TikTok has made its return to the U.S. app stores operated by Apple and Google, following an executive order from President Donald Trump that delayed its ban until April 5.
This move ensures that the widely popular short-video platform, which boasts 170 million American users, can continue its operations in the country for the time being. The decision comes as part of an effort to temporarily restore access to TikTok, after weeks of uncertainty that saw the app go dark for U.S. users.
Donald Trump’s executive order, issued last month, postponed the ban for 75 days, allowing TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to maintain its presence in the U.S. market without immediate restrictions. TikTok has never revealed its revenue in the United States.
Additionally, the directive provided assurances to Apple and Google that they would not face any penalties for distributing, updating, or maintaining TikTok on their respective app stores. This protection extends to all companies involved in hosting or enabling TikTok’s digital operations, preventing any legal or financial repercussions tied to the app’s reinstatement.
Despite its temporary removal from app stores, TikTok remains one of the most widely used and downloaded applications in the U.S. According to data from market intelligence firm Sensor Tower, TikTok was the second most downloaded app in the country in 2024, amassing over 52 million downloads, Reuters news report said.
The distribution of app downloads was nearly even between Apple’s App Store and Google Play. Apple’s App Store is accounting for approximately 52 percent and Google Play making up 48 percent of total app installations. These figures highlight TikTok’s dominance in the U.S. digital industry, despite regulatory scrutiny and geopolitical tensions surrounding its Chinese ownership.
The return of TikTok to the U.S. app ecosystem signals a temporary reprieve for both ByteDance and the millions of American video creators and businesses that rely on the platform for content distribution, marketing, and revenue generation.
However, the video platform’s long-term future in the U.S. remains uncertain, as policymakers continue to debate national security concerns associated with its Chinese ties. Video creators are demanding that there should be no ban on the availability of TikTok in the United States.
While Donald Trump’s directive has provided a brief window for continued operation, the outcome beyond April 5 will likely depend on negotiations between ByteDance, U.S. regulators, and potentially American companies interested in acquiring or partnering with TikTok to ensure its compliance with national security requirements.
The video app’s reinstatement on digital platforms — ahead of Valentines Day — is likely to be welcomed by users who rely on its features for entertainment, social interaction, and business opportunities.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
