After much debate, U.S. President Biden signs the bill to create a TikTok ban across the nation. The Senate passed the bill this week (April, 2024). Which of course, includes a bunch of other stuff, but what we’re talking about here is the TikTok ban, as it effects independent artists in a huge way. We don’t typically get in to politics here, but when it’s something that directly relates to the musicians we work with, we had to chime in.

What happened with the TikTok Ban Bill?

As the U.S. Senate passed the bill, including a TikTok ban, President Biden agreed to sign it in to law. Once that happens, the 9 month clock begins before a ban would take place. Basically, the Chinese Tiktok owner, ByteDance, has to sell his American interests in TikTok or it will be banned across the nation.

Why is this happening? Basically, politicians (and a lot of others) believe the app misuses the data pulled from Americans. It notoriously pulls a lot of data on the phones of everybody using it. They say it’s a national security issue, with data security of American citizens against the Chinese government. However, ByteDance claims it’s safe and no harm is intended. It appears some sort of compromise will have to be made. The Chinese government has the ability to veto a sale though, as they put the ByteDance technology on a export control list.

Things will get highly political on the TikTok ban issue, that 270 day, 9 month clock… ends right around inauguration day for either Biden’s second term, or Donald Trumps… also second term. The democrat Senate passed the bill to ban TikTok, while Trump recently stated his opposition of a TikTok ban. “Frankly, there are a lot of people on TikTok that love it.” – Trump said.

How would a TikTok ban effect artists?

TikTok is one of the most popular apps in the world. It is a huge asset to independent musicians. Over the years, we have seen so many artists go viral on TikTok. It is one of the best ways for emerging artists to be heard. A lot of musicians (and others) rely on the short form video app for their income as well. Plus, there’s the free speech aspects, banning an app that people use to spread information. A lot of young people get their news from the app (for better or worse).

With all of that said, it’s clear that a TikTok ban would be devastating to artists all over the country. It would make it harder for American artists to compete with other independent musicians around the world. Setting American art behind, which is sad to think about.

How can artists speak up on TikTok?

Politics aside, a majority of artists use and rely on TikTok to help push their music. So with that said, how can artists speak up on Tiktok? As with any political issue, call and speak to your local legislator. Post content with your opinion, along with the trending TikTok ban hash tags. Some are even going out and marching, forming protests to the ban. Just make sure whatever is done, is peaceful.

At the end of the day, it’s hard to believe a ban will actually go through. The owners are sueing against the bill, as they have in states that attempted it. Plus, with the election coming up, if Biden see’s a lot of backlash on this attempted ban, one would think he will back down on it. But, the white house would already know it’s a widely unpopular issue. So.. who knows, but speak up where you can.

Best ways to prepare for a TikTok Ban

In the mean time, prepare to build followings on other platforms like Instagram. Continue to build your own mailing list, so that you’re not reliant on any one platform. All social media platforms, can tweak their algorithms or go under at any time. Being beholden to a social media page, is never a good idea. Having all your eggs in any one basket, is also a bad situation to be in. Owning your own contacts via a mailing list, is essential for any artist to truly succeed. TikTok is a great way to lead your followers to your mailing list sign ups. So for now, make sure you have your mailing list sign ups set up. Post videos on TikTok urging your supporters to join your mailng list.

Personally, we use Brevo as our email marketing client and would highly recommend them. Their a powerful resource, you can use the service for free (on an entry level), and it’s quite affordable beyond that.

Join Brevo for free here »

If you do join through the link above, we would earn a small commission as an affiliate with them. We’re careful in choosing the affiliates we work with though, and really do use them ourselves as well.