On January 18, TikTok, the popular video-sharing platform, was officially banned in the United States. Users nationwide experienced glitches on the app, followed by a message that read, "Sorry, TikTok isn't available right now," forcing them to close the app. The sudden shutdown left millions of American users dealing with the loss of a platform that had become a key source of entertainment, connection, and income.
Launched in 2016 by ByteDance, TikTok has allowed users to upload, watch, comment, and share videos. As the fifth most popular social media app globally, TikTok is available in 154 countries, connecting users across the world. However, concerns over China’s use of the data collected from American users led to the platform's temporary ban.
For many, the loss of TikTok was personal.
"I was very confused about why TikTok is getting banned," said University of Southern Mississippi student Nadyn Samara. "My first reaction was shock, and when it actually did get banned, I felt super sad. I kind of started grieving over this app that made me feel so connected to everyone around me."
Other users expressed concerns about the ban’s broader implications. USM student Rylee Frye described the action as an attack on free speech.
"I did see it as more of an infringement on the First Amendment right, free speech amendment," Frye said. "That is what bothered me more than anything. And plus, this was also affecting the livelihood of many people who live in America and are making a living off TikTok."
As users shared their experiences online, the sense of loss was noticeable. TikTok had become more than just an app for many. It was a way to build community and connect with the world.
"Before the ban, it really felt like a huge connection from me to the rest of the world because there are so many different things going on," Samara added. "I would go on TikTok, and I would be able to connect with almost every part of the world."
During the ban, users turned to alternative platforms to recreate the TikTok experience. One app that gained traction was Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, a Chinese social networking platform with a similar layout to TikTok.
"I love RedNote," Samara said. "I downloaded it during the ban."
Frye, however, opted for other platforms.
"I haven’t downloaded it yet because I already migrated to Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, since they are more similar," she said.
RedNote quickly became the top-ranked app in both the Apple and Google Play stores as American TikTokers, dubbed "TikTok Refugees," flocked to the platform.
The ban lasted only 12 hours before being lifted following President Donald Trump's inauguration. Users were greeted with a message upon reopening TikTok: "Welcome back! Thank you for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!"
The unbanning is set to last 75 days, during which ByteDance has the opportunity to sell TikTok to an American company.
