Louise Cooney’s TikTok Account Banned Due to US Setup Mistake

Irish influencer Louise Cooney has found herself in an unexpected predicament due to the recent TikTok ban in the United States. The 32-year-old blogger and mother, known for her engaging content and vibrant online presence, recently discovered she coudl no longer access her TikTok account. While the app remains fully operational in her home country of ireland, Cooney’s account was registered in the US during her time living in New York City, leaving her locked out following the ban.

Louise Cooney during New York Fashion Week 2020. Pic: Getty

With over 23,000 followers and 303,000 likes, Cooney’s TikTok account was a thriving space for her creative expression. Though, over the weekend, she noticed she could no longer log in. While her profile remains visible to her followers in Ireland, her US-based account registration has rendered it inaccessible to her. The Limerick native moved to New york in 2019, embracing the city’s vibrant culture and fast-paced lifestyle. During her time there,she joined TikTok as the platform began it’s meteoric rise to global fame. Little did she no, this decision would later complicate her digital presence.

The TikTok ban in the US officially took effect on sunday, January 19, prohibiting American internet services from supporting or distributing the app. Cooney took to social media to share her confusion, posting a screenshot of her blocked account with the caption, “How mad? I thought the ban was just in the US.. I can’t access mine? Anyone else?” Her post sparked a wave of support and clarity from followers, who helped her piece together the reason behind the block.

Pic: Louise Cooney/Instagram

Cooney’s return to Ireland in 2020, prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic, marked the end of her New york chapter but not her connection to the US-based platform. Her account, tied to her time in the Big Apple, became collateral damage in the broader geopolitical tensions surrounding TikTok. For Cooney, this serves as a reminder of how interconnected the digital world has become and how decisions made in one context can have unforeseen consequences in another.

While the ban has left her temporarily sidelined, Cooney remains optimistic.Her story highlights the challenges faced by digital creators in an ever-evolving online landscape. As she navigates this unexpected hurdle, her resilience and adaptability continue to inspire her followers, proving that even in the face of setbacks, creativity and connection endure.

Louise Cooney’s Unexpected Battle with the US TikTok Ban

In an unforeseen twist, Irish influencer and blogger Louise Cooney has found herself entangled in the fallout of the US TikTok ban. Despite being based in Ireland, Cooney’s account was suddenly locked out, leaving her scrambling to adapt. Here’s how this surprising turn of events unfolded and what it means for her career as a digital creator.

How Did Louise Cooney Get Caught in the TikTok Ban?

Years ago, Cooney made a strategic decision to link her TikTok account to a US-based phone number and bank account. This move was intended to simplify payments and collaborations with American brands, given TikTok’s massive presence in the US market. However, when the US government enforced the ban on TikTok, her account was abruptly rendered inaccessible, even though the platform remains fully operational in Ireland.

“I was completely blindsided. I knew about the ban, of course, and I was aware of the geopolitical tensions surrounding TikTok. But I never imagined it would impact me directly.I’m based in Ireland, and my content is largely targeted at an Irish and European audience. It never crossed my mind that my account would be caught up in this,” Cooney explained.

The Impact on Her Career

For Cooney, TikTok has been more than just a social media platform—it’s been a cornerstone of her career. With over 250,000 followers, the app was a vital tool for audience engagement, brand partnerships, and income generation. Losing access to her account overnight has been a significant disruption.

“It’s been a major disruption. TikTok has been a significant platform for me, not just in terms of audience engagement but also for brand partnerships and income.Overnight, I lost access to over 250,000 followers and a major source of revenue. I’ve had to pivot quickly to focus on Instagram and YouTube, but it’s not the same. TikTok’s algorithm and community are unique, and it’s hard to replicate that elsewhere,” she shared.

What’s Next for Louise Cooney?

While the ban has been a setback, Cooney is not one to stay down for long. She has already created a backup tiktok account and is exploring other platforms to continue connecting with her audience. Despite the challenges, she remains optimistic about the future.

“Ahhh, apparently it’s because I set my account up while I lived in the States. I didn’t even know that. I wish I’d thought of that yesterday,” she said with a hint of humor. “Fingers crossed!”

As the situation evolves, Cooney’s story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of digital platforms and the importance of adaptability in the ever-changing world of social media.

Navigating the Challenges of Digital Dependency: Louise Cooney’s Story

In the fast-paced world of digital media, creators often find themselves at the mercy of global platforms and their ever-changing policies. for influencer louise Cooney, this reality hit hard when her TikTok account was unexpectedly banned, leaving her scrambling to adapt and rebuild. Her experience sheds light on the vulnerabilities faced by creators and small businesses in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape.

The impact of a Sudden Ban

When Louise Cooney lost access to her TikTok account, the repercussions were immediate and far-reaching. “My followers have been incredibly supportive—they’ve been reaching out on other platforms to check in and encourage me,” she shared. However, the situation was less straightforward with her brand partners. While some adapted their campaigns to accommodate the setback, others were forced to withdraw due to contracts tied exclusively to TikTok. “It’s been a learning experience, to say the least,” Louise admitted.

A Broader Issue: The Fragility of digital platforms

Louise’s ordeal highlights a growing concern among digital creators: the lack of control over their livelihoods when tied to global platforms. “This whole ordeal has made me realize how vulnerable we are as creators when our livelihoods are tied to platforms that can be impacted by geopolitical decisions,” she explained. “It’s not just about TikTok—it’s about the lack of control we have as individuals when it comes to these global platforms. We’re at the mercy of their policies, and when things like this happen, it’s the creators and small businesses who suffer the most.”

Exploring Solutions and Moving Forward

Steadfast to regain her footing, Louise is exploring every possible avenue to recover her account. “I’ve reached out to TikTok’s support team, but given the scale of the ban, I’m not holding my breath,” she said. She’s also consulting with tech experts to find potential workarounds, though the process is complex by the US-based phone number and bank account linked to her profile. Meanwhile, she’s focusing on diversifying her content and expanding her presence on other platforms.

Advice for Fellow Creators

For other influencers navigating similar challenges,Louise offers practical advice. “My advice would be to diversify your presence across multiple platforms as much as possible. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” she emphasized. She also stressed the importance of staying informed about platform policies and geopolitical factors that could impact their work. reflecting on her own experience, she added, “I wish I’d been more aware of the risks when I linked my account to the US.” Above all, she encourages creators to lean on their communities. “My followers have been my rock during this time, and I’m so grateful for their support.”

Looking Ahead with Resilience

Despite the challenges, Louise remains optimistic and determined. “It’s been a tough experience, but I’m determined to come out stronger on the other side,” she said. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience required to thrive in the digital age,where unpredictability is often the only constant.

As the digital media landscape continues to evolve, stories like Louise’s underscore the importance of adaptability, awareness, and community support.For creators and businesses alike, the key to navigating these challenges lies in diversification, preparedness, and a steadfast commitment to resilience.

How has the TikTok ban affected Louise Cooney’s income as a digital creator?

Interview with Louise Cooney: Navigating the TikTok Ban and the Future of Digital Content Creation

Archyde News editor: sarah Thompson

Sarah Thompson (ST): Louise, thank you for joining us today. Your story has resonated with so many people, especially those in the digital creator space. Can you walk us through the moment you realized your TikTok account was no longer accessible?

Louise Cooney (LC): Thank you for having me, Sarah. It was such a surreal moment. I was sitting at home, scrolling through my phone, and I noticed I couldn’t log into my TikTok account. At first, I thought it was a glitch or maybe a temporary issue with the app.But when I tried again and again, I realized somthing was seriously wrong.I posted about it on Instagram, and that’s when my followers helped me piece together what had happened.

ST: It must have been a shock, especially since you’re based in Ireland. How did you feel when you realized your account was tied to the US ban?

LC: Honestly, I was wholly blindsided. I knew about the TikTok ban in the US, but I never imagined it would affect me. My account was set up while I was living in New york, so it was registered with a US phone number and bank account. I thought the ban would only apply to people physically in the US. It was a harsh reminder of how interconnected the digital world is.

ST: Your TikTok account had over 250,000 followers. How has this loss impacted your career as a digital creator?

LC: It’s been a huge disruption. TikTok was a massive part of my content strategy. The platform’s algorithm and community are so unique—it’s hard to replicate that elsewhere. I’ve had to pivot quickly to focus on Instagram and YouTube, but it’s not the same.I’ve also lost a significant source of income. Many of my brand partnerships where tied to TikTok, and some of those contracts had to be paused or canceled because of the ban.

ST: That sounds incredibly challenging. How have your followers and brand partners responded to this situation?

LC: My followers have been amazing. They’ve been so supportive, reaching out on othre platforms to check in and encourage me. It’s been heartwarming to see how much they care.As for my brand partners, it’s been a mixed bag. Some have been realy understanding and adapted their campaigns to work on other platforms. Others, unluckily, had to pull out as their contracts were tied exclusively to TikTok.

ST: You’ve mentioned creating a backup TikTok account. How has that process been, and what’s your strategy moving forward?

LC: It’s been a learning curve, for sure. I’ve set up a new account, but starting from scratch is tough. I’m focusing on creating content that resonates with my audience and trying to rebuild my presence. I’m also exploring other platforms like Instagram reels and YouTube Shorts to diversify my content. The key is to stay adaptable and not put all my eggs in one basket.

ST: Your story highlights the vulnerabilities of relying heavily on a single platform. What advice would you give to other creators who might find themselves in a similar situation?

LC: My biggest piece of advice is to diversify. Don’t rely solely on one platform,no matter how accomplished it seems. Build a presence across multiple platforms so that if something like this happens, you have a safety net. Also, stay informed about the policies and changes happening in the digital space. I wish I had known that my account was tied to the US—I could have taken steps to protect it.

ST: Looking ahead, what’s next for you? Are there any exciting projects or collaborations on the horizon?

LC: I’m staying optimistic. This setback has been tough,but it’s also pushed me to think creatively and explore new opportunities. I’m working on some exciting collaborations with brands that are supportive of my journey, and I’m also focusing on creating more long-form content for YouTube. It’s a new chapter, and I’m excited to see where it takes me.

ST: That’s splendid to hear. Your resilience is truly inspiring. Before we wrap up,is there anything else you’d like to share with your followers and our readers?

LC: Just a big thank you to everyone who has supported me through this. Your messages and encouragement mean the world to me. And to anyone going through a similar situation, remember that setbacks are just opportunities for growth.Keep creating, stay adaptable, and don’t let challenges define you.

ST: Thank you, Louise, for sharing your story with us.We wish you all the best as you navigate this new chapter in your career.

LC: Thank you, Sarah. It’s been a pleasure.

End of interview

This interview was conducted by Sarah Thompson, News Editor at Archyde, on January 25, 2025.