TikTok ban: Austin-based creators worried about impacts to their businesses
TikTok creators worried about ban
While TikTok is back, for now, many Austin-based content creators are worried about what will happen to their businesses if a ban is fully implemented.
AUSTIN, Texas - While TikTok is back, for now, many Austin-based content creators are worried about what will happen to their businesses if a ban is fully implemented.
While the popular platform was only gone for 14 hours on Saturday, it prompted a lot of questions among its users.
What happened to TikTok?
Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban
The clock is still ticking on TikTok. The Supreme Court upheld the federal law banning the social media app. A sale does not appear to be imminent meaning the app could slowly stop working for users on Jan. 19
The backstory:
"Sorry TikTok isn’t available right now."
That's the message millions of users were met with Saturday night when TikTok went dark for its 170 million users, and over seven million small businesses.
"I'm like, hello, like all of my brands, videos, all of it, they are all on this platform that just shut down overnight," said Austin-based content creator, Eleanor Lee.
That sentiment is echoed by many creators and users.
"A lot of creators were making doom videos like we're done, and downloading all your videos," said Lee.
Many people turned to Instagram Reels, or to a Chinese app similar to TikTok called RedNote.
But on Sunday, TikTok was gradually restored.
TikTok restored
Local perspective:
A statement from TikTok on X thanked President Trump, adding it will work with the president to find a long-term solution that keeps TikTok around in the U.S.
"I didn't really think it was real until it actually was real. Granted, it was only for a few hours, so I feel like we got it ripped out from under us just to like, get it thrown back in. Like, what was it, like 13 hours?" said Lee.
Now many creators who rely on the app monetarily have a lot of questions, like Austin-based creator, Eleanor Lee.
"It will 100% affect the economy if this goes away. Absolutely," said Lee.
Lee says she got started in 2020 when TikTok blew up for many looking for entertainment during the pandemic.
She’s known for her lifestyle Austin city guides, exploring different food, activities, and events around town.
Over time, Lee’s gained 43,000 followers, even making money from the platform, and from brand deals.
She says there are numerous revenue streams for creators on TikTok compared to other social media apps.
"There's a lot of looming curiosity about are brands going to continue to spend money on this platform? Or are they going to go to Instagram? A lot of creators feel a little bit in limbo on monetary implications," said Lee.
Some people even deleted the app from their phones during the brief ban, and are now unable to get it back on the Google and Apple App Stores.
It's even reported that people are buying phones on eBay for thousands of dollars to get the app back.
Lee says she still doesn’t feel settled, even if it is back for now.
"We would love some clarity, Mr. Trump. Or just like what's going on? Is there a deal that's being talked about behind the scenes? People just don't really know. So, I'd say a lot of confusion," said Lee.
For Lee and the other 170 million users, it's a waiting game for what comes next. But she says one thing is certain.
"I don't feel like creativity ever dies. I didn't download my videos, like freaking out. I will just create more because I will create for the rest of my life, because that's just me," said Lee.
What's next:
President Trump signed an executive order on Monday granting TikTok a 75-day extension.
But it’s unclear what will happen after that time is up.
The Source: Information from interviews conducted by FOX 7 Austin's Jenna King