TikTok Alternative Apps Surge Amid Possible US Ban

Posted: July 11, 2024

With the U.S. government’s looming threat to ban TikTok, alternative video-sharing apps have experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity. According to data from Sensor Tower, apps such as Triller, Dubsmash, Byte, and Zynn saw a staggering 361% increase in downloads during the week of July 27, compared to the previous week.

ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has been actively trying to circumvent a U.S. ban, prompting users to explore other video-sharing platforms. Despite TikTok’s global success with over 2.3 billion installations, its download numbers have been declining recently, exacerbated by its ban in India and potential removal from U.S. app stores.

In July alone, TikTok recorded 65.3 million installs worldwide, a notable 25% drop from the 87 million installs in June. In the U.S., TikTok’s installs dipped by 16% to 6.3 million in July. Nevertheless, TikTok has amassed a substantial 190 million downloads in the U.S., constituting approximately 8% of its global installs.

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future, its competitors have seized the opportunity. During the pivotal week of July 27, Triller, Byte, Zynn, and Dubsmash collectively garnered nearly 1.5 million downloads, marking a remarkable 361% surge from the preceding week.

Triller and Byte emerged as frontrunners in this surge, with Triller witnessing a phenomenal 1,227% increase in downloads, propelling it to the top of the charts as the most downloaded free iPhone app in 50 markets, including the United States, by August 1. Byte also experienced a significant boost, with a 418% rise in installs, following initial speculation of TikTok’s potential ban earlier in July.

Zynn, which had briefly disappeared from U.S. app stores in June only to return on July 21, saw a notable 93% surge in downloads during the week of July 27. Meanwhile, Dubsmash, with a more modest 69% increase, maintains its position with the highest cumulative downloads among TikTok’s rivals in the U.S., boasting an estimated 41.6 million installs.

Newer entries into the market, such as Clash and Tsu, have also entered the fray. Clash debuted in beta on July 24, while Tsu remains accessible through invite-only access. Their potential impact on TikTok’s user base remains uncertain, especially given the established presence of competitors like Triller and Dubsmash.

The situation in the United States mirrors the aftermath of TikTok’s ban in India, where alternative platforms like Roposo, Zili, and Dubsmash experienced a 106% spike in downloads immediately post-ban, followed by a sustained increase of 155% in subsequent weeks.

As ByteDance navigates the complexities of its U.S. challenges, competitors are presented with ample opportunities to expand their user bases. However, in a crowded market, app developers must refine their strategies to attract and retain user attention effectively. The landscape for the best TikTok alternative apps in 2024 continues to evolve rapidly, shaped by regulatory uncertainties and the competitive strategies of emerging and established platforms alike.