As predicted, the TikTok ban deadline has been pushed back, but the future of the platform is still uncertain.

As expected, former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to extend the deadline for TikTok’s US operations by 75 days. This decision provides the company with more time to secure a deal with a US-based buyer but offers little reassurance to the app’s millions of users and creators.

If you’re feeling a bit tired of TikTok talk, we feel you. The news of Trump’s extension of the ban feels trivial when it was delivered alongside a string of damaging executive orders that threaten the safety, wellbeing and rights of the planet and individuals. This includes the US pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement, fast-tracking drilling and fossil-fuel activities, invalidating protections for transgender people, as well as harming the rights of multiple communities. But, amongst all this, he has maintained some focus on TikTok.

The initial law, upheld by the Supreme Court, stated that if ByteDance did not divest from TikTok in the US by January 19th then the platform would face a nationwide ban. Since no buyer was found, the ban took effect (albeit incredibly briefly). Trump has now given TikTok 75 more days so that a buyer can be found, making it available again to US users who already had the app downloaded.

Despite the extension, TikTok remains unavailable for download on both the App Store and Google Play store in the US. Neither platform is willing to risk massive fines by reinstating the app, which leaves creators in a precarious position. Even if a buyer is found, the uncertainty surrounding the app’s future highlights the vulnerabilities of relying solely on one platform for content creation and audience engagement.

For independent artists and creators who have built large audiences on TikTok, this situation is a wake-up call. Relying on a single platform can be risky, especially when political decisions can have such a massive impact. Now really is the time for creators to diversify their online presence and look for alternatives.

Symphonic Distribution’s Randi Zimmerman shared advice in a post about the anticipated TikTok ban. Alongside recommending that artists download and securely store all their TikTok videos, she stated, “building an email list is particularly valuable since it provides a direct line of communication with your audience that isn’t reliant on any social media platform.”

Exploring alternative platforms is crucial. YouTube Shorts is gaining popularity as a direct competitor to TikTok, offering creators a similar short-form video format with access to YouTube’s massive user base. Instagram, meanwhile, is aggressively courting TikTok creators. Reports indicate that Instagram has been offering enticing bonuses – as high as $50,000 per month in some cases – to encourage creators to post Reels exclusively on its platform.

For creators, this moment serves as a reminder to future-proof their careers by building a presence across multiple platforms and prioritising direct fan engagement. By taking steps now, independent artists and creators can not only mitigate the risks of the current TikTok situation but also position themselves for long-term success, no matter what may happen next.