6 Top TikTok Alternatives for Creators

As discussions about a U.S. TikTok ban continue, with President-elect Trump reportedly considering an executive order to extend the case, creators are migrating to other platforms like Triller and RedNote.

Triller is trying to poach TikTokers with new tools. Chinese-owned RedNote has popped up seemingly overnight. And Snap launched an ad campaign highlighting why creators love its platform.

ADWEEK has compiled a list of six platforms that creators are choosing as they decide where to focus their efforts. We looked at key features that creators use like livestreaming and the app’s functionality like discoverability.

Instagram’s Reels

When it comes to reach and discoverability, Meta-owned Instagram often leads the way. According to social media firm Buffer, Instagram Reels have 36% more reach compared to other post types like photos or carousels. Additionally, Reels posted on Instagram can be shared on Facebook, further increasing the reach of content.

Pros: Instagram has a wide reach for Reels, the ability to livestream and interact with an audience, and in-app tools to edit videos and content. Instagram also offers a program for creators that pays creators for content creation, and tools that help with brand partnerships. For example, a separate inbox helps creators organize messages.

Cons: Discoverability. Instagram does not have a TikTok-equivalent of the ‘For You’ page that helps people find new creators and content based on an algorithm of viewing habits.

YouTube’s Shorts

YouTube has launched the careers of countless creators. Since 2006, YouTube has provided a platform where anyone can create a channel and start uploading videos.

In 2020, YouTube introduced Shorts, its response to the growing popularity of short-form content. In March, YouTube announced that more than 25% of creators in YouTube’s Partner Program are now earning money through YouTube Shorts.

Pros: Shorts has the option to upload short-form and long-form content. There is also a creator program with monetization tools and the ability to livestream.

Cons: YouTube does have a separate app for Shorts. And similar to Instagram, discoverability is a challenge.

Triller

The video app gained traction during the first threat of a TikTok ban in 2020 by establishing a content house where creators lived in exchange for posting to the app, pitching advertisers, and working with prominent creators such as Griff Johnson, Noah Beck, and Josh Richards.

Now, the company developed a tool to assist TikTok creators in transferring their videos to the platform ahead of a larger refresh planned for the first quarter of this year. Triller also has tools to help creators find brand deals and design standalone apps.

Pros: Triller offers a program for creators and tools to help creators own their content and audience. The app also has the equivalent of a ‘For You’ page to surface relevant videos.

Cons: Triller’s size is significantly smaller than TikTok. The app’s algorithm also does not reflect the content that users engage with.

RedNote

If you’ve been online this week, you’ve likely heard about the Chinese app RedNote as a potential alternative to TikTok. More than 700,000 new users joined in just two days, Reuters reported.

Many American users flocking to RedNote are referring to themselves as “TikTok refugees.” The app’s default setting is Mandarin, leading to a 216% increase in U.S. users learning Mandarian with Duolingo’s products.

Pros: RedNote has high-quality videos, a usability akin to TikTok, the ability to easily upload and share content, and has a commerce integration.

Cons: The app’s Mandarian language is a barrier. The app also reportedly censors topics like LGBTQ+.

Substack

The popular newsletter platform is pushing into video, launching a live video feature to all users on Jan. 14.

Substack began testing livestreaming features In the fall of 2024. The development moves Substack from a platform for text and audio content to video, positioning the company as an alternative to TikTok for creators who wish to engage with their communities on a deeper level.

Pros: Substack has the ability to post both short-form content and long-form content like podcasts. There are also features for creators to monetize content and own their audience.

Cons: Discoverability on Substack is a challenge. Live video is also only available on Substack’s mobile app, which has a smaller audience than the web. A media tab groups all of a creator’s content together instead is separating long-form and short-form content.

Clapper

On Jan. 16, Clapper chased RedNote and ByteDance-owned Lemon8 as the third most popular social app in Apple’s App Store.

The short-form video app has experienced a surge in users amid the threat of a TikTok ban. Clapper founder Edison Chen told Deadline that the app is averaging approximately 200,000 new downloads each week.

The app shares many similarities with TikTok, but there are some differences. Users must be at least 17 years old to sign up for Clapper while TikTok allows users as young as 13 years old. Additionally, Clapper does not feature ads. Bita Motiie, Clapper’s head of operations, told Business Insider that Clapper takes a 30% commission from certain creator earnings and a 5% commission from sales on the Clapper Shop.

Pros: Clapper has a similar user experience and interface as TikTok with a ‘For You’ page. There is also a creator program, no ads to distract users, and a livestreaming capability.

Cons: Clapper’s algorithm doesn’t reflect what content users engage with. The app’s users also skews towards Gen X and millennials.