How to Secure Your Videos In Case TikTok Really Does Gets Banned

The clock is ticking for TikTok users in the United States as a potential ban looms on the horizon. With a deadline set for January 19, 2025, the fate of this wildly popular social media platform hangs in the balance, largely dependent on decisions made by the U.S. Supreme Court. The implications of this ban could be significant, not just for the app itself but for millions of creators who rely on it for their livelihoods.

What’s Happening Now

President-elect Donald Trump has urged the Supreme Court to intervene and halt the impending ban unless ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, sells the platform. This situation is further complicated by a bill signed by President Joe Biden in April, which mandates that ByteDance must divest its ownership within 270 days or face a ban. However, there is room for flexibility; Biden could extend this deadline if he perceives genuine progress toward a sale.

In essence, if the law banning TikTok is upheld, it won’t vanish from users' devices immediately. However, it will likely be removed from app stores operated by Google and Apple almost instantly. This raises concerns about accessibility and usability for current users.

Backing Up Your Content

For many creators like Lexi Larson and Priscilla Lopez, TikTok has been more than just a platform; it has been a source of life-changing income. These influencers have leveraged their presence on TikTok to build brands and generate revenue through sponsorships and partnerships. With uncertainty surrounding the app's future, they are taking proactive steps to prepare for any outcome. In short, they’re backing their content up and readying it for the next platform.

Here’s how you can secure your content before any potential disruption:

1. Download Your Videos: TikTok allows users to download their videos directly from the app. To do this, navigate to your profile, select the video you want to save, tap on the three dots (or 'More' button), and choose 'Save Video.' This will store your video in your device's gallery.
2. Use Third-Party Apps: If you want to download videos without watermarks or save others’ content (with permission), consider using third-party apps designed for video downloads from TikTok. Options like Snaptik or MusicallyDown can help you save videos easily.
3. Cloud Storage Solutions: After downloading your videos, consider uploading them to cloud storage services such as Google Drive or Dropbox. This ensures that even if something happens to your device or files get deleted accidentally, you’ll still have access to your content.
4. Create Backups on External Drives: For those who prefer physical backups, transferring your videos to an external hard drive or USB stick can provide an additional layer of security against data loss.
5. Engage with Your Audience Elsewhere: As a precautionary measure against potential bans or restrictions on TikTok, creators should start building their presence on other platforms like Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts where they can share similar content and maintain audience engagement.

While it's impossible to predict how events will unfold, taking proactive measures now can help mitigate disruptions later on.