often accused of monopolistic practices and pushing for TikTok restrictions.
2. YouTube Shorts
What It Is: TikTok-style short clips within the YouTube platform.
Why It Matters: Benefits from YouTube’s vast global reach and integrated ad revenue options.
Ethical/Political Note: Critics point out that YouTube’s algorithm can amplify harmful content without adequate moderation.
3. Snapchat Spotlight
What It Is: Short, viral-friendly clips hosted on Snapchat.
Why It Matters: Great for reaching a Gen Z audience; innovative AR filters help content stand out.
Ethical/Political Note: Not as large-scale as TikTok; moderation challenges with explicit content persist.
4. Rednote
What It Is: A China-based short-form video platform, similar to TikTok.
Why It Matters: Rapid growth in Asia, attracting users who need alternatives amid potential TikTok bans.
Ethical/Political Note: Subject to Chinese regulations and censorship, raising data privacy concerns.
5. Kuaishou
What It Is: Enormously popular short-video and livestreaming platform in China.
Why It Matters: Reaches wide demographics outside major cities; highly interactive user base.
Ethical/Political Note: Heavy government oversight and censorship apply to content and data practices.
6. Triller
What It Is: Music-driven short-form videos, often cited as a TikTok rival.
Why It Matters: Partnerships with major music labels and a focus on curated editing tools.
Ethical/Political Note: Relatively small user base compared to TikTok; steady growth but not explosive.
7. Clapper
What It Is: A community-focused, short-form video app skewing toward raw, unpolished content.
Why It Matters: Appeals to older demographics seeking a less polished vibe.
Ethical/Political Note: Niche audience can limit influencer and brand marketing potential.
8. Byte (Huddles)
What It Is: The spiritual successor to Vine (originally “Byte”), now rebranded as Huddles.
Why It Matters: Leaning into Vine nostalgia, with tight-knit creative communities.
Ethical/Political Note: Struggles with scaling; overshadowed by larger competitors.
9. Rizzle
What It Is: Short-form video emphasizing skits, talk shows, and interactive storytelling.
Why It Matters: Collaborative features encourage multiple creators to build off each other’s work.
Ethical/Political Note: Lacks the widespread name recognition of bigger platforms; still emerging.
10. Likee
What It Is: AR-driven short videos, popular in Southeast Asia.
Why It Matters: Great for visually striking, effect-heavy content in markets where TikTok isn’t as dominant.
Ethical/Political Note: Similar privacy/data debates as TikTok; smaller global brand awareness.
11. Funimate
What It Is: Advanced editing tools for creating music-based clips.
Why It Matters: Eye-catching transitions and effects make content look highly polished.
Ethical/Political Note: Smaller user community than TikTok, limiting reach for brand or influencer campaigns.
12. Dubsmash (Now on Reddit)
What It Is: Originally a lip-sync app, now integrated into Reddit’s video features.
Why It Matters: Can tap into Reddit communities for niche interest engagement.
Ethical/Political Note: Doesn’t have a TikTok-like “For You” feed; discoverability depends on specific subreddits.
Final Thoughts
Each of these platforms caters to different audiences, styles, and goals. If TikTok’s future is looking shaky where you live, experimenting with some (or all) of these alternatives can help you maintain a short-form video presence. Who knows—you might even find your new favorite creative outlet.
And next time, maybe I’ll finally talk about design!