Canadian TikTok creators are grappling with the fallout of the federal government’s decision to shut down TikTok’s corporate offices in Toronto and Vancouver due to national security concerns.
The app, owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, remains accessible to Canadian users, but fears of a complete ban loom large, raising questions about the future of content creation in the country.
Toronto-raised, Los Angeles-based content creator Naomi Leanage expressed her disappointment upon learning about the closures via a social media post from a TikTok employee. “I was honestly shocked and disappointed. It’s not just this online platform in the abyss, it’s real people who care about your career,” Leanage said.
Like their counterparts in the U.S., Canadian officials have cited fears that TikTok could share user data with the Chinese government or be used for foreign interference. TikTok has denied these claims, stating it does not share data with China.
ByteDance has emphasised that TikTok’s headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, with additional regional offices worldwide. The company intends to challenge the office closures in court, citing the impact on Canadian employees.
For creators like Leanage, who worked closely with TikTok’s Canadian offices, the closures signal the loss of valuable corporate support that helped connect them with brands and opportunities. While much of her income comes from external brand deals, she acknowledged concerns about what the closures might signify. “I feel like this might be a bit of a slippery slope,” she said, referencing fears of an eventual app ban.
Other creators are more directly impacted. Toronto-based content creator Mark Gaetano, whose livelihood relies heavily on TikTok, described the news as unsettling. “If the government has that much authority to shut something down so quickly, it could mean that they’ll just shut down the app entirely,” he said.
A potential ban would force him to pivot to other platforms, an uncertain prospect for creators whose success depends on specific audience dynamics.
The closures also highlight challenges for Canadian creators facing limited monetisation opportunities. Compared to their U.S., U.K., or French counterparts, Canadian TikTok creators need access to the Creator Fund, which enables users with significant followings to monetise their content directly.
Experts have noted the broader implications of the shutdown for Canada’s creator economy. Lia Haberman, a creator economy expert, described the closures as a “big gap” for Canadian creators, who lose valuable advocacy and support. “It’s a loss for Canadian content creators because they’ve lost their in-person support, their advocates, the people that provide them information,” she said.
Jess Hunichen, co-founder of Shine Talent Group, emphasised that TikTok’s local presence was critical for understanding Canada’s unique consumer market, which often differs from the U.S. She noted the absence of local support could hinder Canadian creators’ ability to grow their platforms and connect with relevant brands.
As creators evaluate their options, platforms like YouTube may benefit. Haberman noted that YouTube, a dominant platform for creator content, could become the preferred alternative if creators seek more excellent stability. Instagram remains a viable option, but creators need help translating their audiences to new platforms.
While TikTok continues to defend its presence in Canada, the federal government’s actions have left creators and industry experts questioning the app’s long-term viability in the country. Canadian TikTok creators are now bracing for more potential disruptions as the platform’s future hangs in the balance.
