‘TikTok gave me a voice to speak to millions about my passions’: Ban could disrupt careers, livelihoods of local creators

QUINCY — The potential TikTok ban in the U.S. has sparked growing concern among content creators, social media users and lawmakers alike.

TikTok, a short-form video hosting service, will be banned in the United States on Jan. 19 if it is not sold to an American company. This will affect 170 million Americans (equal to half of the population) who use the app. As government officials continue to explore legislation to block the popular app, many influencers — including two local influencers — worry about the impact on their careers and personal brands. 

TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, has faced scrutiny over its data privacy practices and national security concerns. Critics fear the app could potentially collect sensitive data on U.S. users. While TikTok has denied these allegations, and emphasizes that American data is stored within the U.S., the ongoing debate has intensified, leaving creators uncertain about their future.

If the ban is in effect on Jan. 19, the popular social media platform may be removed from app stores, but it probably won’t disappear from users’ phones immediately. User experience could deteriorate over time, as security patches and updates won’t be available to download, CNN reported.

As lawmakers continue to debate the app’s future, creators could be left to navigate a shifting digital landscape that may not be as forgiving to new entrants or niche content as TikTok has been.

President-elect Donald Trump has asked the Supreme Court to delay the Jan. 19 ban on TikTok to give the incoming administration a chance to negotiate a resolution. TikTok claims the ban violates freedom of speech. Sen. Ed Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat, on Monday introduced the Extend the TikTok Deadline Act, aiming to prevent the platform’s shutdown. Markey says the “stakes are high,” as a sudden ban would upend a “one-of-a-kind informational and cultural ecosystem.” He has proposed extending the deadline by 270 days.

For many, TikTok isn’t just a platform for viral dances or quick entertainment. It’s a critical tool for career growth, brand-building and financial opportunities, with some creators making up to $85 million. 

Sharing her love for the outdoors

Nicole Taylor, 20, an outdoors enthusiast from Mount Sterling, has leveraged TikTok to reach wide audiences, share her passions and even turn social media into a primary income source. Taylor’s day job is the assistant director at Gardner Camp, and she recently relinquished her crown as Miss Quincy 2024. 

“I started posting on TikTok sharing my love for the outdoors, and the rest was history,” Taylor said. “I didn’t initially try to gain a following. It just happened. Since then, I’ve used my platform to educate and encourage others to participate in outdoor activities.”

TikTok has become the core of Taylor’s online presence, allowing her to connect with people who share her love for nature. She has 58,700 followers on the app. Taylor shares her daily life with her followers as well as her passion for hunting. 

“TikTok is my main platform with the most followers. It’s easier to reach individuals than any other platform,” Taylor said. “It has been the driving force for my fanbase.”

What makes TikTok unique for creators is its algorithm, which can propel content to a wider audience than other platforms. Taylor has grown a loyal following quickly and without relying on traditional media or other social channels. She attempts to break the stereotype regarding women hunting and loving the outdoors. 

TikTok’s ability to help creators go viral has made it a goldmine for influencers across various niches, allowing them to engage directly with users and even attract sponsorships and brand deals. For Taylor, TikTok has played a pivotal role in her financial growth as well.

“I started consistently making more money off social media than my day job in 2024,” Taylor said. “I know that kind of money isn’t forever, so I invested all my income from social media into retirement, stocks, and a high-yield savings account. I’m glad I made that decision for myself.”

However, the looming threat of a TikTok ban has caused Taylor and other creators to reassess how they might continue their work.

“If the ban goes into effect, it would be harder, but my mission would still be the same,” she said. “I will never stop posting or change my content because, at the end of the day, I’m sharing my authentic life with the world.”

A ban could be devastating for creators who rely heavily on TikTok for both visibility and revenue. Unlike other short-form vertical video formats like Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts, TikTok’s format allows for quick, viral content that reaches far more people than traditional social media methods through a sophisticated, personalized algorithm. 

Losing access to that reach could hinder creators’ ability to grow their brands or generate income. While Instagram and YouTube are viable alternatives, they don’t offer the same level of instant engagement or viral potential that TikTok does.

“I think it will hurt creators who only rely on social media for income,” Taylor said. “For me, it was a plus that I got to share who I am and my passion for the outdoors while also making an income. Being an influencer isn’t my goal in life, but it has helped me accomplish my other goals, like professional development and funding my college education.”

Instagram and YouTube may offer a reprieve for creators, but the adjustment would not be without its challenges. Both platforms have larger, more saturated user bases, making it harder for smaller creators to break through the noise. The ease of accessibility that TikTok offers with its algorithm has been key to many creators’ success stories.

“Whether it’s TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube, I’ll keep sharing my passion for the outdoors,” Taylor said. “I’m very active on Instagram. TikTok has always been restrictive with hunting content, and Instagram is more relaxed. I’ve also thought about YouTube because I love the personal touch of videos versus photos.”

Taylor said she will use her instagram with almost 13,000 followers to continue her mission of combating stereotypes affecting women. 

Sorority rush viral video helped boost Rose’s followers

Another creator, Shelby Rose, 21, has seen her life change dramatically thanks to TikTok, and the potential loss of the platform may feel like a threat. Rose is a Quincy native who attends the University of Alabama. She has nearly 75,000 followers on TikTok. 

She uses the platform to share her daily life with her followers. Rose emphasizes life as a sorority member at the university and posts vlogs (video blogs) to keep her fanbase updated on her life. 

Rose first gained attention on TikTok through a post about her sorority recruitment experience that quickly went viral, reaching millions of viewers. 

“I first got started on TikTok through #bamarush when I posted what was in my rush bag while going through sorority recruitment. When my video received over 1 million views, I was in complete shock,” Rose recalled. “I’ve always loved social media, but TikTok specifically gave me a voice to speak to millions about my passions and what I care most about.”

Rose has obtained sponsorships and worked with a variety of brands.

“I am soon coming to the end of my college career and have been able to work with brands like Amazon, Tarte cosmetics, YSL and Wrangler, which have helped me in deciding on a career when I decide to graduate,” Rose said.

Asked about her reaction to the potential TikTok ban, Rose said she was concerned for others who depend on the platform. 

“I was immediately worried about those who rely on social media to put food on the table for their families. Many influencers are parents, and it’s their full-time job. I also thought about the small businesses that are online only and use TikTok to grow their business,” she said. “It will affect their income and change the type of content that they create.”

Creators would have to pivot to different formats or platforms, which could be challenging, especially for those who built their careers specifically around TikTok’s viral potential.

If the ban goes through, the app will be removed from the Google Play Store and the Apple App store. Many users will use VPNs to block their location and continue to use the app. While the app will remain on users phone, it is likely that no updates will be available and the TikTok will eventually become unusable.

For many creators like Taylor and Rose, TikTok has become not just a platform but a livelihood. The potential ban raises questions about the future of digital content creation, and what it means for those who have come to rely on TikTok for professional growth, community engagement and financial success.