As TikTok influencers in Houston closely monitor the legislative developments that could lead to a potential ban of the platform, the reality of possibly losing a vital tool for their businesses is sinking in. Influencer Janet Perales, with over 25,000 followers on TikTok, uses the app to share life moments and dining recommendations. The platform's fate now hangs in the balance as a bill aiming to force ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to sell or face a U.S. ban, makes its way through Congress, as reported by the Houston Chronicle.
Despite being more popular on Instagram with a following of 167,000, influencer Dubois values her 36,000 TikTok audience for the unique engagement it brings to her and the brands she works with. TikTok influencers stand to lose significant income, with reported earnings ranging from thousands, for smaller accounts, to millions for mega influencers like Keith Lee, who boasts 16 million followers. The bill, having passed the House, faces an uncertain future in the Senate, but President Joe Biden has voiced his intent to sign off on it if passed, as reported by the Houston Chronicle.
TikTok, home to a user base exceeding 170 million Americans, is a cornerstone for content creators and businesses to reach customers. Five million businesses were estimated to utilize TikTok to reach out to customers, and a ban could potentially shatter the community and livelihoods it supports. In an interview with ABC News Live, Sophie Beren, founder and CEO of The Conversationalist, emphasized the impact a ban would have on Gen Z, who heavily utilize the platform not only for content but also for income.
Content creator couples Lynda Truong and Paul Tran, who have nearly 140,000 followers, say that around 95% of their beauty brand's sales are tied to TikTok. "A ban on TikTok would be devastating," Tran told ABC13. Ophelia Nichols, known as shoelover99 with over 12.5 million followers, spoke out against the lawmakers' lack of understanding of the positive community aspects of TikTok. She recounted the story of providing emotional support by walking a bride down the aisle after being contacted via TikTok, showcasing the platform's potential for positive, real-world impact.
With the impending decision from the Senate, Houston's TikTok talents prepare for the possibility of reshaping their digital landscape. The wider economic ramifications and cultural shifts that might follow such a ban continue to spur discussions among the platform's devoted users. Lawmakers advocating for the ban cite national security and privacy issues but face stiff opposition from those who see the measure as a threat to free expression, as covered by ABC13.
