Archive — US — techcrunch
TikTok is back on the App Store and the Play Store in the U.S.
TikTok has been restored on the App Store and Play Store in the U.S. after being removed for over 25 days due to security concerns. Other ByteDance apps were also reinstated. TikTok urged users to sideload the app during the removal. Despite the ban, TikTok's user traffic has significantly recovered. Rival platforms are attempting to capitalize on TikTok's uncertainty amidst ongoing discussions regarding its operational control.
Key points
- TikTok removed from app stores on January 18 due to national security law.
- Restoration occurred after 25 days on January 19, affecting all ByteDance apps.
- Apple and Google removed support documentation regarding the app removals.
- Users could not reinstall TikTok if uninstalled during the ban; TikTok urged sideloading.
- President Trump signed an executive order to give 75 days for ByteDance to divest TikTok or face a ban.
- TikTok's traffic rebounded nearly 90% post-ban according to Cloudflare data.
- Competitors like X and Bluesky launched video features to counter TikTok's market control.
Why it matters
- This incident highlights ongoing debates about national security and foreign ownership of technology companies.
- In 2025, IT trends indicate a continuing focus on data privacy and security regulations.
- The rise of rival platforms demonstrates increasing competition in the app economy, altering user engagement and monetization strategies.
The restoration of TikTok in the U.S. underscores the delicate balance between national security concerns and the tech industry's drive for user retention, as competitors continue to emerge and innovate in response to TikTok's market share.