The popular video editing app CapCut has officially been banned in the United States as of January 19, 2025. This ban coincides with the shutdown of TikTok and Lemon8, both owned by ByteDance, due to national security concerns surrounding their Chinese ownership. A law enacted last year required ByteDance to divest its ownership of TikTok by January 19, 2025. Failure to comply would result in the app being removed from U.S. app stores. Since ByteDance did not sell TikTok, the ban took effect, leading to CapCut’s suspension as well. Users attempting to access CapCut are greeted with a notification stating that the app is unavailable due to the new law. So what does this mean for you as a creator? It means you need to diversify! Here are other platforms you might want to consider moving your online presence to: 👉 INSTAGRAM Instagram is currently testing a beta version of its in-app checkout feature, which allows users to purchase products directly without leaving the app. Here are the key aspects of this feature: - Functionality: The "Checkout on Instagram" button will appear on shoppable posts from participating brands. Users can browse product options, such as sizes and colors, and complete their purchases within the app. This eliminates the need to redirect to external websites. - User Experience: Once users select a product, they can enter their shipping and billing information, which Instagram securely stores for future purchases. Notifications regarding order tracking and delivery will also be provided through the app. - Current Participants: Over 20 major brands, including Adidas, Nike, H&M, Uniqlo, and Zara, are involved in this closed beta testing phase. This collaboration aims to enhance the shopping experience on Instagram and drive traffic for these businesses 👉 FLIP Flip is emerging as a notable competitor in the social commerce space, particularly in light of the potential TikTok ban. Here are the key features and aspects of Flip:

The School of Hardknocks has been making waves in the business and online community space, and their growth on Skool is nothing short of remarkable. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to level up or someone passionate about creating your own community, here’s a closer look at their journey and how Skool can be a game-changer for you. What Is the School of Hardknocks? The School of Hardknocks is a vibrant learning community designed to equip its members with practical skills, business acumen, and personal growth strategies. It’s not just about theory—it’s about applying real-world knowledge to overcome challenges and thrive in competitive environments. From leadership development to mindset shifts, the group provides resources that empower individuals and businesses alike. Empowering the Business Community The School of Hardknocks is much more than an online group. It’s a hub for innovation and collaboration in the business world. Here’s how they’re making an impact: - 🌐 Business Strategy Development: Members gain access to cutting-edge strategies for scaling operations, improving efficiency, and maximizing revenue. - 📚 Networking Opportunities: By connecting professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, the community fosters valuable partnerships and collaboration. - 💼 Practical Workshops: Topics like financial literacy, marketing, and team management prepare businesses to adapt to market trends and overcome obstacles. - 🔧 Mentorship: Seasoned experts and guest speakers offer guidance, helping members avoid pitfalls and fast-track their success. With these offerings, the School of Hardknocks has become a trusted resource for business owners aiming to stay ahead in a competitive landscape. The Skool Platform: A Key to Growth The School of Hardknocks has flourished on Skool, a powerful platform tailored for community building and online education. Skool’s intuitive design and robust features make it a perfect fit for growing engaged communities. Here’s what Skool brings to the table:

Michele O'Neil is the founder of the Digital Growth Community, a community on Skool designed to help individuals build a sustainable online income through digital marketing strategies. Michele is known on Skool for having one of the most active communities, and is the queen of ranking on the skool discovery page! Recently, she opted in to compete in The New Skool Games and to no surprise she is in first place in the business category. So how has this Mom of 6 built her communities to so engaged and generate more than 21 thousand in just 12 days? The community is hosted on Skool, featuring both free and paid membership options. The free Skool community has around 6.8K members, while the paid version boasts approximately 259 members (this is growing every hour!) The primary goal is to assist members in developing a daily-paying customer base through various digital channels, including email marketing and social media Members have access to multiple resources, including: - Courses on building effective email lists and brand identity. - The 90-Day Ramp Up Challenge aimed at fostering a CEO mindset. - Monthly Zoom meet-ups and webinars covering diverse topics from mindset to practical strategies for platforms like TikTok and Facebook. Joining the Digital Growth Community requires an initial investment in a digital product, ranging from $50 to $600, plus a monthly membership fee of $47 or an annual fee of $423. Michele has been on Skool for quite some time, but never showed the try power of her community until this year. The Skool Games recently changed their competition: The Games now run for 3 months. I think this fits well into the brand that Michelle has built, because prior to this year she never sold anything on Skool Directly.

TikTok has officially been removed for many American's. You can no longer access the App as a U.S. Citizen. The situation surrounding the TikTok ban in the United States has escalated significantly, with the Supreme Court recently ruling that a ban on the app can take effect as early as Sunday, January 19, 2025. This ruling follows a legal challenge from TikTok's owners, who argued that the ban infringes on First Amendment rights, a claim that the court dismissed without dissenting opinions. As of January 18, 2025, TikTok has begun to restrict access to its platform in anticipation of the ban. Users across the U.S. reported being unable to access the app and receiving notifications about the impending prohibition Additionally, TikTok has been removed from app stores, making it impossible for new users to download it. So what does this mean for the many content creators that have lost their income and livelihoods from TikTok Shop, Brand Partnerships and Content Generating Cashflows? It means you need to diversify. Below I have listed options that you might want to consider diversifying to as a Paid Content Creator: 👉 INSTAGRAM Instagram is currently testing a beta version of its in-app checkout feature, which allows users to purchase products directly without leaving the app. Here are the key aspects of this feature: - Functionality: The "Checkout on Instagram" button will appear on shoppable posts from participating brands. Users can browse product options, such as sizes and colors, and complete their purchases within the app. This eliminates the need to redirect to external websites. - User Experience: Once users select a product, they can enter their shipping and billing information, which Instagram securely stores for future purchases. Notifications regarding order tracking and delivery will also be provided through the app. - Current Participants: Over 20 major brands, including Adidas, Nike, H&M, Uniqlo, and Zara, are involved in this closed beta testing phase. This collaboration aims to enhance the shopping experience on Instagram and drive traffic for these businesses

Skool is an all-in-one platform designed to help creators build and manage online communities, offering tools for course creation, interactive discussions, and event scheduling. With its straightforward pricing of $99 per month per group, Skool provides a comprehensive solution for fostering engaged learning environments. Get Access to the full suite of Skool's functionalities without any hidden costs. 1. Unlimited Courses 2. Unlimited Members 3. Low Transactions Fees 4. Skool Community Access 5. The Skool Games Access (with Alex Hormozi) Considering the features and the flat-rate pricing, Skool offers substantial value, especially for creators focused on building engaged communities. The ability to host unlimited courses and members without additional costs makes it a cost-effective choice. However, if your needs include features like built-in quizzes, assignments, or native video hosting, you might need to integrate external tools, which could affect overall costs. Skool offers a competitive 2.9% fee on transactions, which is lower than many other platforms. Key Features of Skool: 1. Community Building 2. Course Management 3. Event Scheduling 4. Alex Hormozi Training Find more features HERE Skool's straightforward pricing and comprehensive feature set make it an attractive option for creators aiming to build and monetize engaged online communities. The 14-day free trial offers a risk-free opportunity to assess its suitability for your specific needs. Start your 14-day Free Trial Today!