The popular social media platform TikTok disappeared from major app stores on Saturday evening, hours before a federal law banning the app went into effect.
At 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time, TikTok was no longer available for download on Apple and Google’s app stores, as mandated by legislation requiring the app’s China-based parent company, ByteDance, to divest its ownership or face a U.S. ban.
When users opened TikTok on Saturday night, they were greeted with a message from the company explaining the situation.
“A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S.,” the message read. “Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.”
The message also expressed optimism about the app’s potential return under the incoming Trump administration. “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office,” it said. “Please stay tuned!”
READ: Supreme Court Allows TikTok Ban To Take Effect, Biden Admin Signals No Immediate Enforcement
The removal of TikTok from app stores marks a significant moment in the ongoing battle over the platform’s future in the U.S. Lawmakers cited national security concerns over ByteDance’s alleged ties to the Chinese government as the primary reason for the ban. TikTok has consistently denied these claims and has argued that it does not share user data with Chinese authorities.
The app’s removal leaves its 170 million monthly U.S. users in limbo. While those who already have the app installed can still access previously downloaded videos, they are unable to scroll, upload, or engage with new content, effectively halting the platform’s functionality.
President-elect Donald Trump, who has expressed a more lenient stance on TikTok in recent weeks, has indicated he may work with the company to find a solution. Trump’s incoming press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, previously stated that the administration values the First Amendment rights of TikTok users and would prefer the app to continue operating under American ownership.
TikTok’s future now hinges on whether ByteDance can negotiate a sale or restructuring deal that satisfies U.S. national security requirements. Industry experts predict that such negotiations may intensify under Trump’s leadership.
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