There are 170 million US users of TikTok that, by all reports, are likely going to lose access to their favorite social media app on January 19th.
That’s right, all signs point to the TikTok ban in the US actually taking effect, which has created a serious hunt for viable social media alternatives that feature vertical scrolling videos and comprehensive algorithms that know what you like.
Fortunately, there are some options out there that will suffice. In this guide, we’ll outline some of the best TikTok alternatives out there, accompanied by unique screenshots from each platform’s video, comments, and discover page interface.
YouTube Shorts
YouTube Shorts is probably going to be your most logical alternative to TikTok. The service is already built into the YouTube platform, so you likely won’t have to download a new app, and the functionality is remarkably similar, with the same vertical scrolling videos and overall interface of TikTok.
The benefit of using YouTube Shorts is that its algorithm likely already has a leg-up on the other alternatives on this list. If you’ve used YouTube in the past, Shorts takes your likes and viewing history into account. Even if you haven’t used YouTube enough for it to get a feel for what you like, Google — the owner of YouTube — certainly has enough resources to figure it out faster than the likes of Snapchat or Lemon8.
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The downside? YouTube Shorts is thoroughly integrated with the rest of the YouTube platform, which can get a bit complicated to use. The Discover page, for example, includes all YouTube videos with merely a small section for Shorts, so you’ll have to get a bit more acclimated to the YouTube platform as a whole, rather than just use a simple alternative.
Instagram Reels
If you’d like to reward Mark Zuckerberg for spending millions of dollars lobbying Congress to get TikTok banned in the US, Instagram Reels is the TikTok alternative for you.
Like YouTube Shorts, Reels is a part of Instagram, so there’s a chance you’ve already interacted with it if you use the social media platform on a regular basis. Like all the alternatives on this list, the interface is largely the same, although the Reels in question are both integrated with regular posts, as well as found in the Explore and Reels tabs.
So why are people hesitant to jump on the Reels bandwagon? Well, for starters, Instagram’s parent company Meta is arguably the primary reason for the TikTok ban, encouraging lawmakers to nix the app because of “national security.” Additionally, Instagram Reels is just a lame version of TikTok, offering outdated memes, cringe creators, and a general unfun vibe for users.
Lemon8
It isn’t part of a platform you already use; Lemon8 is its own thing. The social media app launched in Japan in 2020, but it’s seen increasing popularity with US users recently given the looming TikTok ban.
To be clear, though, Lemon8 isn’t a general video app. The platform caters primarily to lifestyle creators, offering a wide range of how-to and walkthrough videos that showcase how people live, rather than the viral sensations you found on TikTok.
Even worse, Lemon8 is also owned by ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, so there is potential for Lemon8 to be included in the current US ban, or subject to a future US ban if it becomes too popular. All that to say, Lemon8 could tragically have the same end as TikTok if too many find it to be a viable alternative.
Snapchat Spotlight
Snapchat Spotlight is the way to go when it comes to TikTok alternatives if you’d like to avoid the big tech elephant in the room. Despite many attempts, Snapchat is not owned by Meta, or any other big tech firm, and has been firm in its efforts to stay independent from those kinds of influences.
The Snapchat Spotlight tool is similar to YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels, though, in that it’s merely a part of the Snapchat system, and the interface is the same with vertical scrolling videos, hashtags, comments, likes, and all of that stuff you’ve come to love from TikTok.
The primary difference from Snapchat Spotlight and other options on this list, though, is that it doesn’t offer a dedicated Discover page to find new videos. Snapchat is still firmly committed to its Stories functionality, so the explore feature is all stories, but you can still scroll through new videos from users you don’t follow.
RedNote
If you’re looking for a TikTok alternative that flies in the face of those that sought to ban it, RedNote is a Chinese app with a very similar interface to TikTok. Vertical scrolling videos, likes and comments, and a built-in shop to support creators can all be found on this app.
It’s worth noting, however, that RedNote is not just a Chinese-owned app like TikTok; it’s a full-on Chinese app. As of now, the majority of content is created by Chinese users and the majority of comments and captions are in Mandarin. Granted, that could change with the recent influx of American users, but for now, that’s what you’re signing up for.
On top of that, RedNote users are subject to far stricter terms and conditions, with the app adhering to Chinese regulatory and censorship laws. Subsequently, it’s a lot easier to get banned or suspended from using the app if you don’t follow the rules. Unfortunately, the majority of the terms and conditions are also in Mandarin.
Get a VPN
If you can’t fathom moving on from TikTok, we don’t blame you. The reality is that these alternatives are not going to match up to the thing that made the social media app so popular: the algorithm. So, is there a way to keep using TikTok, even if the app goes dark in the US on January 19th?
Your best bet here is using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). These services are generally used to increase security on various devices, but they can also be used to tether your phone to servers in other countries. This means, you’ll be able to convince TikTok that you’re accessing the app from somewhere other than the US, where it’s banned.
We’d highly recommend going for a paid VPN, though, as free VPNs are known for shady privacy practices and lax security protocols.
Check out our guide to the best VPNs to learn more
