Keith Lee Reflects On His TikTok Journey Ahead Of Possible Ban

Keith Lee, the beloved viral food critic and influencer, recently reflected on his remarkable online journey as the possibility of a U.S. TikTok ban looms.

From his humble beginnings to becoming a trusted voice for small businesses and TikTok users, Lee shared how the app transformed his life and allowed him to connect with millions worldwide. And in pure Lee fashion, he expressed his gratitude for everyone who helped make his dream a reality.

As TikTok users in the U.S. wait anxiously to see if the app will live on or go dark on Sunday, Jan. 19, many content creators are saying their goodbyes on the app, just in case.

For viral TikToker Lee, reminiscing and taking a little trip down memory lane to share some of the good times was his way of bidding TikTok and all his followers farewell if the app goes dark.

“All the news going around TikTok, I think it’s time to talk about it. So let’s talk about it,” he began his video. “I just want to start by saying if it’s not real and we are here after the 19th, regardless, this message still stands. This community, and when I say community, I don’t say that lightly, has changed my entire life.”

He continued his video explaining that “countless and countless family’s lives have been impacted.” He then listed a few of the people he was able to help with his food reviews.

Lee named off a few of the heartwarming stories that he was able to have a hand in creating.

“A lady who was a teacher for 20 years was able to retire after 24 hours of a review,” he said. “A husband and a father who dreamed about having a restaurant got diagnosed with tongue cancer right after he got his restaurant. Before he passed, he was able to see his restaurant flourish, something that he dreamed about his entire life.”

His list continued to shout out the owner of a banana pudding shop in Texas, and how she was able to open a second location. Lee also talked about the Vegas pizza shop that was “on the verge of closing, literally a week away from closing” and how it is still open two-and-a-half years later. He also said Cleo’s in Chicago “went from having one location to three.”

“And that’s just the five that came to my mind. It’s been over hundreds,” he continued. “This is a mission that I believe wholeheartedly, God put me on, and nothing or nobody is gonna stop me from doing that.”

Lee said that no matter what happens with any app, “we stand with y’all.” He reminded his followers that his name is the same on all other social media channels, and shared that he has “huge news” that he cannot “get into yet.”

As with all of Lee’s videos, his loyal followers hopped into the comment section to share their support, gratitude, and love for all he’s doing.

“You have changed so many lives with this app I pray we get to keep seeing you make a difference,” one viewer wrote. Another said, “Thank you Keith. God has used your gift of communication and compassion to help people. That’s what are lives are to use our gifts and testimonies to help and bless others. This is real community.”

One other viewer added, “You are the good people of TikTok that make a difference in the world.”

Many others wondered if Lee would move over to RedNote in the future, although he hasn’t responded to that just yet.

Lee, 28, recently opened up to PEOPLE about how the app helped him to deal with anxiety and depression. He explained that his reviews are not only helping the restaurants and small business owners, but also himself.

When comparing a video from when he was 18 years old to now, he credited TikTok for the differences.

“I believe TikTok has played a pivotal role in that, and the people of TikTok,” he said. “I’m forever thankful for them.”

He also credits his family, wife Ronni and their children Karter and Riley, for helping to ground him through his seasonal depression and anxiety.

“Without them, I don’t believe that I would be able to cope as much as I do or have as many tools to improve on it as I have,” he shared.

On Friday, Lee took to TikTok to share a throwback video to show just how far he’s come on the app.

The video shows Lee making dinner for his wife as she was taking care of their baby. He was responding to the comment, “why u cooking why the mother can’t help you,” with a “teachable moment” where he can “drop some knowledge.”

It didn’t take long for viewers to fill up the comment section.

“This all started from someone hating on the comments? Look how this took off wow!!” one person wrote. Another added, “We made the right person famous…God bless you, Keith!!”

And the love and support didn’t stop there.

“Unbelievable growth. Grateful for your faith and hard work,” one person shared. Another said, “Thanks for being here with us Keith and thank you for all the amazing content.”