Update: After a nationwide blackout that lasted less than 24 hours, TikTok is back. The app is now back to normal functionality for TikTok users who have the app downloaded.
“In agreement with our service providers, TikTok service is currently being restored,” TikTok explained in a post on X. “We thank President Trump for providing much-needed clarity and assurance to our service providers that they are not will face no penalty for giving TikTok to more than 170 million Americans and allowing more than 7 million small businesses to thrive. This is a strong stand for the First Amendment and against baseless censorship. We will work with President Trump for a long-term solution that will keep TikTok in the United States.”
However, the app is not yet listed in the App Store and is listed as “unavailable” in the region.
Original Story: As of Saturday night (January 18), TikTok was down for all users in the U.S. Hours before the federal ban went into full effect (January 19), the app was removed from all known App Stores and 170 million American users of the app lost access to their FYP.
Set to begin on January 19, around 9:30 pm EST, TikTok users are greeted with this message when opening the app: “A law has been implemented that bans TikTok in the U.S. Unfortunately, this 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 restore TikTok when he is sworn in. Please stay tuned.”
Users are forced to “Close the app” or “Learn more” – the second option links to the app's website. "For now, you can still log in to download your data," the statement added. Users encountered an earlier pop-up message about an hour before the said pop-up, the first warning of the impending ban.
In an interview with NBC News on Saturday the 18th, Trump said he plans to "most likely" give the app a 90-day extension from a possible ban.
Stay tuned to Hypebeast as the story continues.
