This is an evolving situation and we are unable to make guarantees. Content on this page will be updated as we receive updates.
If you want to avoid the uncertainty associated with a TikTok ban, we recommend signing onto partnerships that do not include a sponsored TikTok video.
UPDATE: Tuesday, January 21, 2025
In 2024, a bill was passed and signed in the United States that would ban TikTok in the U.S. starting January 19, 2025. That ban was then upheld by the Supreme Court in January 2025. The current state of TikTok is in limbo—an Executive Order has been issued to attempt to delay the TikTok ban, but its legality is in question.
As of the date of this update, TikTok is still accessible in the United States for users who already have the app, but is not available for download in the Google Play Store of Apple App Store.
All creators with TikTok deliverables should continue as normal. If you are supposed to go live with a sponsored TikTok, go for it! And if you've been issued a contract that includes a TikTok video, go ahead and sign it. Even though the app is not available in the app stores, you can still continue.
I am based outside the U.S. Does this affect me?
No. If you're based outside the U.S., the TikTok ban in the U.S. will not affect you or your partnership agreement. Please continue with it as you normally would.
What happens if TikTok gets banned in the future, but I was supposed to go live after it gets banned?
The consequences depend on exactly how a ban is implemented. The short version is that if you'll still be able to post your video on TikTok, then you won't be affected. But if you can't post your video, we will have to revisit your contract. There are two scenarios that seem most likely for a ban.
Scenario 1: TikTok is removed from app stores, but the app is still accessible to those who have already downloaded it.
In this scenario, you will not be affected. Assuming you already have TikTok on your phone, you'll still be able to access TikTok and post videos.
If the ban ends up being nothing more than removal from the app stores, proceed with your partnership as usual! Once your video is approved to go live, you'll have access to TikTok and will be able to post your live video, submit it for verification, and get paid.
Scenario 2: TikTok is entirely shut down in the U.S.
In this scenario, no one in the U.S. will be able to access TikTok, even if they already have the app on their phones. You will not have access to TikTok and will not be able to post your video.
If this happens, we will need to drop TikTok from your contract. It's possible that workarounds will emerge that allow access to TikTok (e.g., perhaps you're abroad; using a VPN; etc.)—but even if you yourself can access TikTok, do not post your video. Brands will not pay us for videos that are posted if almost no one can access TikTok, and so we will not be able to pay you for posting.
If your contract includes deliverables besides of the TikTok video, please contact us so we can help renegotiate the contract. You'll still be able to continue with those deliverables.
If your contract is a TikTok-only contract, the contract will be cancelled. If you are active on platforms besides of TikTok, contact us and we'll work with you to find a sponsored opportunity on your other platforms.
Can I still sign a partnership agreement for a sponsored TikTok video?
Yes, if you are comfortable with the uncertainty outlined above, we can still issue you a partnership agreement for a TikTok video, and you are welcome to sign it.
Just be sure you fully understand the risks. The best case scenario is that the ban doesn't happen or is just a ban on new downloads—in which case you won't be affected and can still post and get paid. But the worst case scenario is that you do all the work to get a draft video made, and then can't post it or get paid.
I have a live date that's in the future. Can I go live earlier to be sure I get paid?
If the brand has approved your video to go live, then yes, you can go live early!
If the brand has not approved your video to go live, do not go live. You will not be paid for a video that the brand did not approve. You must go through the normal process and get your video approved to go live.
I already signed a contract that includes TikTok and want to back out or change my contract.
Please contact your 1stCollab representative and we can help you out.