This just in: The Supreme Court has ruled to uphold the impending ban on TikTok in the United States as of Friday morning. The app, which has been on the chopping block multiple times before, is set to be banned in the United States starting January 19. 

While TikTok and many users have debated if this action will breach the First Amendment rights of the 170 million+ American citizens who scroll and post on the app, many key political figures agree that TikTok is a concern of national security due to wariness that the platform opens the door to data access and spying.  

What’s more, TikTok has become an ‘unofficially official’ news source for many, with buckets of both factually correct—and incorrect—information swirling around the platform and digested by people as a primary news source. So, while TikTok may not last forever, this non-traditional way of sharing stories continues to show evidence of an ever-evolving media landscape.

Now that TikTok is slated to disappear from the social media roster in just two days, many influencers and brands who have built a name for themselves solely on TikTok are now scrambling, highlighting how crucial it is to maintain a multichannel communications approach.  

Here, a few key takeaways of the TikTok ban for public relations professionals:  

Change Is Inevitable
Whether it’s a discontinued platform, a new industry standard, a breaking trend or an unexpected crisis, it’s essential to remain adaptable and poised to pivot. 

Diversify Your Platforms
Ensure your strategy is focused and well-rounded by leveraging a mix of platforms to safeguard against over-reliance on any single one. 

Stay Informed
Keep up with the latest news and updates to anticipate changes that could impact your clients or communication goals. 

At RLF, our talented team of public relations professionals excels in a variety of strategies—from social media management to earned media relations to brand development. Drop us a line at monty@rlfcommunications.com to learn how we can help you navigate the evolving digital landscape.  

By: Anna Beth Adcock