As the US contemplates a TikTok ban, the Indian example offers valuable insights into adapting to a post-TikTok world. With over 170 million users in the US, TikTok has grown into a cultural powerhouse. In India, TikTok had a user base of 200 million before its ban in June 2020, as reported by The New York Times.
Why Is TikTok Facing a US Ban?
According to NBC News, US President Joe Biden signed a law in April 2024 mandating TikTok’s sale to a US-based company or a potential ban over concerns about Chinese government access to sensitive user data and content manipulation. The case now awaits a decision from the US Supreme Court.
Adapting After TikTok
A ban on TikTok would leave millions of American users searching for alternatives. Platforms like Xiaohongshu (RedNote), a Chinese short-video app, are already gaining traction as substitutes.
India’s TikTok Ban and Its Impact
India banned TikTok in 2020 amid data privacy concerns and geopolitical tensions with China. This sudden move also affected 59 other Chinese apps, including Shein and Clash of Kings. Indian users quickly transitioned to platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
Instagram saw a surge in Indian users after the ban, growing from 1.43 million users in 2020 to 230 million by 2024, and an estimated 385.4 million in 2025. YouTube Shorts also emerged as a key player, meeting the demand for short-form video content.
Lessons for the US
India’s response to the TikTok ban demonstrates resilience and adaptability. Indian creators and brands migrated seamlessly to alternative platforms, reshaping their strategies to maintain engagement. This shift highlights the potential for innovation and evolution in the face of change.
For the US, TikTok’s absence will undoubtedly disrupt the social media landscape. However, as India’s experience shows, adaptation is possible, and new opportunities often emerge from such challenges.
When it comes to resilience and innovation, the US might just find inspiration in India’s “jugaad” spirit.
