How the TikTok Outage in the U.S. Accelerated the Migration to New Social Networks

The TikTok outage in the United States left 170 million users without access for several hours. This event not only affected users but also highlighted concerns about the security and privacy of social media apps, especially those of Chinese origin.

The TikTok Outage and the Rise of Alternatives

According to data from Cloudflare, after the outage that occurred at 03:30 UTC on January 18, 2025, TikTok and its associated apps saw traffic drop by up to 85%. This event also led alternative platforms, such as RedNote, to receive more users, positioning them as a popular option.

The impact was more severe in the United States, where traffic to ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, dropped by 95% after the outage. This not only affected TikTok but also other platforms such as the video editor CapCut. Interestingly, while visits to TikTok were declining, alternative apps began to see an increase in traffic, revealing that many users migrated to other social networks.

In the United States, traffic to alternatives grew by 116% on January 15, with figures continuing to rise in the following days. This increase extended to other countries, with a 500% growth in Mexico on January 18 and significant increases in Canada, the UK, Germany, and France.

Concerns About Security and Privacy

The outage also reignited discussions about the security and privacy of social media platforms, particularly those of Chinese origin. Although TikTok has taken steps to be more transparent, the alternative apps gaining popularity do not always offer the same level of protection, which poses risks to users.

Senator Mark Warner from the United States expressed concern upon seeing users flocking to foreign-owned platforms. On his Bluesky account, he commented, “I’m concerned that Americans are flocking to a series of social media platforms owned by adversaries. We need an approach to assess and mitigate the risks of these apps.”

A Blackout with Strategic Intentions

The TikTok outage was not just a technical glitch. According to Forbes, it could have been part of ByteDance’s strategy to buy time while seeking a partner or buyer in the United States who meets the U.S. government’s requirements. Although this outage was brief, it raises the question of whether it was a way to accelerate the migration of users to new platforms, changing the social media landscape.

The Lack of Transparency in Alternatives

Although platforms like RedNote are gaining ground, Forbes highlights that many of these apps lack the transparency and security that TikTok had implemented, making them a potential threat for users looking for an alternative.

Lessons for the Future of TikTok and Social Media

Although the outage was temporary, its effects could last. While it is unlikely to happen again, this event served as a warning about the risks of using apps without proper oversight. Experts advise users to be cautious when installing new social media apps, paying attention to the permissions they grant and the privacy policies of each platform.

The future of TikTok is uncertain, but this outage reminds us of the importance of prioritizing security and privacy when using digital platforms.