For some, it’s not just about likes or followers; it’s about paychecks.

Marrakech – Have you ever been in a toxic “will they or won’t they” relationship? 

The kind where you’re constantly refreshing your texts, unsure if you’ll wake up to love or heartbreak? 

For American TikTok creators, the past few days have felt like that – only the texts were from Capitol Hill.

The good news? TikTok may not be ghosted by the US after all, after soon-to-be President Donald Trump pledged an Executive Order to “save” the platform. But this isn’t just about an app dodging a ban. 

It’s about what this digital lifeline means for millions of creators who rely on it — not just for their daily dose of serotonin but for their rent, groceries, and dreams.

TikTok’s rollercoaster romance with America

Let’s rewind. The China-owned app has faced scrutiny over data privacy, sparking debates on whether it posed a national security threat to the US. 

But as hearings and headlines swirled, American creators kept creating — armed with ring lights and a dash of hope. 

The threat of a ban became an ever-present shadow over the weekend, leaving influencers and small businesses in limbo. The last final hours going into January 19 had a doomsday aura like the final sinking of the Titanic, with influencers posting final goodbyes to their followers. 

Now that TikTok is here to stay (we think), it’s like an ex showing up and saying, “I’ve changed and I’ll never leave again.” Relief is sweet, but it begs the question: Where do we go from here?

For creators, it’s more than a platform

TikTok isn’t just an app; it’s a stage. For many, it’s the career they never dreamed they could have. 

Aspiring chefs, thrift-flipping fashionistas, niche comedians, and self-taught makeup artists — TikTok made the unimaginable accessible.

It’s not just about likes or followers; it’s about paychecks. Creators monetize through brand partnerships, live-streaming gifts, and even direct sales. 

A TikTok ban would’ve been like pulling the rug out from under a thriving digital economy.

Why TikTok feels different

Unlike other platforms, TikTok is where authenticity thrives. Your quirky dog, your deep-dive on why skinny jeans will (or won’t) make a comeback, your mom’s secret soup recipe — they all have a home here.

This raw, unpolished vibe isn’t just endearing; it’s lucrative. Brands love that TikTok feels real. 

And creators? They love that it feels like an even playing field. You don’t need a studio or a fancy setup — just a good idea and a 60-second clip.

What’s next for creators?

With the threat of a ban behind them, creators can focus on evolving. The lesson here? Diversify. 

TikTok is a golden goose, but as its near-death experience reminded us, no platform is forever. 

Smart creators are already expanding to YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and even building personal websites.

But let’s not underestimate the significance of TikTok’s reprieve. It’s a sign that digital creators are no longer just “kids on the internet.” 

They’re entrepreneurs, entertainers, and changemakers, carving out careers in the gig economy.

The moral of the story?

If TikTok is your main squeeze, cherish it — but don’t put all your eggs in one (digital) basket. 

And if you’re still on the sidelines, wondering if you should make that first video, take this as your sign.

As for me? I’ll be here, scrolling endlessly and supporting creators who remind us that the internet is as much about creativity as it is about community.

Because TikTok isn’t just back — it’s bigger than ever. Let’s keep it that way.