What will "TheatreTok" do if TikTok is shut down? It Will Be Fine
by Chris Peterson
In case you haven’t been following the news, in just over two weeks, TikTok could become a thing of the past here in the U.S. In April 2024, US Congress passed a bill, which President Joe Biden signed into law, giving ByteDance nine months to find a US-approved buyer or see TikTok shut down across the US.
The possibility of TikTok being shut down in the U.S. stems from ongoing and accurate concerns about data security and its ties to China through parent company ByteDance. Lawmakers worry the app could expose sensitive user data or be used for influence campaigns.
If TikTok were to shut down, the vibrant and creative TheatreTok community—comprising theatre fans, performers, and creators who share content ranging from performance clips to comedic skits and educational videos—would face a significant disruption.
However, such a shut down wouldn’t mark the end of the community; instead, it would likely prompt a migration across other platforms. Here's how the landscape might shift:
Migration to Other Platforms
TheatreTok’s creators and audiences are likely to migrate to alternative platforms that support short-form video content or cater to creative communities. Potential destinations include:
Instagram Reels: With similar video editing features and a built-in audience, Instagram would be a natural home for TheatreTok creators. Many TikTok users already cross-post their content on Reels, so audiences might follow seamlessly.
YouTube Shorts: YouTube’s emphasis on monetization and a massive global user base makes it an appealing alternative. TheatreTok creators might embrace Shorts as a way to reach both casual viewers and dedicated theatre fans.
Return to Long-Form Content
Some creators may return to or expand upon traditional long-form content platforms like YouTube. Channels dedicated to deep dives into musicals, behind-the-scenes content, or theatre education could see a resurgence. This shift might enable more in-depth storytelling and analysis that TikTok’s time limits don’t allow. I would actually welcome this the most.
Enhanced Community Presence on Discord and Reddit
Communities like TheatreTok may strengthen their presence on forums and chat platforms like Discord and Reddit. These platforms are ideal for fostering niche discussions, organizing virtual events, and maintaining fan interaction. Dedicated theatre servers and subreddits could become the go-to spaces for fans to connect and share.
Impact on Grassroots Marketing and Theatre Education
TheatreTok has been instrumental in grassroots marketing, with creators hyping up shows like Hadestown, Six, or Shucked. A TikTok shutdown could reduce the organic buzz that benefits smaller productions and revivals. However, other platforms might fill this gap, especially if theatres and creators proactively pivot their strategies.
Educational content could also find new homes. Theatre educators and professionals may move their tutorials and advice to YouTube or even LinkedIn, depending on their target audiences.
Theatre lovers are known for their creativity and resilience, traits that would drive them to adapt quickly. Whether through reimagining content for other formats or pioneering new ways to connect, the TheatreTok spirit would persist, even if scattered across different platforms.
Ultimately, the closure of TikTok would mark a significant shift, but it would also present opportunities for reinvention. The theatrical community’s innate ability to innovate would ensure that the heart of TheatreTok lives on, regardless of the platform.