The ghosts of India's TikTok: What happens when a social media app is banned

In 2020, TikTok, a social media app that had gained immense popularity in India, was suddenly banned. This ban came after a violent conflict between India and China, which led the Indian government to take action against Chinese apps, including TikTok. Before the ban, TikTok had around 200 million users in India, and it had become a cultural phenomenon. Many creators and influencers found success on the platform, sharing videos that showcased their talents, humor, and everyday lives. The app allowed people from various backgrounds, especially those in rural areas, to gain visibility and even celebrity status. However, the ban meant that all of this came to an abrupt halt. The accounts and videos of Indian TikTok users remain online, serving as a reminder of the vibrant community that once thrived on the platform. This situation in India may serve as a warning for what could happen in the United States, where TikTok is facing potential bans as well. In April 2024, President Joe Biden signed a law that requires ByteDance, the company that owns TikTok, to sell its stake in the app within nine months. If they fail to do so, TikTok could be banned in the US. ByteDance is currently challenging this law in court, but the outcome remains uncertain. The potential ban has raised concerns among the 150 million TikTok users in the US, many of whom rely on the app for their livelihoods. The story of TikTok's ban in India illustrates how quickly users can adapt to change, but it also highlights the cultural loss that can occur when a platform is removed. For instance, Tyagi, a film critic from Mumbai, had built a following of 11,000 on TikTok, where her videos received millions of views. She described TikTok as a platform that brought people together, allowing them to share their lives and creativity. The app democratized content creation, giving voice to individuals who might not have had the opportunity to be seen on other platforms. In the US, TikTok holds a similar significance, fostering niche communities and providing a space for small creators and businesses to thrive. When TikTok was banned in India, the government also prohibited other Chinese apps, leading to a wave of new Indian social media platforms attempting to fill the void. Some of these new apps initially attracted former TikTok stars and received investments, but they struggled to maintain their momentum. Major platforms like Instagram and YouTube quickly introduced their own short-form video features, which further complicated the landscape for new entrants. Many creators who had found success on TikTok transitioned to these platforms, but they often felt that the experience was different. For example, Geet, a popular influencer, had amassed millions of followers on TikTok, but after the ban, she had to rebuild her audience on Instagram and YouTube. While she achieved significant success on these platforms, she and others noted that something was lost in the transition. The unique culture of Indian TikTok, which included a diverse range of creators, was not fully replicated on Instagram or YouTube. If TikTok is banned in the US, experts warn that the American social media landscape may follow a similar trajectory to India's. Instagram and YouTube have already established themselves as dominant players in the short video space, and they may not be able to recreate the hyper-local and niche content that TikTok provided. The cultural implications of a TikTok ban in the US could be profound, especially considering that a significant portion of young Americans actively engage with the app. The potential loss of TikTok could lead to a decline in diverse content creation and community engagement. TikTok's response to the US government's actions has been proactive, as the company is challenging the law in court. Unlike in India, where the ban was implemented swiftly, the legal battle in the US could take years to resolve. This situation raises concerns about the possibility of escalating tensions between the US and China, particularly given the interconnectedness of their tech industries. The outcome of this legal struggle will not only determine TikTok's fate but may also have broader implications for the future of social media in America. As the situation unfolds, many are left wondering what the future holds for TikTok and its millions of users.