TikTok has resumed service Sunday after going offline for several hours. Those visiting the application late January 18 were met with a message titled “Important update from TikTok. In it the app’s parent company, ByteDance, explained that U.S. law banning the app was set to go into effect January 19. The message read, “We’re working to restore our service in the U.S. as soon as possible.” The message was met with devastation online by those who love and regularly use TikTok. In 2024, the Columbia Journalism Review reported that 150 million Americans use the app. The short-form video app has also featured and helped nurture several Black women content creators. The women span across all age groups and align with various topics. 

Why Was TikTok Banned?

TikTok was banned because the government claims it poses a national security threat. ByteDance is a Beijing-based internet company, and the U.S. is concerned the company may share user data with the Chinese government. Some lawmakers have asked for an extension on the ban. But Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upheld the ban. While the ban has now been lifted, there is still some ambiguity around the app’s future. As we wait to hear what the true future is for TikTok, let’s do a rewind of the Black women content creators we’ve grown to love to see on our for you page.

Monet Mcmichael

Monet Mcmichael is one of the biggest beauty influencers on the internet, but she didn’t start out that way. In 2021, Mcmichael was posting TikToks about her beauty and fashion interest while pursuing a nursing degree at Rutgers University. Since going viral on the app, the young woman now pursues content creation full-time. Mcmichael has over 1 million followers on Instagram and close to 4 million followers on TikTok. At just 24 years old, the content creator has collaborated with Snif, L’Oréal, and Charlotte Tilbury. In 2024, she also made the Forbes 30-Under-30 Social Media list. 

Where else to follow Mcmichael: Instagram, YouTube

Tareasa Johnson

Tareasa Johnson aka Reesa Teesa, is an internet personality that became viral in a matter of days. Back in 2024, Johnson posted a series of TikTok videos titled “Who TF Did I Marry?” The multipart post explained her relationship with her ex-husband, including how they met and how he allegedly deceived her. It was relatable, surprising and widely entertaining, like watching a movie. The 50 part TikTok series now has over 300 million views, and Johnson signed to Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in 2024. 

Where else to follow Johnson: Instagram

Tabitha Brown

Photo credit: Marla Aufmuth/Getty Images for Pennsylvania Conference for Women

Tabitha Brown is the Black community’s wholesome internet auntie. Brown was mainly discovered through her vegan recipe videos on TikTok in 2020. With her humor and soothing tone of voice, the content creator quickly became a hit. She’s known for her catchphrases “Like so, like that” and “that’s my business.” Brown has since shined a light on Black veganism and collaborated with multiple food and retail brands. One of her most impressive achievements is her ongoing collaboration with Target, which includes her own vegan food line. In 2021, Brown launched her haircare line “Donna,” which is available at Ulta and Target.

Where else to follow Brown: Instagram, YouTube

Clarke Peoples

Clarke Peoples is the internet’s helmed “Corporate Baddie.” Peoples started posting TikTok’s in 2021, while she was a student at Columbia University and an intern at David Yurman’s legal department. Her videos included a span of topics, like financial advice, a day in the life videos, GRWM’s and her intimate dating diaries. Now, Peoples is a full-time content creator with over 130,000 followers on Instagram.

Where else to follow Peoples: Instagram, YouTube

Jalaiah Harmon 

Jalaiah Harmon was one of the first Black woman creators to go viral on TikTok. She also led the TikTok music charts pipeline. In 2019, Harmon posted a fun dance video to K’Camp’s song “Lottery.” Not only was her dance recreated by millions on the platform and beyond, but Camp’s song got widely popular as a result. In 2020, Camp did the “Renegade” dance with Harmon by his side. That same year, Harmon performed the dance at the 2020 NBA All-Star Game. Camp also rightfully credited Harmon as the creator and originator of the TikTok dance challenge. 


Where else to follow Harmon’s: Instagram