TikTok has been a lifeline for me. It’s not just another app—it’s where I’ve learned more about post-cancer life, menopause, ADHD, and overall health than I ever have from a doctor.

But with the government pushing for a potential TikTok ban, I’m furious. Not just at the overreach, but at what we all stand to lose. TikTok isn’t just entertainment; it’s where I’ve found life-changing insights, personalized advice, and connections to a community I never knew I needed.

If the TikTok ban happens, it’s going to leave a massive gap. But I’m not going down without a plan—and neither should you. Let’s talk about why TikTok is irreplaceable, what this ban means, and how you can prepare for it.

Why TikTok Is Irreplaceable

Unlike Instagram or Facebook, which mostly reflect the people you already follow (I’m not Complaining because I love my wine content), TikTok opens doors you didn’t even know existed. It shows you content you didn’t realize you needed, like strategies for navigating menopause, ADHD management tips, and insights into post-cancer life.

Here’s how I’ve used TikTok in my life:

1. Discovery: I save videos that resonate with me—whether they’re tips, life hacks, or just things that feel oddly specific to my struggles.

2. Verification: I fact-check TikTok advice using Google or ChatGPT to confirm its validity.

3. Personalization: I use ChatGPT to create specific, actionable questions based on what I’ve learned, so I can have meaningful conversations with my doctors—conversations they often aren’t starting on their own.

TikTok isn’t just entertainment for me; it’s a tool for empowerment and education. And frankly, I’m scared to lose it.

How to Prepare for a TikTok Ban

If TikTok disappears, it’s going to impact everyone, from casual users to marketers building strategies around its unique format. Here’s how I’m preparing and how you can, too:

1. Back Up Your Saved TikToks

• Download the videos you’ve saved and want to reference later. There are cloud storage options like Google Drive or iCloud that make this easy.

2. Follow Creators on Other Platforms

• Many TikTok creators are already diversifying to platforms like Blue Sky, YouTube Shorts, or Instagram Reels. Start following your favorites now so you don’t lose their content.

3. Diversify Your Social Media Presence

• Experiment with alternative platforms. YouTube Shorts, Lemon8, or even Pinterest can be good options for marketers looking to recreate TikTok’s magic.

4. Shift Your Audience to Owned Platforms

• If you’re a marketer, now’s the time to prioritize email lists, community platforms, or even a podcast. Build spaces you control, so you’re less reliant on any one app.

5. Learn from TikTok’s Success

• TikTok’s algorithm made it great: it was authentic, relatable, and discovery-driven. Take those lessons and apply them to how you create content for other platforms.

What the TikTok Ban Means for Us

Losing TikTok isn’t just about one app going away. It’s about losing a space where people can find unfiltered, surprising, and highly personal insights—whether it’s health advice, community, or even career tips.

I’m heartbroken at the idea of losing TikTok because, honestly, no other platform does what it does. Instagram shows me content about wine (lots of wine), but TikTok shows me parts of myself I hadn’t even considered.

For now, I’m revisiting all the videos I’ve saved. I’m backing them up, following my favorite creators on other platforms, and taking action on all the things that inspired me.

This is what I’m doing to prepare for a TikTok ban. How about you?