January 3, 2025

TikTok: the plan for the ban

AJ Overstreet

Senior Content Lead

With the proposed TikTok ban set for January 19, 2025, creators and brands relying on the platform face uncertainty about what’s next. But with change comes opportunity. Whether the ban happens or not, now is the perfect time to reassess your social strategy, diversify your content, and ensure you’re ready for any shift in the social landscape. 

Here’s how your brand can prepare:

3 immediate steps to take

1. Leverage Reels & Shorts


If TikTok disappears, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts will likely absorb much of its audience. Start posting now if you haven’t already. Repurpose your evergreen, high-performing TikToks to these platforms, and let your TikTok followers know where else they can find you. The easiest way is to create clear call-to-actions in your TikTok bios or posts to guide them to your Instagram or YouTube accounts.

2. Save your drafts


Don’t lose your hard work! Save all your TikTok drafts now. Some accounts allow you to save drafts directly, while others require screen recording. Use TikTok’s edit tool during recording to minimize watermarks. Store these files safely on your phone, a cloud service like Google Drive, or an external drive.

3. Download & preserve top content


Your best TikToks can have a second life on other platforms. Tools like SnapTik let you save videos without watermarks. Use this content to jumpstart your presence on other platforms or to supplement your current strategy. A strong portfolio of pre-existing content can make your transition seamless and maintain audience engagement.

How your content can win in 2025

Originality rules


While trends remain influential, originality is now king. Audiences are starting to crave fresh perspectives and have grown tired of too many trends the constant trendjacking that some branded accounts have relied on. Trends that ladder up to your overall brand pillars are still recommended, but just ensure you’re mixing in original concepts as well.

In 2025, simply recycling trends isn’t enough. Platforms are favoring creators who innovate rather than imitate. Focus on producing quality, engaging content that reflects your unique voice and brand. Take inspiration from trends but aim to create something uniquely yours. 

Medium (maybe even long-form) content is back


As platforms like YouTube Shorts extend post lengths to three minutes, medium-form content is becoming increasingly more popular. Experiment with storytelling, tutorials, or other formats that go beyond quick, trendy snippets. Diversified content lengths can help you capture a broader audience and tell stories even more authentic to your brand.

Start fresh and start on top

New platforms and algorithms offer a rare opportunity for creators to grow rapidly. Think of how early TikTok adopters flourished in 2019 – this could be your chance to do the same on emerging or evolving platforms.

Diversifying your audience and expanding your reach should remain at the forefront of your strategy. While the future of TikTok remains uncertain, one thing is clear: The demand for engaging, genuine content isn’t going anywhere.

So what?

It’s impossible to predict exactly how a TikTok ban will play out or what its impact. The key is to stay flexible, proactive, and consistent. Keep creating, sharing, and experimenting across platforms. Content is here to stay, and those who adapt quickly will thrive.

Don’t let uncertainty stall your social game. Instead, use this moment to double down on your efforts, diversify your presence, and continue doing what you do best – creating amazing content. 

If you’re a social media manager feeling totally spooked, remember: No one has all the answers and anything can happen (or change) when the incoming administration takes office. Just keep building the best content you can, that’s all you have control of. And if you need help, you know where to find us. ✌️

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