10 Best TikTok Alternatives After the 2025 USA Ban (Free to Use)
Since its launch in 2016, TikTok has become one of the most popular social apps, amassing 2.5 billion users globally1. But this trend is shifting. First banned in India and now facing restrictions in the USA, TikTok’s uncertain future has left creators and users searching for alternatives that allow them to keep scrolling, sharing, and enjoying features like viral trends, catchy music overlays, and creative filters.
So, what are the TikTok alternatives if it gets banned? In just two days, over 700,000 users have already jumped on RedNote2, a popular Chinese app. But don’t worry — you’ve got lots of other great options. In this guide, I’ll take you through 10 TikTok alternatives, each offering cool features to help you create, share, and connect in fun and exciting ways. Ready to find your next favorite app? Let’s get started!
Short on Time? Here Are the Best TikTok Alternatives in 2025
- RedNote — The most popular TikTok alternative, featuring an intuitive user interface and cool features.
- Neptune — Next-generation social platform with creator-focused features and personalized algorithms.
- Fable — A social hub for book lovers to connect and share insights.
- Lemon8 — Focused on aesthetics, it offers intuitive tools to create stunning visual content.
- Firework — Offers strong e-commerce integration, making it ideal for brands and product promotions.
Pro Tip: Use a VPN to Unblock TikTok in the US
If you want to avoid becoming a TikTok refugee, it’s smart to prepare for the possibility of a permanent ban. One way to stay ahead is by using a VPN (virtual private network), which can unblock TikTok in the US if restrictions are enforced. A VPN works by sending your internet traffic through a secure tunnel, making it appear as though you’re browsing from another country.
Not only does this allow you to download and use TikTok safely, but it also keeps your data private from prying eyes and prevents your ISP from slowing down your streaming speeds. With a VPN, you can keep scrolling, creating content, and promoting your brand — all without compromising your security or speed.
10 Best TikTok Alternatives in 2025
1. RedNote (Xiaohongshu) — A Popular Alternative to TikTok for Short-Form Video Content
RedNote has quickly gained traction as a popular alternative to TikTok, especially with the potential TikTok ban in the US fueling the #TikTokRefugee trend. Two versions of this hashtag have already garnered over 24 million posts, while the platform’s top trending topic, “Welcome the global villagers,” has racked up 8.9 million views3.
The app features a lot of Chinese content but offers the option to switch its interface to English, making it accessible to a broader audience. RedNote is often described as a blend of Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. You can share short videos, photos, and written posts in categories like fashion, beauty, travel, and lifestyle. Its advanced content algorithm focuses on user interests rather than just followed accounts, making it easier to discover engaging content.
You can create content in any language
Some Americans mistakenly believe that RedNote is China’s TikTok. In reality, Douyin is more similar to TikTok and is owned by the same parent company, ByteDance. However, Douyin is not available outside of China, whereas RedNote is accessible to international users.
2. Neptune — Next-Gen Social Platform With Creator-Centric Features and Customizable Algorithms
Neptune, a new social media platform launching in spring 2025 for iOS and early summer for Android, is positioning itself as a creative alternative to TikTok. It features a scrolling video feed with support for videos up to 90 minutes and a customizable algorithm that lets you control the content you see. This innovative approach gives creators and viewers more flexibility and choice.
The platform prioritizes inclusivity and creativity, offering tools like live streaming, content monetization, and ghost metrics to hide follower counts and likes. Neptune also integrates API plugins, allowing creators to link services like Etsy, Shopify, and SoundCloud. Its focus on diverse creators and freedom of expression sets it apart as a space for both artistic and entrepreneurial growth.
Sadly, the app is still in its internal beta testing phase, but Neptune plans to invite 10,000 beta testers soon. Once launched, it aims to foster community and creativity through features like an opt-in advertising system, allowing you to support your favorite creators by watching ads.
You’ll need to provide your email address
3. Fable — A Social Haven for Book Lovers With Celebrity Book Clubs
Fable is a social platform designed for book lovers to connect, discuss, and explore literature together. It allows you to join or create book clubs, participate in discussions, and share insights about books you’re reading. The platform offers features like personalized book recommendations, virtual book club meetings, and interactive discussion tools.
The app has also introduced TV clubs to discuss the TV shows you’re watching
While Fable excels at fostering communities around reading and literature, it’s not a direct alternative to video-based platforms like TikTok. Instead, it provides a unique space for in-depth literary discussions and connections among book enthusiasts. However, you can check out celebrity recommendations, like those from Dua Lipa.
4. Lemon8 — A Platform Focusing on Lifestyle Content Like Fashion, Beauty, Food, and Travel
Lemon8 stands out for its focus on visually stunning content, making it a favorite for creators in niches like home décor, cooking, and travel. With features such as filters, effects, stickers, and text templates, it’s easy to create polished, professional-looking posts. Its intuitive design also organizes content into clear categories, helping you explore topics of interest seamlessly — similar to TikTok, as ByteDance owns both platforms.
The app’s name, pronounced “Lemonade,” is a play on words
However, at the time of writing, Lemon8, CapCut, Marvel Snap, and other ByteDance apps remain unavailable for download or use in the US. The Trump administration’s intervention specifically targeted TikTok, leaving other ByteDance apps subject to the original ban. If you’re in the US, you can unblock Lemon8 with a VPN.
5. Firework — Offers Strong E-commerce Integration, Making It a Great Option for Brands and Product Promotions
Firework is a video commerce and engagement platform designed for brands and retailers. It offers strong e-commerce integration, allowing businesses to add features like shoppable videos and live shopping streams to their own websites. The platform supports both short-form and long-form video content, enabling various promotional formats. Firework recently introduced AVA, an AI-powered virtual shopping assistant, to enhance customer interactions.
While powerful for businesses looking to integrate video commerce, Firework is not a social media platform for casual creators but rather a B2B solution for enhancing e-commerce experiences. It’s also the only paid platform on the list, but it offers a 14-day free trial.
The pricing and availability may vary depending on the specific Firework product or service
6. Triller — Designed for Music-Focused Content, With Powerful Editing Features for Creators in the Music Industry
Triller is a social media platform centered around short-form video content, especially music-related clips. It features AI-powered video editing tools like slow-motion effects, filters, and smooth transitions, making it easy to create standout videos.
The platform recently brought in former TikTok executive Sean Kim as CEO to spearhead a major revamp. Triller also launched SaveMyTikToks.com, a tool that helps you transfer your TikTok content seamlessly to Triller. Despite these innovations, the platform faces hurdles, including ongoing challenges with music licensing agreements.
7. Clapper — Emphasizes Unfiltered Expression, Encouraging Open Dialogue and Authenticity in Content Creation
Clapper promotes unfiltered, authentic expression, appealing to creators who want to share raw, personal content with fewer restrictions than on mainstream social platforms. The app fosters an environment where you can interact more freely, with less concern about censorship. It allows videos up to 3 minutes long and includes features like live streaming and group chats for community building.
Clapper is a TikTok alternative for adults — it targets a mature audience, requiring users to be at least 17 years old. However, its user base is significantly smaller than that of major platforms, limiting engagement. The app’s content can also appear rougher and less polished compared to other social media, which may not appeal to all users.
8. Likee — Advanced AR Effects and Interactive Features, Perfect for Creative Videos
Likee is a creative platform known for its advanced augmented reality (AR) effects and interactive features. It offers a wide range of filters, special effects, and tools to help creators produce engaging, dynamic content. Whether you’re making fun videos or experimenting with AR filters, Likee provides the tools to elevate your creations.
The platform’s large collection of effects lets you experiment with different looks for both regular posts and live streams. Likee also features a robust music library and monetization options. However, its smaller user base compared to TikTok can make growing your channel more difficult.
9. Zigazoo — Best TikTok Alternative for Kids
Zigazoo is a social media platform designed as a safer alternative to TikTok for children. It offers a video-sharing experience focused on educational content, featuring challenges and interactions with museums, zoos, and educational institutions. Zigazoo prioritizes safety through human moderation, positive interactions, and robust parental controls, earning praise from organizations like Common Sense Media for its secure environment.
10. Fanbase — A Creator-Friendly Alternative to TikTok
Fanbase is a social media platform designed to empower creators through direct monetization. The platform supports various content types, including short-form videos (Flickz), images, long-form videos, stories, live streams, and audio content. The app emphasizes community building through features like audio rooms and camps. As an alternative to TikTok, Fanbase provides a TikTok Migrator tool to help creators transition their content.
How to Stay Safe on TikTok Alternatives?
No social media platform is 100% safe. Station X reports that approximately 1.4 billion social media accounts are hacked every month4. Here’s how you can safeguard your account and personal information:
- Create a strong password. Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to create a unique and secure password. Avoid using easily guessable information, such as your name or birthdate. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
- Check privacy settings. Review and customize privacy settings to control who can view, comment, or message you. Set your account to private if you want to limit access to trusted followers.
- Be selective with personal information. Avoid sharing sensitive details like your full name, address, or phone number. Use a separate email specifically for social media accounts — preferably one with strong security features, like two-factor authentication, to minimize the risks of hacking or spam.
- Use a VPN. A VPN protects your online activity by masking your IP address and encrypting your connection. This adds an extra layer of security, especially on public WiFi networks, making it possible to access any social media anywhere.
- Watch out for scams and malicious content. Be cautious of links shared in comments or direct messages — they could lead to phishing sites or expose you to man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, where hackers intercept your data on unsecured networks. Avoid clicking on unknown links, especially on public WiFi. Report and block accounts that engage in suspicious or harmful behavior.
- Choose alternatives wisely. Research an app’s data policies before downloading. Opt for platforms with a transparent track record regarding user safety and privacy.
Best VPNs for TikTok Alternatives in 2025
- ExpressVPN — Impressive speeds and a vast server network for reliable access to social media apps from anywhere.
- CyberGhost — User-friendly apps to quickly establish a secure connection for scrolling through social media platforms.
- Private Internet Access — Unlimited device connections, so everyone in your household can safely access their favorite social media apps at the same time.
FAQs on TikTok Alternatives
Is there a safe alternative to TikTok for adults?
A completely safe alternative to TikTok doesn’t exist, as no platform is 100% secure. However, Triller prioritizes user privacy more openly, making it relatively safer for those concerned about data security. Always review a platform’s privacy policies and adjust your settings to enhance security.
Which TikTok alternative is safer for kids?
One of the most popular and highly recommended options is Zigazoo, often referred to as the “TikTok for kids.” This app offers a secure and positive social media experience for children aged 6-12, with a focus on educational content and creativity. Zigazoo stands out for its stringent safety measures, including human moderation of all content and a no-bullying policy.
Is it best to avoid TikTok?
It depends on your personal privacy and data security concerns. While the app offers entertainment and creative freedom, the risk of data collection and exposure to surveillance has led some to explore alternatives that provide more transparency in their privacy policies and data usage practices. It’s essential to follow best safety practices to stay protected on any social media app, as most track your activity.
Is TikTok owned by the Chinese government?
TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company, but the Chinese government does not directly own it. However, concerns have arisen regarding the Chinese government’s potential access to user data, mainly due to Chinese data privacy laws. Given these concerns, it’s wise not to put all your eggs in one basket. Exploring TikTok alternatives can help you diversify your online presence and minimize risks to your privacy and data security.
Are there free apps like TikTok for adults?
Yes, there are free platforms designed for adults that focus more on authentic expressions. For example, Clapper caters to a more mature audience, and you have to be at least 17 years old to join it.
Conclusion
Finding the right TikTok alternative depends on your goals, whether it’s creating professional content, building niche communities, or exploring new creative tools. Each platform offers unique features to help you connect with audiences and express yourself in different ways.
By understanding the strengths of these apps and prioritizing your preferences, you can choose the platform that best supports your creative journey while staying secure and engaged.
References
- https://www.demandsage.com/tiktok-user-statistics/
- https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/14/tech/rednote-china-popularity-us-tiktok-ban-intl-hnk/index.html
- https://www.firstalert7.com/2025/01/19/tiktok-refugees-are-pouring-xiaohongshu-heres-what-you-need-know-about-rednote-app/
- https://www.stationx.net/social-media-hacking-statistics/
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