“To the US government, I am never forgiving you for this. Just like that you took away millions of people’s incomes and livelihood.”
On January 19, 2025, at precisely 10:50 PM EST, TikTok users across the U.S. faced a shocking reality: the app stopped working. With over 100,000 creators in despair, a platform that fostered creativity, income, and connection went dark, leaving a massive void.
Though the shutdown lasted less than a day, it left creators, small businesses, and influencers contemplating a grim “what if” scenario.
TikTok, owned by ByteDance, was more than just a social media app — it was a lifeline. With over 170 million monthly active users in the U.S., it powered personal livelihoods, connected communities, and even contributed $24 billion to the U.S. economy, according to an Oxford Economics report.
Let’s look at the emotional and financial devastation caused by the temporary ban:
🎤 Voices of Creators and Small Businesses
Sorensen’s Journey: From Small Business to Six Figures
“It would be devastating,” Sorensen admitted. Starting with TikTok to promote Mexican women artisans, her journey evolved into creating advice for small businesses and, eventually, content for TikTok’s Creative Challenge Program (TTCC). Last year, Sorensen earned $150,000 from sponsored ads for brands like IKEA, Walmart, and Microsoft. “I’m a stay-at-home mom, and this platform has allowed me to provide for my family in ways I never thought possible.”
Emily Senn’s Fury
“To the US government, I am never forgiving you for this. Just like that you took away millions of people’s incomes and livelihood,” said the cruise ship headliner with over 350,000 followers. She mourned the loss of a platform that had been a lifeline through the pandemic, divorce, and career struggles. “This has been a sense of community for me. It got me through really hard times in my life.”
James Charles’s Despair
Internet celebrity James Charles broke down, crying for three minutes. “I don’t understand how we have gotten to a point where 9 people that we didn’t even elect into office are making a decision for more than half the American population. Nothing has ever compared to this app.”
Nerdy Nuts’ Business at Risk
Erika and Craig Mount, owners of Nerdy Nuts, saw their business grow from a local farmer’s market success to a $16 million enterprise, all thanks to TikTok. They reflected, “We’re in denial. We’re terrified. If the ban takes effect and we couldn’t use TikTok we would lose our business.” With 90 full-time employees and over $500,000 donated to local causes, they emphasized, “Politics and peanuts don’t go together.”
📈 TikTok’s Economic Importance
According to TikTok’s Impact Report:
- 88% Revenue Boost: Businesses using TikTok’s marketing and shop functions saw an average revenue increase of 88%.
- Critical to SMBs: 45% of small businesses consider TikTok critical to their survival.
- Employment and Economy: The platform supports over 7 million businesses, contributing $24 billion to the U.S. economy.
🔗 How SBIs Can Help Creators and Small Businesses Thrive Beyond TikTok
The TikTok ban raised an urgent question: What happens to creators and businesses when a platform disappears?
While the same impact is difficult to replicate, Soulbound Inscriptions (SBIs) provide a way to secure digital legacies, protect livelihoods, and create continuity.
Monetization Without Dependence
Creators can use SBIs to connect directly with their audiences, independent of any platform. Fans could hold SBIs as digital badges, unlocking perks like exclusive content, merchandise, or even event access.
📌 Example: Nerdy Nuts could issue SBIs to loyal customers, providing discounts or rewards that incentivize engagement without relying solely on TikTok.
TikTok Creators Mocked For Crying Over TikTok Ban & Shutdown
A Decentralized Creator Marketplace
SBIs can enable creators to build a decentralized portfolio that brands and businesses can access to engage with them directly, bypassing centralized platforms altogether.
How it works: Creators receive SBIs for their work with brands, showcasing metrics like campaign performance, audience demographics, and engagement rates. These SBIs serve as a verifiable track record that other brands can trust.
📌 Example: Sorensen, for instance, could pitch her portfolio of SBIs to brands like IKEA or TurboTax to secure deals for other platforms, even if TikTok disappears.
Cross-Platform Credibility
SBIs can serve as proof of a creator’s reach and influence, enabling smooth transitions to other platforms.
📌 Example: James Charles’s 350,000 followers and engagement metrics on TikTok could be memorialized as SBIs, demonstrating his value to brands across Instagram, YouTube, or emerging platforms.
A Decentralized Future Beyond TikTok
The TikTok ban was a stark reminder of the fragility of platform-dependent livelihoods.
By embracing SBIs, creators and small businesses can safeguard their digital achievements.
It’s time to future-proof the creator economy. Because creativity and connection shouldn’t depend on the whims of politics or tech giants.
🔥 Stay tuned for important updates and announcements related to Ordict:
