TikTok is back on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store – less than one month after it was removed.
On Thursday evening, the platform appeared back on both the Apple and Google app stores. It was previously removed on January 18, shortly before a nationwide ban came info effect, which would’ve landed harsh penalties for Apple, Google, Oracle, and other internet service providers. Following a recent executive order, its parent company, ByteDance, now has until April 5 to find a new buyer, or else it will be forced to once again divest its ownership.
The news will no doubt be warmly received by TikTok’s more than 170 million US users. However, this saga is far from over. With President Trump determined to find a solution for the platform and potential new buyers circling, the coming weeks promise plenty more twists and turns.
TikTok Back on Apple and Google App Stores
TikTok has returned to major app stores in the US, including Apple and Google. The social media platform, which counted over 170 million US users at its height, made its reappearance on Thursday evening, less than a month after it was removed.
On January 18, TikTok leaders pulled the platform from major app stores ahead of a total US ban after failing to find new buyers. Shortly after taking office, President Trump signed an executive order that granted the platform an additional 75 days in which to find a solution to its ownership problems.
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The President has also suggested that the 75-day reprieve could be extended if necessary, but that he doesn’t expect it will be. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, he remarked: “Well, I have 90 days from about two weeks ago, and I’m sure it can be extended. But let’s see. I don’t think you’ll need to.”
TikTok Future Still Up in the Air
Despite Trump’s optimism, there remains a great deal of uncertainty over the future of TikTok. The President has previously expressed an interest in a “joint venture” style of ownership. On January 19, he wrote on Truth Social: “I would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture.”
In recent weeks, a few different individuals and groups have expressed an interest in buying the platform. Content creator MrBeast launched a bid in January, while Shark Tank host Kevin O’Leary joined a consortium of entrepreneurs pushing for a purchase. Elsewhere, Elon Musk’s name has been floated, as has Oracle boss Larry Ellison.
TikTok now has until April 5 to find a permanent solution, unless Trump extends the deadline. Previously, the Chinese-owned ByteDance has been resolute in its determination not to sell off its prized asset. The company launched an appeal to the Supreme Court, which was upheld on January 17.
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At the time, the platform argued that a nationwide ban violated its users’ free speech protections. The argument was unanimously rejected, leaving TikTok’s future in Trump’s hands.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew attended the President’s inauguration on January 20, signaling a willingness to curry favor. Seemingly, the move paid off.
Joining Chew were numerous CEOs from across the tech sector, including Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Tim Cook, Sundar Pichai, and more. Since his election on November 5, the industry has been vociferous in its support for the Republican. Big players no doubt hope that the President’s light-touch approach to regulation, coupled with his escalating trade war, will pave the way for a prosperous future.
