KEY POINTS

  • President Donald Trump said he may ban Chinese-owned TikTok in the country
  • The ban will start on Sept. 15 if it doesn't get acquired by a U.S.-based company
  • U.S.-based TikTok users can opt to use other apps with similar features like Triller or Funimate

TikTok, a popular video-sharing app that rose to its current status with short user-made clips, is on the brink of being banned in the U.S. if it doesn't get acquired.

President Donald Trump recently gave his approval for Microsoft's plans to acquire the popular Chinese video app, The New York Times reported. The POTUS said that he doesn't mind if the Redmond giant or another American company gets it, adding that if the sale doesn't push through, the app will be banned in the U.S. starting Sept. 15.

Some fans and TikTok celebrities expressed their disappointment over the president's decision to ban the app sans the acquisition, The New York Times reported. Some of them, with millions of followers on the app, are already saying their goodbyes.

While some users aren't in favor of the POTUS' decision, other nations see it as something that needs to be done. Countries such as India, Australia, Japan, Turkey, Pakistan and Indonesia, along with the European Union, are all conducting investigations into TikTok over various concerns, The Washington Post reported. It appears that President Trump isn't the only one who sees an issue with the app.

That said, TikTok users shouldn't feel hopeless in the event that the app gets banned in the U.S. There are a variety of similar, even better, apps that can be used in lieu of it. Here are some of them.

President Donald Trump gave TikTok six weeks to sell its US operations
President Donald Trump gave TikTok six weeks to sell its US operations AFP / Olivier DOULIERY

Instagram

Everybody knows Instagram – the Facebook-owned social media platform that allows users to share still images and short videos. It also offers Instagram Stories: a feature that lets users share vertical videos that last for only 24 hours.

Dubsmash

This app, first released in 2014, lets users create videos of themselves while lip-syncing to a pre-existing soundtrack. Users can also opt to use their own audio for the videos. A variety of filters and effects are also available. Videos can then be exported to other platforms, including YouTube and TikTok.

Byte

Byte offers the same looping video concept that TikTok has. The app lets users record six-second videos which are then looped automatically. These can then be shared with others who use the app.

Funimate

Funimate lets users record videos then edit them to their hearts' content using a slew of effects, transitions, animations and more. It has free and paid versions and allows users to share videos via popular social networks.

Triller

This app is largely similar to TikTok in features but lets users edit their videos using AI. This automated editor will help users combine multiple video clips into one enjoyable music video.