ORLANDO, Fla. — At 10:45 p.m Saturday, millions of people will be cut off from TikTok as the app is set to be banned in the United States.
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“It has been such an emotional rollercoaster going from where it started to where it is now. It’s definitely bitter sweet,” said Jessica Tucciarone, TikTok Creator.
Since 2018, the platform has reached over a billion monthly active users, revolutionizing how people consume and create content. However, a mix of political scrutiny has led to its sudden decline.
Tucciarone, who joined TikTok during the COVID-19 pandemic, used the app to connect with people. Since going viral and posting content showing viewers major theme parks in Orlando through her point of view, she conjured over 27 thousand followers, with each post ranking in thousands of views.
Saturday, Tucciarone made one last live stream, along with millions of other TikTok creators, made their final live streams to thank followers.
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This Friday, the Supreme Court upheld the federal law that would ban the app in the U.S.
Friday, TikTok’s CEO Shou Zi Chew thanked users and President Trump after the high court ruling in a video posted in the app.
Before the ban, the United States Government and Europe raised concerns about TikTok’s handling of user data and ties to the Chinese government. The concerns led to bans or severe restrictions in major markets, undermining its global reach.
Over the years, many creators have built their livelihoods on the platform, relying on its algorithms and vast audience base to make trending content or use the app as a source of income. With its collapse, creators face the challenge of migrating their communities to other platforms like Red Note.
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“It is super upsetting that my community might go away. People always ask me why I do content, at first I just started it because I just enjoyed it, but now I have this community of people who I seriously do not want to lose,” said Tucciarone.
The fall of TikTok raises broader questions about the sustainability of social media platforms and their influence on society. It signals a potential pivot toward decentralized networks prioritizing user control and privacy. It may also prompt governments to implement stricter oversight across the industry, reshaping how platforms operate.
What happens to TikTok after Sunday is still unclear. However, following the ruling of the Supreme Court, the white house said the current administration would leave it up to the incoming Trump Administration.
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