As talk of a US ban on TikTok continues, with President-elect Trump Apparently considering an executive order to extend the deal, creators are migrating to other platforms like Triller and RedNote.
Triller tries to poaching TikTokers with new tools. Chinese-owned RedNote appeared seemingly overnight. And Snap launched an advertising campaign highlighting why the creators I love his platform.
ADWEEK has compiled a list of six platforms that creators choose when deciding where to focus their efforts. We looked at key features creators use, like live streaming, and app features, like discoverability.
Instagram Reels
When it comes to reach and discoverability, Meta-owned Instagram often leads the way. According to a social media company BufferInstagram Reels have 36% more reach compared to other post types like photos or carousels. Additionally, Reels posted on Instagram can be shared on Facebook, further increasing the reach of the content.
Benefits : Instagram has a wide reach for Reels, the ability to live stream and interact with an audience, and in-app tools for editing videos and content. Instagram also has a creator program that pays creators for creating content, as well as tools that facilitate brand partnerships. For example, a separate inbox helps creators organize their messages.
Disadvantages: Discoverability. Instagram doesn’t have a TikTok equivalent of the “For You” page that helps people find new creators and content based on a viewing habits algorithm.
YouTube short films
YouTube has launched the careers of countless creators. Since 2006, YouTube has provided a platform where anyone can create a channel and start uploading videos.
In 2020, YouTube launched Shorts, its response to the growing popularity of short-form content. In March, YouTube announced that more than 25% of creators in the YouTube Partner Program are now making money from YouTube Shorts.
Benefits : Shorts has the ability to upload short and long content. There is also a creator program with monetization tools and the ability to live stream.
Disadvantages: YouTube has a separate app for Shorts. And like Instagram, discoverability is a challenge.
Triller
The video app gained traction during TikTok’s first ban threat in 2020 by creating a content house where creators lived in exchange for posting on the app, pitching advertisers, and working with content creators. leading artists such as Griff Johnson, Noah Beck and Josh Richards. .
Now the company has developed a tool to help TikTok creators move their videos to the platform ahead of a larger refresh planned for the first quarter of this year. Triller also offers tools to help creators find branded deals and build standalone apps.
Benefits : Triller offers a creator program and tools to help creators take ownership of their content and their audiences. The app also has the equivalent of a “For You” page to showcase relevant videos.
Disadvantages: Triller’s size is significantly smaller than TikTok’s. The app’s algorithm also does not reflect the content users interact with.
Red Note
If you’ve been online this week, you’ve probably heard of Chinese app RedNote as a potential alternative to TikTok. More than 700,000 new users joined us in just two days, Reuters reported.
Many American users flocking to RedNote refer to themselves as “TikTok refugees.” The app’s default setting is Mandarin, which leads to an increase of 216% In the United States, users learn Mandarin with Duolingo products.
Benefits : RedNote offers high-quality videos, user-friendliness similar to TikTok, the ability to easily upload and share content, and has commerce integration.
Disadvantages: The app’s Mandarin language poses a barrier. The app too would have censored subjects like LGBTQ+.
Substack
The popular newsletter platform is launching into video, launch a live video feature to all users on January 14.
Substack began testing live streaming features in fall 2024. The development moves Substack from a text and audio content platform to video, positioning the company as an alternative to TikTok for creators who want to interact more deeply with their communities.
Benefits : Substack has the ability to publish both short-form content and long-form content like podcasts. There are also features for creators to monetize content and own their audience.
Disadvantages: Discoverability on Substack is a challenge. Live video is also only available on Substack’s mobile app, which has a smaller audience than the web. A media tab groups together all of a creator’s content and separates long-form content from short-form content.
Flying
On January 16, Clapper chased Lemon8, owned by RedNote and ByteDance, as the third most popular social app in Apple’s App Store.
The short-form video app has seen a surge in users amid the threat of a TikTok ban. Clapper founder Edison Chen said Deadline that the app averages around 200,000 new downloads each week.
The app shares many similarities with TikTok, but there are some differences. Users must be at least 17 years old to sign up for Clapper, while TikTok allows users as young as 13 years old. Additionally, Clapper does not offer advertisements. Bita Motiie, Clapper’s head of operations, told Business Insider that Clapper takes a 30% commission some creator earnings and a 5% commission on sales on Clapper Shop.
Benefits : Clapper has a user experience and interface similar to TikTok with a “For You” page. There is also a creative program, no ads to distract users, and live streaming functionality.
Disadvantages: Clapper’s algorithm does not reflect the content users interact with. The app’s users are also skewed toward Gen X and millennials.
