Why Triller and Snapchat can’t beat TikTok (unless Trump actually bans it)

The Trump administration’s possible ban on TikTok in the U.S. could prove to be a golden opportunity for the viral video app’s competitors. 

This past weekend, President Trump announced that his administration was going to ban TikTok due to national security risks related to its Chinese-parent company, ByteDance. If the proposed ban moves forward, its users will undoubtedly defect, and look for a new but similar app to create and post social content. However, it’s going to be very hard for those competitors to recreate the cultural phenomenon that is TikTok. After all, it’s not just a social media platform — it’s a discovery tool; it’s a community; it can ruin the President of the United States’ rally attendance. 

Some users have already flocked to competitors’ apps upon hearing the news. One of those apps that’s gaining a lot of attention now is Triller.

Can Triller replace TikTok?

Early last month, shortly after India banned TikTok for similar China-related security issues, Triller boasted about having 50 million monthly active users. Sure, that’s still tiny compared to TikTok’s 800 million monthly active users, but Triller is definitely growing. The app suddenly of Apple’s App Store charts over the weekend. On the day Trump announced the ban, Triller app downloads hit nearly 62,000 in the U.S. alone. 

Much like TikTok, Triller has a focus on short-form music video creation. It even has from some major music stars like Snoop Dogg and Lil Wayne. As of now, it seems Triller may become the main alternative choice for TikTok users.

However, TikTok has one important feature