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Hey Reader,
While I was in Japan this past week, the news has been dominated by TikTok.
Due to the timing of this newsletter, we now know that TikTok has been officially banned in the United States, and it is not appearing in the app store anymore. If you have the TikTok app you can still view your content and feed, but you cannot post or see any new content.
Something I did not know is that CapCut, which is also owned by TikTok's owner, ByteDance, is in the same predicament and is no longer accessible.
Donald Trump will be inaugurated tomorrow and has promised to sign an executive order to extend the ban temporarily for 90 days.
With rumors swirling around various billionaires and companies stepping up with new proposals to save TikTok, I honestly believe that a deal will be made within the next 90 days and TikTok will become an American app in the United States.
Of course, we have seen many social networking apps, such as Google Plus, Stumbleupon, MySpace, Ello, Tsu et. al. come and go. Google Plus was the biggest of these apps to pull the plug, but all of these existed before the emergence of the creator economy and a new generation of small businesses and entrepreneurs (not to mention authors!) who are dependent on TikTok in a deeper way than any of us were with those earlier apps.
Time will tell, but regardless of what happens to TikTok, it is another reminder that you need to build a presence that isn't solely reliant on borrowed land that is social media. The need for a website with a robust and authoritative library of content combined with a strong email list and marketing automation is as important as ever. Those of you who have read Digital Threads know exactly what I am talking about!
Now on to this week's news!
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This Week's Video
 Work Smarter: How Play And Purpose Drive Marketing Success With Minter Dial
“If you want to create meaningful marketing, engage your employees first. Purpose begins on the inside and radiates out.”
In my latest livestream episode of the Your Digital Marketing Coach podcast, I sit down with the incredible Minter Dial to dive into purposeful marketing, employee engagement, and how "play" can transform the workplace. From the challenges of mental health in business to the critical role of self-awareness in leadership, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.
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This Week's Top Articles
NEWS
TikTok Says It Will Go Offline On Sunday If Biden Doesn’t Intervene
TikTok has announced it will go offline on Sunday, January 19th, unless the Biden administration guarantees its service providers—like Apple, Google, Amazon, and Oracle—won’t face penalties under the recently upheld ban. The Supreme Court ruling requires TikTok’s Chinese parent, ByteDance, to divest its U.S. stake. With Biden deferring action to incoming President Trump, TikTok’s future now hinges on last-minute intervention—or a dramatic shutdown impacting over 170 million U.S. users.
Perplexity AI Submits Bid To Merge With TikTok
With a TikTok ban looming in the U.S., AI search engine company Perplexity AI has reportedly made a bold move to merge with TikTok’s U.S. operations. The proposed deal would form a new entity combining Perplexity, TikTok US, and new equity partners while allowing ByteDance investors to retain their stakes. If successful, Perplexity could expand its AI platform with more video content. With TikTok’s future uncertain, this merger could reshape both platforms’ trajectories.
Instagram Swoops In With 3-Minute Reels And Rectangular Profile Grids As The TikTok Ban Gets Real
As TikTok faces a potential U.S. ban, Instagram is making big changes to position itself as the go-to alternative. Reels can now be up to three minutes long, and profiles are shifting from square grids to a more TikTok-like rectangular layout. Instagram has also added a feed showing Reels your friends have liked, sparking debates over privacy. With these updates, Instagram is clearly vying to capture TikTok’s audience if the ban becomes reality.
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Featured Tool Of The Week
Aware is an all-in-one LinkedIn profile growth and management tool: commenting, AI, custom feeds, content planning, post scheduling, analytics, repurposing, and CRM integration.
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More Top Articles For The Week
SEO ADVICE
AI Overviews: Are They Affecting Your Search Results?
AI Overviews are reshaping search results, with a heavy focus on informational queries and top-of-funnel content. Moz’s analysis of 46,000 keywords reveals these features often overlap with SERP elements like featured snippets, taking up prime space and altering click dynamics. While links in AI Overviews may favor lower-domain-authority sites, appearing there increasingly aligns with standard SEO strategies. For businesses, this means rethinking content goals and optimizing for top-of-funnel impact. Dive in to refine your strategy!
How To Find Competitors’ Backlinks: 5 Proven Methods That Actually Work
Want to unlock the secret to outranking competitors? Backlinks are key, and knowing how to analyze your competitors’ strategies is a game-changer. My guide shares five advanced tools for finding competitor backlinks, uncovering untapped opportunities, and prioritizing high-value link-building efforts. With actionable insights and proven strategies, you’ll learn how to turn raw data into SEO success. Ready to elevate your link-building game? Click through to dive in!
SOCIAL ADVICE
6 TikTok Creators On Where They’ll Go If The App Is Banned
As TikTok faces a possible U.S. ban, creators are scrambling to adapt. Some are migrating to platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and emerging options like Bluesky, but many express concerns about algorithmic biases and reduced visibility for smaller creators. For businesses and creators alike, TikTok’s unique community and discovery features are hard to replicate. This uncertain moment highlights the fragility of digital ecosystems and the challenges of rebuilding connections elsewhere.
Marketing To Social Media Users In 2025: Here’s What The Numbers Say
Social media marketing in 2025 is all about authenticity, depth, and understanding your audience. Consumers want brands to feel human and reflect their values rather than just chasing viral trends—especially as 33% find trend-jumping “embarrassing.” With Gen Z leading social commerce, marketers must prioritize meaningful, relatable content over performative tactics. Add the uncertainties of a TikTok ban and shifting moderation policies, and the focus on transparency and combating misinformation has never been more critical.
AI ADVICE
The Power Of Personalized AI
AI is revolutionizing how we work, learn, and connect, and OpenAI is leading the charge with tools like ChatGPT. This week, new customization features let you tailor your AI to suit your style—whether you need a witty partner, a research assistant, or a supportive guide. Pairing personalization with transparency, OpenAI ensures users have control and clarity. Explore how AI can be your rocket ship for creativity and productivity—your way!
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Warm regards,
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Fractional CMO / Author / Speaker / Educator
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