Connecticut content creators express concern over the potential TikTok ban, which could impact their reach and income. The app’s future hangs in the balance as ByteDance faces a critical decision.

Millions of people consume content on TikTok each day, but the future of the video app is up for debate after a bill passed last year gave the owners of the app an ultimatum. Under the bill, Chinese-owned ByteDance must sell TikTok or face a potential ban in the United States by January 19.

“To take away a tool for our small and local business and our small creators would be absolutely devastating”…
“If it was banned, I would lose almost half of my audience”
West Hartford content creator Kathleen Roche said.

West Hartford content creator Kathleen Roche, who runs the popular account Connecticut Bucket List with 80,000 followers, shared her concerns and stated that a significant portion of her audience on TikTok consists of young people seeking activities in Connecticut.

Similarly, New Milford’s Addison Ruppert, known for her account @vintagelakehouse, which documents her thrifting and upcycling endeavors, faces the same fate. Ruppert, who has over 12,000 followers, relies on TikTok as an additional income source.

“I couldn’t imagine somehow corralling all these people and say, ‘hey come follow me on something else’ and expect the same support”
Addison Ruppert said.

She emphasized that without TikTok, continuing to deliver content to her audience would be challenging.

On Friday, Supreme Court justices heard arguments from TikTok’s lawyers, who claim that banning the app violates free speech. However, legislators argue that the app poses a national security threat.

As the January 19 deadline approaches, Connecticut creators like Roche and Ruppert anxiously await the decision that could reshape their digital presence and livelihoods. The outcome will not only affect their personal ventures but also the broader community of small businesses and creators who rely on TikTok for engagement and growth.