Millions of TikTok users in the U.S. experienced a rollercoaster of emotions over the weekend as their favorite app was banned and then restored within 24 hours.
The unexpected shutdown had many contemplating life without TikTok, but relief came when President-elect Donald Trump announced the app would return, just ahead of his return to the White House on Monday.
TikTok’s Brief Exile
On Saturday night, TikTok users across the U.S. were greeted with a message informing them that the app had been banned due to national security concerns. This marked the first time in five years that TikTok had gone offline for American users. However, by Sunday, ByteDance, the app’s Chinese parent company, resumed services following Trump’s decision to delay the implementation of the law banning TikTok.
Trump’s announcement signaled a dramatic shift from his previous stance in 2020, when he sought to ban TikTok over fears of data sharing with the Chinese government. Now, Trump credits TikTok with helping him gain traction among young voters in the 2024 election, calling the app “a valuable platform.”
On his Truth Social platform, Trump hinted at plans for a joint venture between ByteDance and U.S. investors, stating, “I would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position.”
Mixed Emotions Among TikTok Users
While many users were relieved to see TikTok restored, concerns linger about potential changes to its ownership structure and how it could impact the platform. Kelly Sites, a content creator from Kansas City, Kansas, voiced her unease: “I don’t want the magic of the algorithm to change. Look at what happened when Elon Musk took over Twitter—it completely altered the app’s culture.”
TikTok’s algorithm, regarded as the backbone of its success, is closely tied to ByteDance’s operations. Experts suggest that any changes to the company’s ownership could make transferring the algorithm highly unlikely, raising questions about the app’s future.
Loss of Trust in the Government
For some creators, the threat of losing TikTok has damaged their trust in the government. Richard “Chuck” Fasulo, an auto influencer with 400,000 followers, explained how TikTok transformed his life by helping him double his income and pay off debt. “I think this has left a lot of us disillusioned with the U.S. government,” he said.
Charlotte Warren, a dating content creator from Austin, Texas, shared similar sentiments. Facing the potential loss of $60,000 in annual income and over 200,000 followers, Warren admitted she was relieved the app was restored, even if the move was politically motivated. “I would choose a political stunt over losing TikTok forever,” she remarked.
The Future of TikTok in the U.S.
The brief ban has left users with lingering uncertainty about TikTok’s future. Will the app remain unchanged, or will proposed ownership shifts alter the platform’s unique appeal? While relief currently reigns, the situation has highlighted the vulnerability of creators who rely on social media platforms for their livelihood.
