As the potential TikTok ban looms in the United States, many influencers are bracing for the impact of the ban. TikTok, which boasts 1.6 billion active users, has become a major platform for influencers, including some of the biggest names in social media, like Charli and Dixie D’Amelio.
The D’Amelio sisters, who became famous on TikTok, have amassed millions of followers and significant fortunes. Charli, who is the second most-followed person on the platform, has 155.7 million followers, while her sister Dixie has 55.3 million. According to Forbes, the sisters have earned over $70 million since 2020 through brand partnerships with major names like Amazon, Prada, and Abercrombie.
However, the future of TikTok in the US is uncertain due to accusations against ByteDance, the company that owns TikTok, regarding its alleged ties to the Chinese government. Despite ByteDance’s denial of these allegations, lawmakers are pushing for a ban, which many influencers fear could threaten their livelihoods.
Marc D’Amelio, the father of Charli and Dixie, expressed his concern about the ban, describing it as “un-American.” He argued that TikTok has played a crucial role in fostering free speech and empowering average American citizens, especially small business owners and creators. In an interview with The Times, he emphasized the importance of the platform for both large influencers and up-and-coming creators. He stated, “It’s so un-American for our government to ban something that has been such an important part of the average American citizen’s life.”
Marc further highlighted the challenges the ban would pose for smaller creators who depend on TikTok for income. He worried that newer creators might not have the same level of business or platform diversification that his family has. Despite the looming threat, Marc reassured that his family’s success won’t be derailed, but he expressed empathy for those whose primary source of income might vanish.
Additionally, Marc questioned the reasoning behind the TikTok ban, pointing out that there is no clear explanation of how data collection by Chinese entities would harm American users. He criticized the selective targeting of TikTok, suggesting that similar scrutiny should be applied to all social media platforms, not just TikTok.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future in the US, Marc remains confident about his daughters’ ability to adapt. “We’ve been on TikTok for almost five years now, starting when it was in its infancy,” Marc explained, highlighting their ability to transition and grow with other platforms as well.
As the debate over TikTok’s potential ban continues, Marc D’Amelio’s concerns about its impact on creators and businesses serve as a reminder of how important social media platforms have become for both personal and professional growth. The D’Amelio family, while facing challenges, remains poised to thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
