How to Use TikTok After the US Ban Using VPN software

All was going well for the rising social media giant until alleged security threats until political tensions started taking its toll and the US decided to finally ban Tiktok.

With over 800 Million active users worldwide, ByteDance’s Tiktok is the new kid on the block that has been taking over social media. Boasting an average usage time for 52 minutes per day, TikTok is a highly engaging video-sharing platform led by teens.

But why did the US suddenly decide to ban it?

Why is the US banning TikTok?

The Trump administration alleges that there are national security risks involved with data privacy. 

TikTok, like many other social sharing apps, have been rife with security issues. However, many security experts have agreed that there is no proof that TikTok has been sending private information to the Chinese government. This did not stop the Indian government from leading the ban on TikTok and several other Chinese applications after a border clash last July. 

The United States is the most recent retaliate against the Chinese Digital Silk Road. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to ban the app and outlaw access for TikTok’s 100 million users unless TikTok agrees to let an American company run their domestic operations. 

Starting this September 20, the popular video-sharing app will no longer be as available for updates. 

What will happen to TikTok after the US ban?

Millions of creators are scrambling to find a way to keep their app amidst the ban. As a source of livelihood and career for many content creators, many users are still confused as to what will happen to their existing accounts after the ban takes place.

Here is what you should expect:

New users can no longer download the app

Smartphone users who currently do not have the app on their phone will no longer be able to download it. Online application stores such as Apple App Store and Google Play will no longer list TikTok in the United Stated.

Existing users can no longer update their existing app

Current users of the app can no longer expect to get any updates and maintenance, even the ones that can potentially improve the app’s security features. 

The basic TikTok application will run as normal until November 12

While there might be issues that will arise from the lack of updates, the basic app will keep working until November 12.

Can you still use TikTok after the ban takes place?

The simple answer is yes, you can. However, it will not be as straightforward as just opening your application, recording your video, and hoping you go viral. You will need to download a VPN. 

What are the best TikTok VPNs?

1. Nord VPN

Audited by PricewaterhouseCooper, Nord VPN is a leading VPN that focuses on security and anonymity. With around 5,000 servers worldwide, it has a no-logging policy that takes your protection to the next level. 

2. Express VPN

Undeniably one of the best VPNs on the market, it gives you the benefit of the VPN with less effect on the speed. Not only can it support both iOS and Android devices, but it also gives you the option to select one of its 90 countries as a server. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, Express VPN is a good option for first-time VPN users to experience its benefits before committing to a purchase.

3. SurfShark VPN

SurfShark VPN is one of the most affordable VPN options that do the job. With subscriptions that go as low as $2.50 per month, it makes it hard to look away. SurfShark is a go-to VPN option for those that want to access TikTok through a VPN on a budget. It also has a super straightforward user interface that can make it easy to set up on multiple devices.

What are VPNs?

VPNs or Virtual Private Networks allow users to reroute their internet traffic via servers in different countries. They change the IP address of your smartphone, laptop, and even stream devices to make it seem like the origin is from somewhere else.

Commonly used by users to protect their identity when browsing the web, there has been an increasing rise of people who use VPNs to access geo-locked content. Many subscribers to service providers like online streaming giant Netflix use it to access content on the Netflix catalogue that are not available in their region.

VPNs could let TikTok users access content on the platform should the complete ban happen on November 12. If you want to keep watching Charli D'Amelio and Addison Rae do their dances, here are some of the best ones for the job:

4 Steps To Set Up VPN for TikTok

Most VPNs have mobile VPN apps that you can use to set up from your phone. After you have made your choice, it only takes four steps to get TikTok working on your phone.

1. Download the VPN App. 
2. Turn on the VPN. 
3. Select your server location. You can select any country aside from the US and India for TikTok to work.
4. Use the TikTok app.

But what if you were not able to download the app before it gets taken off the App store? Don’t worry. You can still access it through the TikTok Website from your web browser.

Bear in mind that while VPNs are useful alternatives, VPNs are not fool-proof. Should internet service providers be mandated to block VPN traffic using Tiktok, this solution may no longer be as effective. Until the restrictions are final, it is also possible that even VPNs will not be able to help.