10 Best TikTok Alternatives To Check Out in 2025

So 2025 kicked off with a wild week for the internet. 

TikTok was banned in the United States…

And then un-banned by the same people that wanted it banned!

Even for those with attention spans measured in seconds, it’s enough to give you whiplash.

And for businesses, especially small businesses and startups trying to get their social media messaging out there, this is more than a little concerning. 

While we’re relieved, it also feels like putting all your eggs in one basket and hoping for the best. 

So let’s dive into why exploring TikTok alternatives matters and which platforms deserve your attention in 2025.

1. At a Glance: The Best TikTok Alternatives
2. Why Explore TikTok Alternatives?
3. Key Features to Look for in TikTok Alternatives
4. 10 Best TikTok Alternatives in 2025
   1. RedNote
   2. Instagram Reels
   3. YouTube Shorts
   4. Snapchat Spotlight
   5. Triller
   6. Clapper
   7. Likee
   8. Rizzle
   9. Pinterest Idea Pins
   10. Yubo
5. Honorable Mentions and Upcoming Apps to Watch Out For

At a Glance: Best TikTok Alternatives

Here's a detailed comparison of all the best TikTok alternatives at a glance.

Curious to explore the alternatives in detail?

It begins with asking yourself a question...

Why Explore TikTok Alternatives?

TikTok revolutionized short-form content, captivating millions globally with its engaging videos.

But with the recent TikTok ban in the U.S., effective January 19, 2025, content creators and businesses alike are facing a major shift.

This ban raises concerns about audience loss and marketing disruptions.

With draconian censorship laws being passed while the ink is still drying, and misinformation and blatant propaganda running rampant on the platform more than ever before, the future of the youth’s most popular social media site is in question. 

However, change breeds opportunity. With many TikTok alternatives available, businesses and creators can explore new platforms to sustain engagement, expand their reach, and diversify content strategies (like with animation, for example).

Did you know TikTok had over 150 million U.S. users before the ban? That’s a massive gap waiting to be filled by other platforms!

There are many reasons to explore alternatives to TikTok, including:

• Avoid Audience Loss: Transitioning to new platforms ensures you stay connected with your followers. If TikTok goes dark again, your communication with your audience will not be interrupted as easily if they can quickly find you on other platforms.
• Diversify Content Strategies: Even if TikTok sticks around for the future, there’s no need to take the risk anyway. Relying on any single platform is risky—alternatives offer fresh opportunities to engage.
• Tap Into New Demographics: Many TikTok alternatives cater to niche audiences. On one hand, this seems to limit– but on the flip side, this also opens doors for expanded reach to more devoted and enthusiastic audiences. 
• Leverage Monetization Opportunities: Platforms like YouTube Shorts and Snapchat Spotlight offer competitive monetization models in comparison to TikTok. 

Key Features to Look for in TikTok Alternatives

When evaluating TikTok alternatives, prioritize these features:

• Short-Form Video Capabilities: Platforms must support quick, engaging content.
• Engagement Tools: Filters, effects, and collaboration features like duets or stitches are essential. Reaching your audience is great but having them regularly interact with you is even better.
• Creator Monetization: Look for revenue-sharing models or direct payments.
• Audience Demographics: Choose platforms that align with your target audience. Remember that the flip side of niche demographics is that they are also the most enthusiastic and evangelical, a passion which can be harnessed.

10 Best TikTok Alternatives in 2025

So without further ado, and in no particular order, here are the top ten platforms to explore, complete with descriptions, pros, and cons:

1. RedNote 

Let’s start with the obvious. RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu, is a popular social commerce and lifestyle platform that combines short-form video content with e-commerce. Initially launched in China, it has gained sudden traction in the US amidst the TikTok ban.

Pros of RedNote:

• Seamless integration of video content and e-commerce.
• Focused on user-generated content, fostering authenticity.
• Ideal for lifestyle, fashion, and beauty brands.
• The de-facto destination for TikTok refugees in light of the ban.

Cons of RedNote:

• Still growing its user base in the U.S. market.
• Limited focus outside lifestyle and e-commerce niches.
• An uncertain future as it remains to be seen if the influx of new users is permanent.

2. Instagram Reels

A familiar favorite, Meta’s Instagram Reels integrates seamlessly into the Instagram ecosystem, making it easy to engage existing followers. It’s no secret that Reels has been an obvious competitor to TikTok since its very inception.

Pros of Instagram Reels:

• Massive user base (over 2 billion active users).
• Robust analytics for creators and businesses.
• Integration with Instagram Stories and Feeds, as well as Facebook.

Cons of Instagram Reels:

• Saturated content space.
• Requires consistent posting to gain any traction.

3. YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts combines short-form vertical video content with YouTube’s long-form powerhouse, offering unmatched discoverability.

Pros of YouTube Shorts:

• Leverages YouTube’s powerful algorithm for exposure to new audiences.
• Strong monetization options (ads, memberships).
• Popular with animated content in comparison to others on this list.
• Easily attract your audience to more long-form content, unlike most other platforms on this list.
• Long shelf life for content.

Cons of YouTube Shorts:

• Intense competition with established YouTube creators.
• Requires a YouTube channel for full benefits.
• Gaining traction can be a challenge.

4. Snapchat Spotlight

Snapchat Spotlight is ideal for businesses targeting Gen Z and Millennials with creative short videos.

Pros of Snapchat Spotlight:

• Rewards for top-performing creators.
• Access to Snapchat’s lucrative younger demographic.
• Engaging effects and tools.

Cons of Snapchat Spotlight:

• Limited analytics for marketers.
• Less reach compared to Instagram or YouTube.

5. Triller

Known for its music-centric content, Triller appeals to creators in the entertainment industry.

Pros of Triller:

• Collaborative editing tools.
• Focus on music and dance content.
• User-friendly interface.

Cons of Triller:

• Smaller audience compared to TikTok.
• Less emphasis on non-music content.

6. Clapper

Clapper boasts that it focuses on fostering genuine interactions without algorithm interference, making it a great pick for organic growth.

Pros of Clapper:

• Community-driven platform.
• Minimal algorithmic control.
• Ideal for small businesses and creators.

Cons of Clapper:

• Limited reach compared to bigger platforms.
• Basic editing tools.

7. Likee

A rising star, Likee offers creative tools, live-streaming options, and an international audience.

Pros of Likee:

• Advanced visual effects and AR tools.
• Growing global user base.
• Support for live interactions.

Cons of Likee:

• Less popular in the U.S.
• Monetization options are still evolving.

8. Rizzle

Rizzle emphasizes storytelling through its unique video formats and collaboration features.

Pros of Rizzle:

• Focus on narrative-driven content.
• Tools for collaboration and co-creation.

Cons of Rizzle:

• Less mainstream compared to competitors.
• Limited analytics for creators.

9. Pinterest Idea Pins

Pinterest Idea Pins blend short videos with Pinterest’s visual discovery platform, making them ideal for lifestyle brands.

Pros of Pinterest Idea Pins:

• Evergreen content with discovery potential.
• Perfect for DIY, fashion, and home décor niches.

Cons of Pinterest Idea Pins:

• Best suited for specific industries.
• Lacks TikTok’s fast-paced engagement.

10. Yubo

Yubo (formerly Yellow) is a French social networking app developed by TWELVE APP in 2015 with an emphasis on helping its users meet new people and create a sense of community. The app had 60 million users as of 2022. 

Pros of Yubo:

• Wildly popular among kids, teens, and youth
• Strong moderation of user content
• Built-in currency
• A viable alternative to the juggernaut of China-based companies dominating this space

Cons of Yubo:

• Small user base
• High emphasis on live streams over uploaded video content

Honorable Mentions and Upcoming Apps to Watch Out For

Upcoming: Neptune

An app that’s been generating some buzz in insider circles is Neptune, which its creators promise to be a better TikTok. Slated for an April 2025 launch, this remains to be seen.

Honorable Mention: Lemon8

Lemon8 is probably the most TikTok-like app out there without the overtly corporate user-saturated feel of Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts. It’s like a blend of TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest Idea Pins.

And it’s wildly popular, with over 10 million downloads on the Google Play Store alone. 

So what’s the problem? Well, it’s owned by ByteDance, the same company that owns TikTok.

So any US bans on TikTok could affect this platform just the same. Hence, it doesn’t make our list as a viable replacement.

Conclusion

The TikTok ban marks a significant shift in the social media landscape, but it’s also an opportunity to diversify your strategy.

From Instagram Reels to Pinterest Idea Pins, these platforms offer powerful tools to connect with audiences and maintain engagement.

Now’s the time to explore, experiment, and expand your reach with these TikTok alternatives. Ready to transform your social media strategy? Dive in and start creating today!