Did the US just kill BookTok?

The US's controversial TikTok ban has meant millions of BookTok users fleeing the platform in search of a new home for their enormous community.
Shelves of books, with signs above reading BookTok

Over the weekend, the social media platform TikTok was banned in the US after the Supreme Court unanimously upheld a law passed by Congress. The move could profoundly impact international publishing as the popular BookTok community becomes displaced.

Less than 24 hours after the ban took effect, however, many users were already beginning to restore service. Incoming President Donald Trump promised to delay the ban via executive order within hours of his inauguration. The future of the platform in the US remains in doubt. Trump tried to ban the platform in his first term, and the Supreme Court’s support of the plan may undo his executive order. Many BookTok users have already fled the platform.

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David Burton is a writer from Meanjin, Brisbane. David also works as a playwright, director and author. He is the playwright of over 30 professionally produced plays. He holds a Doctorate in the Creative Industries.