Local content creators weigh in on potential TikTok ban

LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)-- TikTok could be banned from the U.S. by the end of the month if it does not separate from its Chinese parent company.

170 million American users would lose access to the app, affecting livelihoods for some creators in Acadiana.

Ashlyn Hanks Watson, of Lafayette, makes her living by creating content on social media to spotlight local businesses in Acadiana, Local Love.

She said her platform has 2 million viewers across all social media sites, with TikTok being the newest addition to her business.

“In the past seven days on Tik Tok, that I just started, we've reached over 800,000 people," Watson said. "And it's incredible to know that our local businesses here in Louisiana are getting that exposure."

That exposure has boosted her business tremendously, earning her 12 thousand followers on TikTok alone in just one month.

"It's just insane because people just love to see our culture, how we live and everything that you can eat here," Watson said. "So, that's what I like to show."

Watson has turned showing off locals into her full-time career. Businesses pay her to visit their locations, create content there and post it on her Local Love pages. The TikTok app also pays her for the views her videos accumulate.

A TikTok ban could mean her personal brand could be impacted, as well as the businesses she advertises.

“I know there is negative sides to TikTok, but let's get those things resolved," Watson said. "So, we can keep doing what we're doing, and not only as a creator make money, but also these local businesses, who this could literally make or break their business.”

She understands firsthand how her videos have helped businesses. Watson said she made an unpaid video about an antique store in Baton Rouge. It reached over 60 thousand views within a few days.

"I got an email from the owner, who was like, 'Hey, you supposedly walked into our store, videoed your experience here and the foot traffic and increased volume of interest has gone through the roof," Watson said.

She said that's her favorite part of showcasing Louisiana locals.

"It is so cool to watch businesses see the fruit of it all," Watson said. "That it pays off, and that their small business in the middle of nowhere can be shown and uncovered, like the hidden gem that they are."

If TikTok goes away, Local Love and other creators are maintaining their other social media platforms. Local Love collaboration requests can be sent here.

"Hopefully their business is one of the ones that blows up," Watson said. "And they get recognized in a viral way."