TikTok went offline in the U.S. on Saturday January 18, 2025 and was removed from Apple and Google app stores ahead of a new law requiring its shutdown on Sunday.
With 170 million American users, TikTok announced the ban but highlighted President-elect Donald Trump’s indication that he would “most likely” grant a 90-day extension after taking office on Monday.
In a message to users at 10:45 p.m. ET, TikTok stated, “A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office.”
Other ByteDance apps, like Capcut and Lemon8, also disappeared from app stores in the US.
Trump addressed the situation earlier, saying, “The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it’s appropriate. If I decide to do that, I’ll probably announce it on Monday.”
Many TikTok users reported the app was no longer functional, with web access displaying a similar shutdown notice.
TikTok, which has significantly influenced U.S. culture and business, warned Friday, “We will go dark in the U.S. on Sunday unless the administration provides assurances to companies like Apple and Google that they won’t face enforcement actions.”
A law, upheld by a unanimous Supreme Court ruling, gave TikTok until Sunday to either cut ties with its Chinese parent company ByteDance or halt U.S. operations due to national security concerns.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre commented, “There’s no reason for TikTok or other companies to act before the Trump administration takes office on Monday.”
TikTok declined to respond, while China criticized the US, with an embassy spokesperson accusing it of “using unfair state power” and vowing to “safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.”
As uncertainty grew, users began switching to alternatives like RedNote.
One user wrote, “This is my new home now,” using hashtags such as “#tiktokrefugee.”
Meanwhile, competitors like Meta and Snap saw stock prices rise as investors anticipated a user surge.
Reports suggest former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and Elon Musk have explored acquisition options, though TikTok denied Musk’s involvement.
Perplexity AI submitted a bid on Saturday to merge with TikTok U.S.
ByteDance, which is 60% owned by institutional investors like BlackRock, employs over 7,000 U.S. workers.
