TikTok stopped working for all US influencers and users hours before the ban went into effect on January 19, 2025. Once people in the US opened their apps and found they could no longer post videos, Social media exploded with funny “RIP” memes and jokes. The fan-favorite social media platform became one of the most popular around the world, but TikTok was also where many influencers got their start. So how long could TikTok be banned in the United States?
Below is everything we know about the TikTok ban and how long it could last.
Why was TikTok banned in the US?
TikTok is now banned in the US as US lawmakers raised concerns about the app’s security. The government was concerned that the Chinese government could access and steal American users’ data on the social media app, and also use it to spread misinformation.
TikTok is owned by a company called ByteDance, based in Beijing, China. Congress gave them time to sell the app to a company approved by the US government; Otherwise, the app would be banned in the United States. President joe biden enacted the legislation in mid-2024, and the Supreme Court upheld the legislation shortly before the ban took effect in January 2025.
Can I continue using my TikTok account?
Technically, American TikTok users can still use their accounts, but they can’t post new content, reload their friends’ posts, or purchase anything from the app store. However, each user’s profile and videos have not been deleted. When attempting to open the app on January 18, everyone in the United States was greeted with the following message: “Sorry, TikTok is not available at this time. A law has been passed banning TikTok in the US. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now. We are lucky that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to restore TikTok once he takes office. Stay tuned! In the meantime, you can still log in to download your data.”
How long does the TikTok ban last?
donald trump expressed interest in expanding the legal ban. When asked about it, he told reporters that a 90-day extension “certainly (be) an option” to consider.
“The 90-day extension is something that will probably be done because it is appropriate. You know, it’s appropriate,” Trump said, according to NBC Information. “We have to look at it carefully. “It is a very big situation.”
The Republican added that if he “determines” to do this, “he will probably announce it on Monday,” referring to his inauguration.
