TikTok is gone. For years, it’s been the social media app that brought people together, created viral trends, and even helped with learning new skills. Now, as we say goodbye to TikTok, I can’t help but reflect on how it impacted my life—and how unnerved I am for a future without it.
If you’re here because you will miss TikTok as much as I will, let’s talk about what made it special and why it’s hard to let go.
TikTok is Banned… JK?
What TikTok Meant to Me
Social media wasn’t really my thing before TikTok. Sure, I posted on Instagram and Facebook occasionally, but TikTok was where I found my community. It gave me the freedom to be silly and goofy—parts of myself that people often think are “too much.”
TikTok helped me:
Deal with depression during tough times.
Learn new skills (seriously, how else would I know about the perfect wash and go sleep method?).
Laugh when I needed it most.
Believe in myself again.
The Magic of OG TikTok
As much as I loved TikTok, the newer version wasn’t quite the same. The endless ads, over-the-top influencer campaigns, the pressure to go viral—it all became a bit overwhelming. Let’s be real: nothing compared to the vibe of OG TikTok. Way before the ban, TikTok wasn’t just another app—it was a digital hangout. It was authentic.
One of my favorite corners of TikTok was BlackTikTok. Where most of the trends came from. When the algorithm gave me all of the information I needed to know but didn’t know I needed to know from CleanTikTok, TaxTikTok, SkinTikTok, and so many more! TikTok’s algorithm was next-level:
Need a trending sound? Just type a few letters, and it was there.
Looking for travel tips or recipes? You’d find real-time advice faster than Google.
I’m going to miss that accessibility the most. TikTok made finding information ridiculously easy.
Where to Find Me Now
While TikTok may be gone, I’m still sharing all the behind-the-scenes looks, travel stories, travel guide, and life updates., relatable content you loved—just on different platforms. You can find me on:
TikTok is Back, But Something Feels Off
Even though TikTok is up and running again, it feels different. Users are reporting noticeable changes, like more emphasis on connecting with your Facebook friends (because nothing screams “privacy” like that). Certain creators’ videos are being blocked, and some content isn’t even showing up anymore. It’s not just TikTok either—these changes seem to be bleeding over into Meta platforms like Instagram, where big-time creators are seeing their views plummet depending on what they’re talking about.
It makes you wonder: was this temporary TikTok ban a preview of what’s to come? Are we headed for more censorship, fewer views, and maybe even the eventual decline of content creation as we know it? Okay, maybe I’m being a little dramatic. Or am I?
The Government’s Clock is Still Ticking
The truth is, this saga isn’t over. The government still has about 70 days to finalize whether TikTok will be banned entirely. And while TikTok came back relatively quickly, other platforms like CapCut and Lemon8—both tied to TikTok—are still missing in action and haven’t returned to the App Store yet, leaving many creators scrambling to find alternatives.
I feel bad for the users who deleted TikTok when the ban hit because now they can’t even re-download. #TikTokRefugees are still a thing, and many users have been flooding to platforms like Xiaohongshu, also known as Rednote. The question is: will they stay there, or was it just a temporary migration?
We’ll Get Through This Together
At the end of the day, we’ve all had to say goodbye to platforms we loved. It’s part of the social media cycle. But TikTok feels different because it gave us something unique—a sense of belonging, creativity, and connection.
While TikTok may be back, this whole ordeal has left me wondering about the future. Are we looking at a landscape with more restrictions and less freedom to create? Only time will tell. In the meantime, I’m testing out new editing apps and platforms to stay prepared for whatever happens next. What about you? Are you sticking with TikTok, or have you started exploring other platforms? Do you think this was just a scare, or is it a sign of what’s to come? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear them.
And don’t forget, no matter what happens, you can still catch me doing my thing on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Let me know in the comments by clicking here.
Be sure to check out our other posts for more. Now you can book a session with us as your Travel Advisor for expert advice on your next trip! Email info@travelismylifestyle.com to get a call scheduled to book your next adventure.
TikTok, You Will Be Missed
I don’t want you to be afraid to explore this world. I want you to have the confidence and resources that make it easier to enjoy travel.
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