Small Businesses Fear Loss of TikTok's Power

Running a small business and suddenly losing a powerful tool like TikTok. That’s what millions of small business owners might face if a TikTok ban happens. Desiree Hill from Crown’s Corner Mechanic in Georgia knows this worry all too well. She started as a mobile mechanic and grew her business thanks to TikTok videos showcasing her work. Now, she runs a big shop with five employees. “I get at least two to three customers a day from TikTok, ” she said. TikTok, launched in 2016, has become a vital marketing tool for small businesses. Owners use it to grow their customer base, advertise, and even sell products directly. TikTok estimates small businesses could lose over $1 billion in a single month if banned. The U. S. Justice Department wants TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app or face a ban due to security concerns. The Supreme Court will decide in January. If banned, businesses will have to switch to other platforms like Instagram Reels, SnapChat, or YouTube Shorts. But reaching teens, who love TikTok, might be tough. Building a customer database is another option, allowing owners to send promotions directly. However, Hill worries other sites won’t match TikTok’s reach. She has accounts on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, but TikTok is special. “Without TikTok, I might lose a big part of my business, ” she said. Crystal Lister, owner of Mommy and Me: The Listers in Texas, is also concerned. Her STEM education workshops rely heavily on TikTok. “Pivoting to other platforms will be a challenge, ” she said. “TikTok made it easy to create and share videos. ”