TikTok was reintroduced to Apple and Google app stores on Thursday after President Donald Trump delayed a ban on the Chinese-owned social media app. The tech giants were assured that they would not be fined for distributing or maintaining the app. TikTok, which is used by nearly half of all Americans, went dark briefly last month before a law took effect on January 19 requiring its Chinese owner ByteDance to sell it on national security grounds or face a ban.
Analysts believe the delay was caused by Google and Apple waiting for reassurance that they would not be penalized for hosting or distributing the software. Trump’s decision stated that companies that operate mobile application stores or digital marketplaces where users may browse, download, and update programs will not face penalties for keeping the TikTok app operational. According to Sensor Tower, TikTok had more over 52 million downloads in 2024. Last year, Sensor Tower said that 52% of its total downloads came from the Apple App Store and 48% from Google Play in the United
States
Trump announced on Thursday that his 75-day TikTok deadline could be extended. The upheaval at TikTok drew numerous possible buyers, including former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, who indicated interest in the fast-growing company, which analysts believe may be worth $50 billion. Trump has stated that he is in talks with several people about purchasing TikTok and that a decision on the app’s future would most likely be made in February.