As TikTok faces a nationwide ban in the United States, pop star Halsey has expressed relief over the shutdown, a stance that has sparked a heated online debate. While many worry about losing access to the popular platform, Halsey views the change as an opportunity for the music industry to return to its traditional roots.
Halsey has been vocal about her frustrations with TikTok and its influence on the music industry for some time. In a 2022 TIME interview, the singer shared how she felt pressured to create music geared toward TikTok marketing campaigns instead of focusing on her fans. “Everything is marketing. And they are doing this to every artist these days… I just want to release music, man. And I deserve better, tbh. I’m tired,” she had said at the time. Her comments reflected her dissatisfaction with the industry’s growing dependence on viral campaigns and social media trends, which she believed were counterproductive to her artistic process.
Now, in the wake of TikTok’s official shutdown, Halsey took to social media with a remark hinting at a potential return to a more traditional music industry. “TikTok is dead and I’m very sorry to you all but also lowkey does this mean we got to have the music industry back or nah?” she wrote, according to fan accounts.
This comment quickly sparked reactions from fans and critics alike.Some pointed out the irony of Halsey criticizing social media platforms when she launched her own career on sites like Tumblr. “I mind you, this is the same person who started off on Tumblr,” one Reddit user commented. Others mocked her apparent hypocrisy, writing, “Only I can use social media to get big!” I did it right, and you guys are doing it wrong!!!”
On the other side, many users defended TikTok, arguing that the platform had been a valuable tool for emerging artists who might not have had access to traditional industry channels. “TikTok was really good for up-and-coming artists. It’s hard to get your music listened to by a large audience, and TikTok made it much easier to go viral,” one user said. This view highlights how the platform gave a voice to artists who lacked the industry connections that established musicians often rely on. TikTok, according to many supporters, allowed for fan-driven success rather than success dictated by industry insiders.
The debate surrounding Halsey’s remarks also touches on a larger issue—the changing dynamics of the music industry since the rise of social media platforms. While some argue that Halsey’s comments reflect a desire to return to an industry driven by established artists and networks, others worry that such a shift could bring back the gatekeeping practices that limited opportunities for many.
For context, the TikTok ban refers to a decision made by the US government to block the app due to national security concerns. The Trump administration initially imposed the ban in 2020, citing concerns over the app’s Chinese ownership and potential data privacy issues. The Biden administration upheld the decision in 2024, resulting in a shutdown that affects millions of users in the US. Currently, notifications inform users that they can no longer access the app.
Halsey’s celebration of the TikTok ban reflects her frustration with how social media has shaped the music industry, while the public reaction highlights the growing divide over how the industry should evolve. As the discussion continues, it’s clear that TikTok’s influence on music—and on artists—will remain a hot topic for years to come.
