5 Apps That Will Raise the Roof at Your Next Party

TikTok is a central avenue for small businesses to promote their products and services, with special thanks to its algorithm, says Johannes Larsson, Founder and CEO at Financer.com.

“The platform's unique algorithm, which prioritizes content discovery and virality, has enabled many small businesses to reach and connect with potential customers in a way that wasn't possible through traditional social media platforms,” says Larsson. “Since its growth has been exponential throughout the years as a key marketing channel, the ban triggered the markets for sure.”

TikTok also masters the art of connection. Your For You Page knows exactly what you like to see. This gives small businesses the ability to get closer to their audience and reach more success that way, says saysLynzee Krohne, Founder of branding agency LEO + LAINE.

"On TikTok, brands have the freedom and space to be more casual and less branded," Krohne said. "Because of the nature of TikTok, it allows brands to let their guard down a bit and create content that may be a little more rough around the edges—which helps them appear to be much more authentic to their audience."

Jessica Tran, founder of @jtmobiledetailing, says 60% of customers choose her car detailing shop because they saw it on TikTok. Jaz and Sam Sears, owners and operators of@aztaco.king, grew their business from a food cart in a parking lot to two restaurants in less than 6 months, due to their success on the app. Megan Gersch, a web designer and brand identity creator, says around half of her client base comes from TikTok, which often turn into 4 to 5-figure contracts.

This positive growth for small biz is commonly attributed to the app’s distinctive features that connect creators with consumers, such as live video streaming, a virality-driven algorithm, and the ability for users to personalize their daily feeds.

In its absence, small business TikTokers would have no choice but to adapt and pivot their marketing strategies, which is not always easy when they’re doing it DIY-style, says Larsson.

“While small businesses may be able to find success on other social media channels, the competition for visibility and engagement is often more intense [than on TikTok], making it harder for them to stand out. The time and effort required to establish a new presence and create content tailored to the specific characteristics of other platforms could be a significant burden on small business owners.”

Small businesses pivoting to other platforms might face different struggles for exposure, due to consumers being very platform-specific, according to Krohne.

"If [TikTok] brands begin to focus their content efforts on Instagram, they’re up against multiple types of content, and competing in a more content-saturated world," Krohne told us. "TikTok mostly has one content offering, and that’s why it’s insanely popular. There’s a difference between platforms. Brands must diversify their content and show up in other places to keep a steady stream of touchpoints to remain top of mind and memorable."

Though Gersch is no stranger to restrategizing, a potential TikTok ban would still impact her business as a web designer and brand creator.

“I've been a marketer for 16+ years, and one thing that I have learned along the way is that you need to constantly test, look at your analytics, and create where the attention is,” says Gersch. “If TikTok goes away, there will be a huge gap in the market that will need to be filled.”

TikTok recognizes the work that small business owners take on in order to find success, which is why the platform has committed $1 million each to the Hispanic Heritage Foundation to elevate entrepreneurship in the Latin community, and Black Girl Ventures to support Black and Brown women entrepreneurs.

“Five million US businesses turn to TikTok to take us inside their world in a fun, authentic way, and as a result, they are reaching new customers, hiring more employees and growing their business,” says Becca Sawyer, Global Head of SMB for TikTok. “By partnering with HHF and BGV and launching virtual workshops, we're strengthening our commitment to build an inclusive and supportive platform where small business owners and entrepreneurs can share their story, find their audience and drive real business results."

We can’t make a solid prediction for the destiny of the beloved app for now, but we do know that it’ll be dearly missed by small businesses and consumers alike if bans (at any capacity) go through.

“I don't want Tiktok to be banned - not only is it an integral part of my business, but I have also been able to connect with so many incredible people that I wouldn't have met otherwise,” says Gersch. “It's my go-to source for inspiration, learning, and even a good laugh.”

1. William H. Macy

You may best know William H. Macy as drunken patriarch Frank Gallagher on Shameless or as the surprising voice of the narrator in Curious George. These two wildly different roles just go to show how diverse his talent is.

Still, you might not remember how William even made an early appearance on Law & Order in the very first episode of the series, playing Assistant US Attorney John McCormack in the pilot.

While this debut wasn't particularly memorable, he did get a second shot at redemption in Season 2. That time around, he played Jack Powell, the director of a teen shelter suspected of abuse.

2. Amanda Seyfried

Everyone knows Amanda Seyfried for her breakout role as ditzy Karen Smith in Mean Girls. More recently, you might've seen her viral rendition of "California" by Joni Mitchell on The Tonight Show going viral across social media platforms.

However, she also appeared in a Law & Order: Special Victims Unit episode and played Tandi McCain, a teen girl who was found beaten and duct-taped under a bench in a new dormitory. This impactful performance couldn't have been a wider divergence from her Mean Girls character.

3. Stephen Colbert

Before Stephen Colbert became known for his sharp political commentary (and endless impersonations of Donald Trump), he also started off as an actor just trying to make it in Hollywood. One of his early TV roles came in 2004 when he appeared on Law & Order: Criminal Intent.

Stephen portrayed James Bennett, a counterfeiter whose actions threaten to ruin a Catholic charity. This role was far removed from his typical comedic persona and offered a rare glimpse at Stephen's darker acting abilities.

4. Bradley Cooper

Prior to becoming the heartthrob we all know and love today, Bradley Cooper was already proving he had the chops to play some seriously twisted characters. During a Law & Order appearance, he portrayed Jason Whitaker, a psychotic lawyer whose dark past catches up with him.

What makes Bradley's guest spot even more interesting is that it was part of a crossover event between Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and the spin-off Law & Order: Trial By Jury. His storyline begins on SVU and continues in the latter.

5. John Krasinski

Before John Krasinski became a household name for his role as Jim Halpert on The Office, he showcased his darker side on Law & Order: Criminal Intent. He played Jace Gleesing, a troubled high school basketball player suspected of murdering a private investigator.

Viewers got to see John act as a wildly different character than the lovable and quirky paper salesman he's most known for today.

6. Robin Williams

Robin Williams is remembered for his iconic roles in both comedy and drama and his performance in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is no exception.

In the Season 9 episode "Authority," he portrayed Merritt Rook, a sound engineer turned anti-authoritarian criminal mastermind. Merritt is pushed to the edge after the tragic loss of his wife and unborn child, setting him on a path of revenge, and Robin's captivating performance even earned him an Emmy nomination.

7. Julia Roberts

During the ninth season of Law & Order, Julia Roberts also made a memorable guest appearance. When a millionaire investor died shortly after backing a new sports stadium, the investigation hones in on a construction entrepreneur as the prime suspect.

Julia plays Katrina Ludlow, a professional fundraiser who claims to have uncovered evidence implicating the killer. There's just one catch: she insists on delivering the evidence to Detective Rey Curtis under a set of complicated circumstances.

The star earned an Emmy for this performance, adding another achievement to her impressive resume.

8. Samuel L. Jackson

Finally, Samuel L. Jackson made an early appearance on Law & Order during its very first season. He played lawyer Louis Taggert in the episode "The Violence of Summer," which aired before his famous role as Ray Arnold in Jurassic Park.

Samuel flexed his acting muscles with some classic scenes in the interrogation room, adding even more intensity to an already dramatic show.