News about TikTok potentially shutting down in the U.S. is everywhere today, January 19, 2025. I don’t claim to fully understand the politics behind it – but the situation feels heavy, especially for those who rely on the platform for connection, creativity, and income. The potential TikTok shutdown has left many wondering what comes next.

Social media has become such a big part of our lives. For me, though, it’s always been more personal. I use platforms to document memories, achievements, and moments I’d like to revisit years later. It’s like a digital scrapbook, a place where my past can live on. The thought of losing any of it-let alone an entire platform-is unsettling, especially if the TikTok shutdown happens as expected. Screenshot Credits: @nbcnews

Thinking About Those Who Depend on TikTok

I can’t help but feel bad for TikTok creators who have spent years building their presence there. Many of them meticulously craft videos, share valuable tips, or simply bring joy through their content. For some, TikTok is more than a creative outlet; it’s their livelihood. Viral videos translate into income for many people. It’s their bread and butter, their full-time job.

Some creators have even used TikTok as a platform to help others – sharing educational content, spreading awareness about important issues, or just offering a laugh when it’s needed most. Now, the idea of all that disappearing feels heartbreaking. It’s a loss not just for creators but also for the people who benefit from their work.

The Importance of Owning Your Platform

This situation has made me realize how important it is to have your own corner of the internet. A website, a domain, and or a self-hosted server. Something that belongs to you and no one else. Social media platforms are tools, but they’re fragile tools. Policies change. Platforms disappear. Governments intervene. Having a space that’s truly yours can protect your memories, your work, and your identity online.

For creators, this is even more critical. If you’ve built a following, consider backing up your videos or moving them to a platform like YouTube, which seems to face fewer restrictions. Better yet, start your own site and make it your permanent base. Let social media drive traffic to your space instead of being the only place your content lives.

Feeling the Impact Globally

What’s even more confusing is that these TikTok bans might not stop with the U.S. I’ve seen in the news that they are planning to shut down TikTok here in the Philippines as well since 2024!

This is especially upsetting for me, as my friends and I recently set up a TikTok Shop here in the Philippines. It’s been exciting to get everything running, but now there’s uncertainty hanging over us. What happens if TikTok shutdown and becomes unavailable here too? It’s a lot to process.

Holding On to What Matters

At the heart of all this, I feel for everyone affected – creators, small businesses, and anyone who’s poured time and energy into this platform. I’m reminded how valuable it is to preserve memories and to have a backup plan for everything that matters. Whether you’re a casual user or a full-time creator, the lesson here is clear: build something lasting, something that can weather the changes.

To everyone out there, especially those using TikTok as an outlet, a resource, or a lifeline-I hope you find ways to keep your work alive. It’s sad and confusing, but I’m rooting for all of us to adapt and move forward in a way that feels true to who we are.

Update: A Roller Coaster of Emotions

I wrote this blog yesterday and was planning to post it today. And then, voila! When I woke up this morning, I found out the U.S. has lifted the TikTok ban. Just like that, it’s back as if nothing happened. Some are saying it’s because of internal changes, but the reasons remain unclear.

This back-and-forth feels like such an emotional roller coaster. I can’t even imagine what it’s like for creators. They’ve gone from worrying about losing their platform to suddenly having it restored overnight. It must be exhausting to deal with so much uncertainty about something so central to their work and livelihood.

For now, it’s a relief to see TikTok back, but this whole experience has been a reminder of how fragile digital platforms can be. To everyone out there, especially those whose work revolves around TikTok, I’m hoping for more stability in the days ahead. Let’s continue to adapt and hold onto what matters most.