TikTok Ban Survival Guide for Creators

News of a potential TikTok ban has been stirring for over a year now, and it looks like that may finally happen. The platform plans to shut down US operations on Sunday, January 19th as a result of a federal ban, leaving millions of viewers and creators alike scrambling to find an alternative to the social video platform. 

TikTok Ban: A Reminder That Creators Are Renting, Not Owning 

The TikTok ban is hitting creators hard — especially those who relied on TikTok alone to reach their audience and build their brand. 

The potential shutdown is a stark reminder that creators must build their audience outside of social media platforms. For years, creators have faced a constant uphill battle on social media with unpredictable algorithms, platform outages, and now, potential TikTok bans. 

But here’s what we know is true: Views don’t grow a business, and they certainly don’t pay the bills. 

“It’s easy to chase likes and views because they feel like instant validation,” says Simran Kaur, founder of Girls That Invest. “Social media should be used as a way to showcase a great idea, but you can't build your business on shaky foundations.”

The real key to long-term success is owning your audience and business outside of social media to diversify your income streams. Take it from creators like Matt Steffanina, founder of DNCR Academy.

“A small portion of my revenue comes from ad revenue. It’s great to have in the background, but I would never rely on it as my main income stream,” says Matt. “Building an email list, a text list, and a digital business are all things that have allowed me a lot of freedom from the algorithms and social platforms. It allows me to be more free creatively and make the content I want to make.” 

With the TikTok ban days away from taking effect, creators must act swiftly to protect their businesses they’ve worked so hard to build. Keep reading our survival playbook to learn how to secure your audience, protect your content, and ensure your income streams remain intact. 

The Playbook: How to Prepare Your Creator Business For the TikTok Ban

Below are five key steps to taking ownership of your creator business and thriving in uncertain times, starting with immediate actions followed by next steps. 

1. Download Your TikTok Data

Before TikTok is potentially shut down, it’s crucial to download your account data to retain your content, analytics, and audience insights. Here’s how:

1. Open the TikTok app.
2. Go to your profile and tap the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings and Privacy > Account > Download your data.
4. Request your data file and wait for it to be available for download (be aware, this can take a few days!).
5. Download the file to save your content and account information.

With this data, you can analyze audience behavior, save creative ideas, and re-upload valuable content to other platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or your website.

Looking to get even more use out of the content you worked hard to create? After you’ve downloaded your TikTok videos, use Creator Studio to repurpose those videos into over 40 types of content, from mini courses, emails, video clips, blog posts, and more. Give your content life beyond a social media post by creating valuable resources to grow your audience and expand your business.

2. Share Your Link in Bio 

Next, let your followers know where else they can find you by directing them to your link in bio. A link-in-bio keeps your audience connected. Use it to centralize resources, share offers, and link other platforms, ensuring your community stays engaged. 

Your bio link should include links to your website, your email list, or other social platforms like Instagram or YouTube. If you don’t already have one, you can easily set one up using a tool like Linktree or Kajabi.

3. Build Your Email List

Email marketing is a vital component of every creator’s strategy. Unlike social media, you own your email list, giving you direct access to your audience without platform restrictions.

If you want to stay connected with your audience after TikTok shuts down, one of the best ways to do that is by building your email list. 

Steps to start building your list:

• Create a lead magnet (e.g., a freebie or resource) to encourage followers to sign up.
• Use your social platform’s bio link to direct users to a landing page where they can subscribe.
• Promote your email list regularly in your videos, stories, and captions.

Resources to help you get started:

• How to Build a List From Scratch
• How to Write Effective Emails

4. Build Your Online Community

Creating your own online community gives you more control over interactions with your audience while enabling direct monetization opportunities. A dedicated space for your followers ensures your brand thrives, even if social platforms falter.

Steps to build your community:

• Choose an online community platform like Kajabi to host your community.
• Set up your community structure, including categories, discussion threads, and rules.
• Offer exclusive content, Q&A sessions, or member-only perks to attract participants.

Resources to guide you:

• How to Build a Community
• Top Community Apps for Creators
• 7 Alternatives for Facebook Groups

5. Diversify Your Revenue With Digital Products

Revenue diversification is the ultimate safety net for creators. Digital products like online courses, memberships, and coaching programs not only provide consistent income but also establish you as an expert in your niche.

Steps to start diversifying:

• Identify your expertise and determine which type of digital product suits your audience.
• Use your downloaded TikTok content to create a library of tutorials, guides, or lessons.
• Leverage platforms like Kajabi to build and sell your product.

Resources to kickstart your journey:

• How to Set Up an Online Course Business: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Guide to Monetizing Your Followers and Subscribers
• How Bossbabe Built a $20M Community Outside of Social Media

Pro Tip: Use your email list and community to promote your digital products. This ensures that even if your social accounts are inaccessible, your audience knows where to find you and your offerings.

Run Your Business on Your Own Terms

The potential TikTok ban serves as a wake-up call for creators to future-proof their businesses. By owning your audience, diversifying revenue, and building independent platforms, you can weather any storm and continue thriving as a creator. Once you’re ready to expand your content, Kajabi even offers a free course on how to launch your first product, according to the experts who’ve done it. Start implementing the steps in this playbook today to secure your creator business for tomorrow. 

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