The US officially banned TikTok for a short period of time in January 2025. However, after the Supreme Court upheld the decision and no US buyer stepped in before the deadline, the app went dark. A few hours later, it resumed services when Trump vowed to save it.
If you’re one of the nearly 150 million Americans who use TikTok regularly, you’re probably wondering where to get your short-form content fix should the situation change again. Could another Chinese-owned app be the solution?
Why TikTok Is Hard to Replace
While TikTok is still absent from the App Store, President Donald Trump has announced he will issue an executive order to stay the court’s decision. But the uncertainty over its fate has surely given users food for thought: Can TikTok be replaced? It’s not as easy as it seems.
TikTok’s success is driven by its powerful recommendation algorithm, which quickly learns user preferences to create a highly personalized and addictive “For You” feed. Its cultural influence is undeniable, setting trends in music, fashion, and memes that other platforms often follow.
The platform also supports a thriving creator economy through its Creator Fund, brand partnerships, and live-streaming gifts, ensuring influencers remain engaged. Additionally, TikTok maintains high user engagement with interactive features like Duets and Stitches, along with impressive video completion rates that keep users on the app longer than its competitors.
All of these factors combine to make TikTok nigh irreplaceable in the current social media landscape. But that does not mean there aren’t contenders to the throne.
Top 7 TikTok Replacement Apps
1. RedNote
When you use RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu, you step into a world that blends Pinterest’s inspiration with Instagram’s social appeal. Owned by Xingyin Information Technology, a Shanghai-based company, this lifestyle app quickly pulls you in with its mix of visually rich content and personal recommendations.
Some even call it the “Chinese version of TikTok,” which makes it ironic that some users are now seeing it as a potential TikTok alternative.
2. Instagram Reels
Instagram Reels is likely the best TikTok alternative, and you’ll see why. Many creators upload the same videos on both platforms, so you get familiar content. Trending sounds and topics from TikTok often appear on Reels, making the experience feel similar.
However, TikTok’s unmatched algorithm might still deliver more tailored content. That said, Instagram continues improving its Reels recommendations, so expect better suggestions over time.
3. YouTube Shorts
Similar to Instagram Reels, you’ll notice plenty of TikTok content reposted on YouTube’s short-form video section. If you love discovering new music through TikTok, Shorts could be perfect for you. With access to YouTube’s massive library of music videos and songs, you’ll find plenty of options to explore.
Since Shorts is part of a popular long-form video platform, you can switch from quick clips to in-depth video essays with ease.
The only downside? A lot of Shorts content consists of chopped-up, reposted clips from longer YouTube videos. However, you can still find specific topics by searching with hashtags or keywords.
4. Lemon8
Lemon8, created by ByteDance (the same Chinese company behind TikTok) has quickly become a top contender to replace TikTok. This app focuses on photo content, blending Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok into a unique “lifestyle community.”
As you explore Lemon8, you’ll notice its engaging design and familiar features. However, it also faces a potential ban in the U.S. Venture capitalist Josh Constine notes that banning TikTok alone won’t work unless all ByteDance apps are restricted. Your experience with Lemon8 might be short-lived if regulations tighten.
5. Snapchat Spotlight
Snapchat Spotlight is a dedicated tab in the Snapchat app where you can upload short posts and share them with a wider audience. As you film within the app, you can swipe through a rotating selection of augmented reality (AR) filters, ranging from subtle sparkles to full-on animal transformations. These effects make it easy to add a creative and unique touch to your posts.
However, using Snapchat can feel overwhelming at first. You might struggle to pause videos or quickly find your favorite creators’ pages. If you’re a creator, meeting Snapchat’s monetization requirements can be challenging, making it harder to grow a new account.
6. Twitch
If you enjoy watching live-streamed videos on TikTok Live, you might find Twitch to be a great alternative. This Amazon-owned platform dominates the streaming industry and gives you access to some of the internet’s most popular streamers, such as Kai Cenat.
With 105 million monthly visitors, Twitch offers a dynamic and engaging space where you can watch, chat, and connect with creators in real-time.
7. Likee
If you want an app that covers all bases, Likee is a great choice. You can easily record short, TikTok-style videos or go live for longer streams, similar to TikTok Live. The app offers plenty of editing tools, filters, beauty effects, and a countdown timer for hands-free recording.
One standout feature is its strong focus on music, with a diverse library that includes dance, pop, rap, and more. Likee also has a vibrant community with endless content to explore.
Who cares? Do something useful with your time.