US TikTok Ban Could Hurt Both Influencers and the Economy

Spokesperson for Keller Executive Search, Ami Mandel, commented on the looming US ban on TikTok in an article for the International Business Times, “US Ban On TikTok Won’t Only Affect Influencers, It Could Impact The Economy Too”. He also discussed the potential consequences the ban could have on business relationships, customer engagement, and sales.

Some highlights from the article:

• At the time of writing, TikTok had 100 million regular users in the United States.
• About 65% were full-time content creators. 
• Brands promoting their products on TikTok reported sales growth of more than 100%.

US lawmakers stepped up efforts to restrict TikTok usage amid national security concerns that the Chinese government is harvesting sensitive data from users, including location information. There were also concerns that China could spread misinformation with the increasing number of adult users receiving news via the app. 

The ban could result in the loss of income for influencers, who would need to consider moving to other platforms to make up for the shortfall. In addition to content creators, TikTok is also used by around five million US businesses to reach consumers. 

Ami Mandel of Keller Executive Search said of the ban on TikTok, “A potential ban on the app could also see US businesses losing the connection they’ve built with their audiences through TikTok.” This could significantly impair a company’s ability to reach potential customers and generate sales. He also said that the ban would have a huge impact on retailers and e-commerce companies that use TikTok to market and sell their products. 

However, Mandel said that shifting to other social media platforms is not the only solution for businesses looking to soften the blow of the TikTok ban. He suggested that businesses should try out different marketing channels and diversify their content creation practices. Investing in other advertising avenues, like paid search or display advertising, to maintain their reach and keep attracting customers to their products is another option Mandel recommended. 

About International Business Times

International Business Times (IBT) is a digital business publication founded in 2006 that covers global business, markets, technology, and world affairs. IBT is currently published in five countries, including the United States, via independently operated national editions.  

As a global authority in business journalism working for the public good, IBT aims to help readers understand change, exercise judgment, and act responsibly in a complex global economy. They provide breaking news, analysis, data, and long-form journalism that explains how economic forces, institutions, and ideas shape the world around us.