TikTok returned to the Apple and Google app stores in the U.S. on Thursday after President Donald Trump delayed the ban on the Chinese-owned social media app and assured tech giants that they would not be fined for its distribution or support.
The popular short-video app, used by nearly half of all Americans, temporarily went offline last month before a law went into effect on January 19, requiring its Chinese owner ByteDance to either sell it for national security reasons or face a ban.
The following day, Trump signed an executive order that aimed to delay the enforcement of the ban for 75 days, allowing TikTok to continue operating in the U.S. temporarily.
While TikTok resumed operations after Trump’s assurances, Google and Apple removed the app from their app stores in the U.S.
TikTok, which was the second most-downloaded app in the U.S. last year, said on Thursday that its latest version is now available for download.
Analysts believe the delay could be related to Google and Apple waiting for assurances that they would not be held liable for hosting or distributing the app.
Trump's directive notes that companies that run mobile app stores or digital marketplaces where users can browse, download, and update apps will not face penalties for supporting the TikTok app.
According to market research company Sensor Tower, TikTok had over 52 million downloads in 2024.
According to Sensor Tower, about 52% of the total downloads came from the Apple App Store, while 48% came from Google Play in the U.S. last year.
The law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok's assets in the U.S. or eventually face a ban was signed by then-President Joe Biden in April of last year for national security reasons and concerns that China could use the app for spying on American users.
The U.S. has never banned large social media platforms, and the law passed last year gives the government broad powers to ban or seek the sale of other apps owned by China.
Trump said on Thursday that his 75-day deadline for TikTok could be extended.
The saga surrounding TikTok has attracted several potential buyers, including former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, who expressed interest in the rapidly growing business, which analysts estimate could be worth up to $50 billion.
Trump said he is negotiating with several people regarding the purchase of TikTok and is likely to have a decision on the app’s future in February.