As you may already know, there has been a lot of talk lately about the possibility of a TikTok ban. While this has not yet come to fruition, it’s important to consider the implications this could have for businesses and recruiters who rely on TikTok as a platform to market their brand, recruit new talent, and connect with their audience.
Is a TikTok ban really possible?
Many people’s first instinct is to just brush it off. I mean, is this something that could really happen? Typically in a democratic environment that values free speech, no. However, many factors are making this ban possible.
The primary issue is TikTok’s ownership – the Chinese government. Due to recent allegations concerning the balloon, agents stealing corn seeds, and others, TikTok has become a potential threat to US security. While we can say that the US government is overreacting, other countries worldwide share the same sentiment. After the Biden Administration announced a potential ban, the UK banned TikTok on all government devices. Not to mention, other countries, including Japan, India, Canada, Australia, and others, have imposed some sort of ban on the app.
In the past, this may not have been enough to empower the government to restrict access to a social media platform. However, in early March, the government proposed a piece of bipartisan legislation called the Restricting the Emergence of Security Threats that Risk Information and Communications Technology (RESTRICT) Act. The bill enables the US government to impose a ban on electronics or software producers with foreign links that the Commerce Department considers a national security threat.
Make no mistake. TikTok is already banned on US government devices, as well as in universities across the country. But if this bill is passed, it will give the government more power to impose a nationwide ban. If this is the case, then it could vastly affect businesses and recruiters who rely heavily on TikTok to recruit and market.
3 Ways to Prepare for a TikTok Ban
If the ban were to take place, businesses and recruiters would have to find alternative ways to reach their audience, recruit and communicate their brand message. This could be especially challenging for those who have invested significant time and resources into building their TikTok presence. So, here’s what you should do to help create a contingency plan.
Diversify Your Social Media Presence
One of the best ways to prepare for a TikTok ban is to diversify your social media presence. While TikTok is undoubtedly a powerful platform, there are many other social media channels that can help you connect with your audience and promote your brand. For example, you might consider investing more time and resources into platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter.
Build an Engaged Email List
Another practical way to prepare for a TikTok ban is to build an engaged email list. Email marketing is an effective way to communicate with your audience and keep them up-to-date with your brand’s latest news and offerings. By building a strong email list, you can ensure that you have a direct line of communication with your audience, regardless of any potential TikTok ban.
Explore Alternative Video Platforms
Lastly, businesses and recruiters can prepare for a TikTok ban by exploring alternative video platforms. While TikTok is undoubtedly a dominant force in the social media landscape, there are other video platforms that may be able to fill the void. For example, you might consider exploring platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or even Snapchat.
While the possibility of a TikTok ban is still up in the air, it’s important for businesses and recruiters to consider the potential impact this could have on their marketing and recruitment efforts. By diversifying your social media presence, building an engaged email list, and exploring alternative video platforms, you can ensure that you are prepared for any potential changes to the social media landscape. But before starting on the fast track, be sure to create a free job posting on Job\Searcher.
