Keith Lee reflects on his TikTok journey ahead of a possible ban

Keith Leethe beloved viral food critic and influencer recently reflected on her remarkable online journey as a US possibility. TikTok ban looms.

From her humble beginnings to becoming a trusted voice for small businesses and TikTok users, Lee shared how the app changed her life and allowed her to connect with millions of people around the world. And in pure Lee fashion, she expressed her gratitude to everyone who helped make her dream come true.

As TikTok users in the US wait anxiously to see if the app will continue or go dark on Sunday, January 19, many content creators are saying goodbye to the app just in case.

For viral TikToker It was Lee's way of saying goodbye to TikTok and all its followers if the app goes dark, taking a little trip down memory lane to reminisce and share some of their fondest moments.

“With 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 that if it's not real and we're here after the 19th, that message still stands. This community, and I don't mean that lightly when I say community, has changed my whole life.”

He continued his video by explaining that he had “impacted the lives of countless and countless families.” He then listed a few people he was able to help with food reviews.

Lee he named a few of the heartwarming stories he had a hand in creating.

“The lady who worked as a teacher for 20 years was able to retire after 24 hours of inspection. “Aspiring restaurant owner husband and father was diagnosed with tongue cancer shortly after purchasing his restaurant. Before he passed, he was able to see his restaurant flourish, something he had dreamed of his entire life.”

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

“And those were just five that came to mind. It's been hundreds,” he said. “This is a mission that I believe with all my heart, God has put me on and nothing or no one will stop me from doing it.”

Lee Whatever happens in any application, “we are with you,” he said. He reminded his followers that his name was the same on all his other social media channels and shared that he had “big news” that he “can't log in yet”.

As with all of Lee's videos, his loyal followers took to the comments section to share their support, appreciation and love for everything he does.

“You have changed so many lives with this program that we continue to see you make a difference,” wrote one follower. Another said: “Thank you Kate. God used the gift of communication and compassion to help people. Life is about using our gifts and testimonies to help and bless others. This is true community.”

Another follower added: “You are the good people of TikTok making a difference in the world.”

Many have wondered if Lee will switch to RedNote in the future, although he has yet to answer.

Lee, 28, recently opened up PEOPLE about how the program helped her deal with anxiety and depression. He explained that his reviews help not only restaurants and small business owners, but also himself.

When comparing a video from when he was 18 to now, he owed it to TikTok for the differences.

“I believe that TikTok and the people of TikTok played an important role in this,” he said. “I'm forever grateful for them.”

He also credits his family, his wife Ronnie and their children Carter and Riley, for helping him overcome seasonal depression and anxiety.

“Without them, I don't believe I would be able to cope as well as I could or have the tools I have to improve this,” he said.

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

The video shows Lee making dinner for his wife while she takes care of their baby. She responded to the “why do you cook, why can't mommy help you” comment with a “teachable moment” where she could “drop some knowledge.”

It didn't take long for viewers to flood the comment section.

“This all started with someone hating on the comments? Look how it turned out wow!” one person wrote. Another added: “We made the right person famous…God bless you Kate!!”

And the love and support didn't stop there.

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