Waco, TX (FOX 44) — The U.S. government is planning to shut down the popular social media app, TikTok, this Sunday.
This move comes after growing concerns over user data privacy and the app’s links to the Chinese government. For millions of users, this means no more scrolling through funny videos or viral trends on TikTok.
The ban will have a significant impact on many small businesses, including local ones that rely on TikTok for promotion.
One such business is Bru, a coffee shop in Waco, Texas. Bru had been using TikTok to boost its popularity, and the app helped them connect with new customers, especially college students.
It all started when an employee named Ellie Sheesley posted a video on TikTok showing how she made a mocha in a way that was a little different from the usual.
Sheesley had no idea that the video would become so popular. But when it went viral and got more than a million views, Bru’s social media presence took off.
The coffee shop gained over 500 new followers on TikTok, and people started visiting from other places, including Houston.
“It was amazing to see how the video brought in so many new customers. Some girls came in and said, ‘Oh, we saw your video on TikTok!’ It was awesome,” said Ellie Sheesley, Bru’s Social Media Creator and Employee.
Her TikTok page, BruWaco, was specifically made to connect with the younger crowd at Baylor University, hoping to attract college students and encourage them to check out the shop.
Unfortunately, the news of the TikTok ban has left many local businesses like Bru concerned about how they will reach their audience without the app.
Social media platforms, especially TikTok, have become essential for small businesses to gain exposure and engage with their customers.
Bru’s viral video is just one example of how a small social media post can change the game for local businesses.
While the government plans to shut down TikTok, there have been attempts by some high-profile figures to prevent it.
Social media influencers, including Mr. Beast, have tweeted on X, expressing their willingness to buy TikTok to keep it running. But, it remains to be seen if these efforts will be enough to stop the ban.
For businesses that rely on TikTok for growth, the shutdown would be a significant loss. They will have to find other ways to connect with their customers and stay visible online.
However, with the right strategies, many of them will likely bounce back and find new ways to use social media for growth, even without TikTok.
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Archer Bannister is a journalist with 4 years of experience covering hard-hitting stories. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Archer specializes in delivering timely and in-depth updates on a variety of topics, including crime news, politics, and national issues affecting the USA. His expertise and dedication to delivering accurate, impactful news make him a trusted voice for audiences seeking to stay informed on critical topics.
