Creators lobby Washington to keep TikTok in the U.S.Cassie SorensenAs conversations about banning TikTok in the U.S. escalate, the debate has reached a pivotal moment. The U.S. Supreme Court recently reviewed arguments surrounding a law that mandates TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operations by January 19, 2025, or face an outright ban. Speculation swirls about potential buyers, including high-profile names like Elon Musk. While this law underscores national security concerns, its repercussions go far beyond policy discussions, potentially disrupting the livelihoods of millions of creators, small businesses, and the 170 million monthly active users in the U.S. who rely on TikTok as an indispensable tool for connection, creativity, and income.Yet, behind the headlines are real people whose livelihoods are deeply intertwined with the platform. One of those individuals is Cassie Sorensen, a stay-at-home mom who turned her creativity into a lucrative income stream. For creators like Cassie, losing TikTok isnt just about switching platformsits about losing a cornerstone of her livelihood and identity.Cassies Success StoryCassie Sorensens journey began modestly. She initially used TikTok to promote her small business, TasselAmor, sharing relatable and authentic content that resonated with her audience. Over time, she transitioned to posting advice for fellow small business owners to grow via social media. Most recently, Cassie has focused more on TikToks Creative Challenge Program (TTCC), a user-generated content platform where creators work with brands to produce sponsored videos that are posted on the brands social media accounts.Last year Cassie earned $150,000 by producing ads on TikTok for brands like IKEA, Walmart, Microsoft, Este Lauder, Crocs, Stanley, and TurboTax. She completes around 20 brand deals per month through TTCC, making her income not just significant but also consistent: It would be devastating, she said about the potential TikTok ban. Im a stay-at-home mom, and this platform has allowed me to provide for my family in ways I never thought possible.Beyond Monetization: TikTok as a ResourceFor Cassie (@smallbizcassie, 198K followers), TikTok is more than just a source of income. I go to TikTok to be entertained and educated, she explained. From trip recommendations for her familys vacation in London to insights into everyday life, TikTok has become an integral part of her daily routine. The platforms unique algorithm and community have allowed her to connect with people and brands she might never have reached otherwise.MORE FOR YOUThe Challenges of DiversificationCritics often suggest creators simply move to another platform, but as Cassie points out, its not that simple. Building an audience on TikTok since 2021 has required years of effort and consistency. Transitioning to platforms like YouTube comes with challenges, from mastering a different algorithm to creating content tailored for another audience and platform. Creators must also contend with lower engagement rates on unfamiliar platforms, a lack of immediate monetization tools, and the difficulty of replicating TikToks unique community-driven discovery features. For many, the emotional toll of starting overrebuilding trust, audience loyalty, and momentumadds another layer of complexity.If TikTok were banned, my next step would be to focus more on YouTube, both on shorts and long-form videos, Cassie shared. Shes already experimenting with evergreen content, noting that her five-minute video has generated promising viewership. But even as she diversifies, the uncertainty looms large. Its really hard when the platform doesnt pick up your video for some reason, she added. Algorithms on platforms like YouTube and Instagram can feel unpredictable, making success feel more like a gamble than a guarantee.Sorensen and creators in Washington D.C. in 2024 Cassie SorensenAdvocacy in ActionCassie is not just passively watching these debates unfold. In March 2024, she traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with representatives and advocate for the platform that has transformed her life. Her trip underscores the broader implications of a potential bannot just for creators but also for small businesses, educators, and everyday users who rely on the app for discovery, learning, and connection.The Broader Implications for the TikTok BanCassies story of building a livelihood on TikTok is one of thousands. TikTok has democratized content creation and monetization, allowing creators from diverse backgrounds to thrive. A ban would disproportionately impact micro creators who have invested in the platform for years, as opposed to larger creators who have had the means to build out a diversified following and business across multiple social media platforms.As the future of TikTok hangs in the balance, Cassies journey serves as a powerful reminder: behind every viral video or sponsored post is a real person, building a life on the opportunities the platform provides. The stakes of a TikTok ban extend far beyond the app itselfthey reach into the homes, dreams, and futures of countless creators like Cassie.AcknowledgmentsA special thanks to Jean Luo and Cassie Sorensen for their insights and contributions to this discussion.Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn. Check out my website.