NYC Social Media Influencers Unfazed by Potential TikTok Ban
As the fate of TikTok hangs in the balance with the looming threat of a ban in the United States, New York City’s top social media creators are surprisingly calm. The Supreme Court recently heard arguments about a law that could potentially shut down the massively popular app if its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, fails to sell it by Jan. 19.
Creators Diversifying and Adapting
Despite the uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future, influencers like Codey James, who has amassed over 27,000 followers with his NYC thrift shop tours, are not overly concerned. Many influencers have diversified their brands and expanded their presence on other platforms like Instagram and YouTube shorts.
Brian Lee, CEO of Righteous Eats, a brand that highlights restaurants, remains unfazed, stating that his company is “platform agnostic” and is actively exploring other avenues. Emma Wahl, with over 67,000 TikTok followers from her interviews about New Yorkers’ worst dates, shares a similar sentiment, expressing confidence in TikTok’s survival and continuing to grow her audience on various platforms.
Confidence in TikTok’s Survival
Even Sam Clanon, TikTok’s former head of content strategy, has noted a widespread belief among creators, brands, and TikTok employees that the platform will find a way to survive through legal means, acquisition, or potential intervention.
Despite the overall calmness among influencers, there is a sense of disappointment and concern about losing the platform that has helped them connect with a diverse audience. Bassist April Kae acknowledges that while she will be fine if TikTok disappears, it will definitely have a significant impact on her outreach.
For comedian Pooja Tripathi, TikTok is not just a platform for brand partnerships, but a space where she can freely experiment with new ideas. The potential loss of TikTok would mean losing a comfortable space for creativity and expression.
Personal Stories and Connections
Olivia Stauber, an East Village-based art director, shares a heartwarming story about how TikTok not only brought joy into her life but also led her to meet her boyfriend, Codey James, the thrift shop influencer. Their unexpected love story blossomed from a simple comment on a TikTok video, highlighting the meaningful connections and relationships that can emerge from social media platforms.
As the debate over TikTok’s future continues, it’s clear that while influencers are adapting and staying optimistic, the potential loss of the platform would still leave a void in their creative and personal lives.
