TikTok just went dark in the U.S. on Saturday night, hours before a big ban was supposed to hit. With over 170 million Americans using the app, this shutdown has left users hanging, wondering what’s next. If you tried to open TikTok, you were met with a simple message: “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.”
What Went Down? Why Did TikTok Go Dark?
So, why did TikTok suddenly pull the plug? Well, the Supreme Court had just upheld a new law that bans the app in the U.S. The law was passed with support from both parties in Congress and was signed into action by President Biden earlier this year. The law prevents American companies from hosting or sharing TikTok content unless ByteDance (the Chinese company behind TikTok) sells the app to an American company or one of its allies.
But here’s the twist—TikTok might not be gone for long. In fact, it could be back as soon as Monday. The app hinted that they’re working on a solution with President Trump, who might delay the ban by 90 days once he takes office.
Trump’s Role: Could He Save TikTok?
President-elect Trump has said he’s “most likely” going to delay the TikTok ban for 90 days after he’s sworn in on Monday. In a phone interview with NBC News, he added that it’s still under consideration but that a 90-day extension seems like a good option.
“I think that would be something we look at,” Trump said. “It’s appropriate, we have to look at it carefully—it’s a big situation.”
This move could be TikTok’s last hope before the ban goes into full effect.
A TikTok World Without TikTok?
For many users, TikTok is more than just an app—it’s a source of income, creativity, and connection. Influencers, small businesses, and creators across the country are anxious, knowing they might lose their platform. But even though the Supreme Court’s decision made the ban feel official, many are still holding out hope that TikTok will find a way to survive.
On top of that, apps owned by ByteDance, like CapCut, also went offline, sending a clear signal that TikTok’s issues run deep.
What’s Next for TikTok?
Here’s the situation: TikTok is currently banned in the U.S., but ByteDance, the app’s parent company, hasn’t been able to find an American buyer. Despite this, they continue to push for TikTok to stay online in its current form, arguing that it’s a valuable tool for small businesses and millions of American users.
But things are about to get complicated. Some of TikTok’s service providers (think: Apple, Google, and server companies) are worried about facing huge fines for continuing to host the app. So, they pulled the plug early, just to avoid potential legal trouble.
Will the Ban Actually Happen?
While the Biden administration has indicated they won’t enforce the law on their last day in office, the future of TikTok still looks uncertain. Trump’s plan to potentially pause the ban means TikTok might get a second chance—but pressure is building from all sides, especially from lawmakers who want the app gone for good.
Could TikTok Stay in the U.S. After All?
There’s still hope that TikTok might stay in the U.S. After all, Trump has spoken out about his own popularity on the app and even posted about TikTok’s reach and influence. He’s even met with TikTok’s CEO Shou Chew ahead of the ban to discuss potential solutions.
Some sources believe that a solution could be on the horizon—perhaps with a 90-day extension or a new executive order—but the drama surrounding TikTok isn’t over yet.
The Final Word: What’s Next?
For now, TikTok is off the grid in the U.S., but with Trump stepping in, there’s a chance we could see a comeback soon. Whether the app survives or goes the way of the dinosaurs depends on how things play out in the next few weeks.
For now, all we can do is wait and see if the app can make its grand return—or if TikTok’s time in the U.S. is truly up.