The TikTok Ban: What Authors and Creatives Need to Know -

TikTok Ban? I know it’s been talked about for what feels like an age, but, with TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, facing pressure to sell its U.S. operations or face a ban, the platform’s future hangs in the balance. TikTok is now appealing to the Supreme Court to give them more time, but currently, the deadline would see TikTok banned in the US from 19th January 2025.

There is A LOT of speculation out there about if this will really happen, because if it does, the impact will be HUGE.

For authors and BookTok, for authors, book readers and creatives who have grown their audience on TikTok, now is the time to start to think about taking steps to prepare. Because even if the platform stays, it’s always good to take control of your community.

So I’ve created a simple guide on what to do!

The TikTok Ban: What Authors and Creatives Need to Know

The TikTok ban is looming, and if you’re an author, writer, or creative who’s built a thriving community on the platform, you might be wondering what comes next.

ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, has been ordered to sell its U.S. operations, or face the app being banned altogether.

While the future of TikTok remains uncertain, one thing is clear: it’s time to take control of your online presence. This is REALLY GOOD practise even if TikTok doesn’t get banned, because as I am always saying, any social media platform can go down at any time, so follow these steps to future proof your online presence.

TikTok Ban: Why It Matters for Authors

TikTok has become a haven for authors and creatives. I, for one, love it over there.

I love how it has sold so many books for authors and continues to do so. I’ve seen authors thrive on there, start exciting new writing careers on there and I love that community. Do you follow me, if you have an account come say hello!

With trends like #BookTok, readers and writers have found a unique way to connect over shared stories, book recommendations, and writing tips. But if the ban becomes a reality, authors risk losing a key avenue to promote their work and engage with their audience.

But here’s the silver lining: the TikTok ban is a reminder to diversify your audience and expand your platform reach. You ready? Let’s get into it!

Think about what content you have already on TikTok. Is it posted to anywhere else, or just that platform? If it’s just on TikTok think about downloading those videos for inspiration and repurposing elsewhere.

Do you have some great comments, gushing about your work?

If so, screen shot them now! This is not only a great piece of content to use in other ways, but it should be added to your social proof folder (you do have a social proof folder, right?) So that you can get all the feels next time you need a boost, and it’s on hand for putting that type of content together.

Save any analytics that are of interest. Make sure you keep a record of things that will be important going forward.

If TikTok is your main stage, it’s time to scout for new venues.

Think of this as an opportunity to branch out and showcase your writing and books and projects on platforms that complement your creativity, like Instagram and YouTube. They’re still short form video, you just need a plan to transition over there and let your community know where to find you.

It’s also worth considering in investing in a scheduling tool that will free up your writing time. I use Metricool for my stuff, and my clients, and can recommend it. (Affiliate link btw! But I really do love it and use it on the daily.)

Start With Instagram Reels

Instagram Reels is your best friend when it comes to short-form video content.

With features that mimic TikTok, it’s a natural fit for your audience.

Repurpose Your TikToks: Download your TikTok videos, remove the watermark and re-edit them for Instagram Reels. I use CapCut which is brilliant and really user friendly.
Leverage Hashtags: Use #Bookstagram, #WritingCommunity, and #AuthorLife to attract readers and fellow creatives.
Create Exclusive Reels Content: Post writing updates, book cover reveals, and snippets of your creative process. My Instagram is a mix of my lifestyle and writing, so feel free to pinch any of my hooks or ideas. This one about book plotting did quite well, and we had a great conversation about it all in the comments.

Experiment With YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts is gaining traction, and it’s been on my ‘to-do’ list for ages and ages. Authors have a unique opportunity to reach readers who prefer more in-depth storytelling, and if you have a podcast, you really need to be recording that and chopping it up into bite sized shorts.

Post Chapter Teasers: Create 15-second clips that showcase the most tantalizing parts of your book.
Behind-the-Scenes Content: Share a peek into your writing desk or your revision process. “Spoiler alert: mine is 90% drinking tea and staring at the wall.”
Author Q&A: Answer common reader questions like, “What inspired this story?” or “What’s your writing routine?”

Don’t Overlook Pinterest

Pinterest is a goldmine for visual content. I’ve heard of people getting so much traffic over there and I am definitely doing this soon!

Readers love boards dedicated to book aesthetics, character profiles, and writing prompts.

Pin Book Quotes: Design pins featuring quotes from your book or favorite writing advice.
Create Writing Boards: Share writing tips, resources, and inspirational photos.

Step 2: Build an Owned Audience With an Email List

Social media platforms are like rented spaces, you’re subject to their rules and risks.

But your email list? That’s yours.

Building an email list gives you a direct line to your audience, free from the whims of algorithms or platform bans.

How to Start Your Email List

Offer a Freebie: Hook readers with an exclusive bonus, like a short story, a character guide, or a checklist for aspiring writers. I did a ‘Kindle Guide’ that worked well, think of what your readers need from you and do that.
Promote It Everywhere: Share your sign-up link on TikTok while you can, and cross-promote on Instagram and YouTube.
Keep It Consistent: Send regular updates about your writing journey, upcoming projects, and insights on social media trends.

Email Content Ideas for Authors

Share behind-the-scenes looks at your writing process.
Offer sneak peeks of your work-in-progress.
Include practical advice for fellow writers, like how to overcome writer’s block.

📩 Pro Tip: Make sure you’re on my email list I’ll be sharing even more tips for authors navigating the ever-changing social media landscape!

Step 3: Adapt Your Content for New Platforms

Each social media platform has its quirks, and your content may need a little tweaking to resonate with new audiences.

Think of this as refining your pitch for a different crowd.

Tailor Content for Instagram Reels

Where TikTok has been all about the reality and ‘this is how life really is’ type vibe, Instagram is still all about the aesthetic. I talked about this earlier, how to adapt your content and just edit it a little for Instagram which is really easy to do with CapCut. Add some easy transitions, change the wording and add captions to it all!

So if you can, focus on the visuals a lot more than you would have done for TikTok.

Quick Writing Tips: Post one-minute Reels like, “The killer first sentence and how I came up with it.”
Book Trailers: Use dramatic music and captions to tease your story.
Writing Challenges: Engage your followers with challenges like, “Describe your day in 10 words or less.” Most readers would love to become writers, so dive into that.

Craft Engaging YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts is ideal for storytelling and Q&A sessions.

Story Snapshots: Share the emotional core of your book in 60 seconds.
Author FAQs: Answer common questions from your readers.
How-Tos: Show your audience how to outline a novel or develop characters.

Use Pinterest for Visual Storytelling

Pinterest is all about aesthetics, so think visually.

Mood Boards: Pin images that reflect your book’s setting or themes.
Writing Prompts: Post creative prompts to inspire your audience.
Reader Resources: Share links to blog posts, interviews, or book reviews.

Step 4: Stay Flexible and Keep Learning

If there’s one takeaway from the TikTok ban, it’s this: adaptability is key.

Social media will continue to evolve, and the most successful authors are those who embrace change.

Be Open to New Platforms

Keep an eye out for emerging platforms. Remember when we all thought TikTok was just for kids dancing?

Educate Yourself

The TikTok ban is a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity. By diversifying your social media presence, building an email list, and adapting your content, you’ll stay connected to your readers and ensure your stories continue to shine.

📩 Need some more help? I offer a power hour where we can sit and discuss whatever you’re worrying about or need my expert eyes on. I have a few slots open every month, but they go quick! Sign up here

The TikTok Ban: What Authors and Creatives Need to Know

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The TikTok Ban: What Authors and Creatives Need to Know