What would happen if TikTok was banned in the U. S. tomorrow?
Well, the possibility of TikTok being banned in the U. S. has sparked quite a conversation. Many brands have used this platform as an important means of communication with customers.
Nevertheless, given the speculation on the possible closure, brands are also not sleeping over it. There are various activities going on in brands’ social media accounts. From humor-filled posts to exploring alternatives, brands are making sure that they stay connected with their audience.
For companies like Duolingo, Dr Squatch, Microsoft, and Lyft, TikTok is more than just a fun way to post videos: it’s an important tool for reaching customers. So what would happen if this platform suddenly went dark?
Let’s take a look at how these brands are reacting and what are the other available options for brands if TikTok vanishes.
What is causing the TikTok Ban?
TikTok has been under scrutiny by U.S. lawmakers for concerns about privacy, data security, and its ties to the Chinese government.
Even though TikTok has consistently denied any wrongdoing, these are still big issues that could mean a nationwide ban. A ban like this affects millions of people and businesses in America from using the app.
The ban would not only limit the platform’s reach but would also disrupt marketing strategies that many companies have relied on for engaging with their target audiences.
(Also read: 9 Powerful Free Video Editors for TikTok (No Subscription Needed) )
How Brands Are Responding
In times of uncertainty, humor can help brands connect with audiences. That’s why brands are using this strategy in reaction to a possible TikTok ban. Big Companies like Lyft, Duolingo, Microsoft, and Dr. Squatch have posted funny content on social media. Here’s how brands are responding to the situation.
1. Duolingo
Duolingo is known for its funny and offbeat content on TikTok. By using the app, Duolingo has been able to reach the younger generation showing that learning languages can be fun.
But, what would happen if TikTok wasn’t around anymore?
Well, Duolingo thought about this possibility before other companies. They have always made sure not to put all their eggs in one basket when it comes to social media. That is why back in May 2024 the company launched an account on RedNote, which is another social media platform like TikTok (but not as well-known), as part of a wider strategy.
As soon as they joined the platform, they got over 400,000 followers. With this head start, the company has shown how being an early adopter can help them have a better plan for social media.
2. Dr. Squatch
Dr. Squatch, the men’s soap company that is famous for its witty social media presence has already thought about where to relocate and this is how they reacted.
Moving to RedNote, the brand put up a TikTok video showing its brand mascot “running to red note just in case”. This funny video shows that Dr. Squatch wasn’t worried about the app getting banned, they were ready for it.
3. Lyft
While a lot of brands use humor in their written replies, Lyft has gone down a different path by sharing videos. The ride-sharing service posted some funny videos suggesting that TikTok was necessary to keep people entertained while waiting for a Lyft driver or when going to work.
Even in one of the footage, lyft humorously displayed the interactive tablets found in cars as an alternative to TikTok and commented “at least we’ll always have these bad boys to entertain us!!??”
These funny moments show how good Lyft is at creating positive vibes while keeping things entertaining.
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Other Brands Join the Fun
The TikTok ban conversation does not only feature the contributions of big players such as Duolingo and Lyft. Humorous opinions from other companies like Pringles, Microsoft, and Wendy’s are not left out either.
For example, Pringles made a comment on Duolingo’s TikTok post saying “Smiling through the pain,”. It was a playful way of admitting that it is impossible to predict what will happen next with TikTok.
In addition, Microsoft also joined the conversation with a meme regarding the possible closure. For example, when someone on X said as a joke that they should ban Microsoft Teams instead of TikTok, Microsoft replied: “No”
Source: x.com
But you know what, this TikTok debate has sparked off a new trend and it’s all thanks to brands playfully banter with one another.
Curious about what it is, read the next section.
Brands Joining in on the Trend of Mandarin Memes
An interesting trend that has come out as a result of possible TikTok closure is the increase in popularity of Mandarin meme culture. When users began joining RedNote in large numbers, some joked about needing to learn Mandarin to fully engage on the platform.
The language learning app Duolingo is witnessing an increased number of people learning Mandarin. Between December 2024 and January 2025, there was a 216% rise in learning Mandarin in the U.S.A. The company also joined the hype and posted this message on X: “Oh so NOW you’re learning Mandarin.”
Source: x.com
Other brands have also jumped on the Mandarin meme trend. Celestial Seasonings uploaded on its TikTok page a video in which their sleepy bear mascot humorously asks, “Does anyone know how to say ‘I’m an eepy lil guy’ in Mandarin?”
It’s a fun and light-heartered way to engage with the audience while acknowledging the current social media shifts.
Conclusion
In the time of a potential TikTok ban, brands are using humor and creativity to stay connected with their audiences. Whether TikTok is banned or not, it would teach us that there is nothing everlasting in the online world. Brands should take this opportunity as a wake-up call to stay adaptable and creative. This shows that the future of marketing is not limited to one platform, it’s about meeting audiences wherever they go.
