On Saturday night, millions of TikTok users across the U.S. were stunned when the app was unexpectedly banned, marking the first disruption in five years.
The ban lasted less than 24 hours, with the service being restored on Sunday after President-elect Donald Trump announced he would reinstate U.S. access ahead of his inauguration on Monday.
As the app returned, many users expressed mixed emotions, some sharing heartfelt farewells or thanking Trump on social media.
Others questioned whether their TikTok experience would ever be the same after the brief but unsettling shutdown.
One user remarked, “We’re back, but at what cost?” reflecting the uncertainty that lingered even after the app’s restoration.
This move to save TikTok represents a shift from Trump’s stance during his first term, when he sought to ban the app over national security concerns, fearing the app’s potential links to the Chinese government.
However, in recent months, Trump has voiced a favorable opinion of TikTok, crediting it for helping him win over young voters in the 2024 election.
The app had been unavailable to U.S. users on Saturday night following the enactment of a law aimed at shutting it down over security issues.
On Sunday, Trump announced he would delay the law’s prohibitions to allow for a deal to protect U.S. national security, suggesting the U.S. could hold a 50% stake in a joint venture with TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance.
Despite the relief, some users are concerned that changes to the app’s ownership structure could alter its unique appeal.
“I think back to when Elon bought Twitter and how dramatically it shifted the overall sentiment and user experience,” said Kelly Sites, a content creator from Kansas City. “I don’t want the magic of the algorithm to change.”
While questions about the app’s future persist, some users, especially those who depend on TikTok for their livelihoods, are still grappling with the implications of its uncertain future.
Richard “Chuck” Fasulo, an influencer from New York, described the emotional toll of the shutdown, noting that TikTok had helped him overcome financial struggles and achieve success.
“I think that myself, like many others, have gained a lot of disdain for the U.S. government,” he shared, reflecting the frustration many felt during the ordeal.
On the other hand, some users were simply relieved that TikTok was back. Charlotte Warren, a content creator based in Texas, stated, “I would choose a political stunt over losing TikTok forever.” Losing the app, she added, would have meant a significant loss of income and followers.
In the wake of the disruption, TikTok users are hopeful that the app will return to normal, though some remain anxious about potential changes in the future.
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