By: Brandon Nelson, '21
Tiktok is an app currently available on the app store, however a few weeks from now that may not be the case. Tiktok is an app that allows users to share short videos, rapidly after another. Almost anything can be found on the app, whether it be funny, informational, or educational. Recently the app has been banned and the banning will take place within the next few weeks. It was banned because it is a Chinese based app and it has recently been discovered that the app hooks into your phone and keeps track of your data. Despite the possible hacking capabilities, millions will still be upset.
Senior Garrett Tucker, who has gained a great following on TikTok -- a total of 13.4 thousand followers – commented, “With TikTok maybe shutting down, I think I’m going to move over to another app just like TikTok. I’m going to try and get more followers than I have before, so more things can come from it.” When asked if his TikTok fame has affected his life, he said “The following that I got really just opened my eyes to a whole bunch of stuff. Many companies messaged me about being an ambassador. I did get companies who wanted to work with me also on many other things.”
Now that TikTok will be closing, one might wonder what will end up taking its place? Tucker’s answer to this question was, “I feel like Thriller is going to be the new TikTok. It has been around, and they already made the platform just like TikTok. They already have influencers on the platform from TikTok.” Thriller is another app on the Appstore that was originally a TikTok competitor, but now that TikTok will be going away, they may be the new leader in the short video sharing business.
Another perspective of an everyday TikTok user comes from senior Bryce Roche. Though he doesn’t have as many follower as Tucker, he says, “TikTok is a place where people can have fun and be funny without getting judged or hated. It’s also a large source of my entertainment. I enjoy watching other people do funny stuff.” When asked what he thinks the next TikTok alternative will be he said, “TikTok isn’t going anywhere, and if it does, Instagram will not take its place; there will be another app that people will migrate to.”
So, what will the next entertaining app be? Will TikTok cease to exist? Will others take it place? Will the people be able to ever watch funny videos? I’m sure we’ll find out soon, but until then, it was funny while it lasted, TikTok.