As Federal Court upholds US Sale or Ban: Top TikTok Alternatives

In a major setback for TikTok and boon for top TikTok alternatives, a federal appeals court unanimously upheld a US law that will lead to a sale or ban in mid-January.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit denied TikTok’s petition to overturn the law.

“The First Amendment exists to protect free speech in the United States,” said the court. “Here the Government acted solely to protect that freedom from a foreign adversary nation and to limit that adversary’s ability to gather data on people in the United States.”

Now is the time for all musicians and creators who use TikTok to look elsewhere and aggressively encourage their audience to follow them there.

Here are the Top TikTok alternatives.

1. Instagram Reels

Instagram, one of the largest social media platforms globally, introduced Reels as its answer to TikTok. Instagram Reels allows users to create and share 15-second to 90-second video clips set to music or audio clips, similar to TikTok’s signature format. With its integration into Instagram’s existing features—like Stories, Explore, and direct messaging—Reels offers a seamless social media experience.

Key Features:

• Access to Instagram’s vast user base.
• Integrated with Instagram Stories and Explore sections.
• Extensive library of music, sound effects, and AR filters.
• A simple interface with editing tools and templates.

If you’re already using Instagram, Reels offers an easy transition into short-form video content without the need to switch apps. Plus, you can build your audience across Instagram’s broader ecosystem.

2. YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts is Google’s answer to TikTok and Instagram Reels. Launched in 2020, it enables users to upload 60-second vertical videos that can be discovered in a dedicated Shorts feed. YouTube has long been a platform for creators, and its Shorts feature aims to offer a new way for creators to engage with an audience and expand their reach.

Key Features:

• YouTube’s extensive content ecosystem and monetization options.
• Simple video creation tools and easy uploading.
• Integration with YouTube’s full library of music, sound effects, and editing tools.
• A well-established platform with an existing audience base.

YouTube Shorts benefits from the massive audience of YouTube itself. If you’re already a YouTuber or enjoy YouTube’s content ecosystem, creating Shorts gives you a chance to reach a younger, more casual audience while retaining your established community.

3. Snapchat Spotlight

Snapchat has long been a platform for short, ephemeral video content, but Spotlight takes it to the next level by providing a TikTok-like experience. Spotlight is Snapchat’s dedicated section for user-generated, short-form videos. You can upload videos that are up to 60 seconds long, and Snapchat even rewards creators with its Spotlight Fund for viral content.

Key Features:

• Up to 60-second videos.
• Spotlight rewards creators with a share of the ad revenue.
• A built-in audience of Snapchat’s younger demographic.
• Fun AR filters, stickers, and effects.

Snapchat’s established popularity with younger users gives Spotlight an edge for viral content, and its focus on rewards encourages creators to post regularly. Plus, if you’re already using Snapchat, it’s easy to get started with Spotlight.

4. Triller

Triller markets itself as a direct competitor to TikTok, with similar video editing tools, music integration, and an emphasis on user-generated content. While Triller started as a video editing app, it has now evolved into a social media platform that allows creators to share and discover videos.

Key Features:

• Powerful video editing tools.
• Music integration with a vast library of tracks.
• Collaboration features, allowing users to create and remix videos.
• A focus on music videos and celebrity content.

Triller is a great option for those who love making music-driven content. Its editing tools are easy to use and provide a lot of creative control. Plus, it attracts many well-known artists and celebrities, giving it a polished, professional feel.

Bruce Houghton is the Founder and Editor of Hypebot, a Senior Advisor at Bandsintown, President of the Skyline Artists Agency, and a Berklee College Of Music professor.