ByteDance Archives

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

Instagram launches new video creation app Edits to rival TikTok

Meta has launched a new app called Edits, designed to simplify video creation and editing for smartphone users. The app allows users to craft and share videos across various social platforms, although it will not serve as a social media feed. Edits includes features like an "inspiration tab" for trending content and audio, as well as an "ideas" space to encourage creativity. The app aims to consolidate the video production process into a single platform, addressing the complexities of using multiple applications. This initiative follows Meta's previous efforts to adapt to changes in social media dynamics, including the launch of Threads in response to user dissatisfaction with Twitter's management.

AppWizard

April 5, 2025

TikTok avoids a US ban for a second time thanks to Trump’s 75-day reprieve

TikTok has avoided a potential ban in the U.S. due to a 75-day extension granted by President Donald Trump, announced on April 4. This is the second extension for TikTok, which follows an initial deadline set to expire on April 5. The original law required a decision by January 19 regarding the sale of TikTok's U.S. operations or a nationwide ban, a deadline that has now been postponed twice. TikTok, owned by ByteDance, can continue operations without interruption, although negotiations between ByteDance and the U.S. government are ongoing, with unresolved key matters. The situation also involves U.S.-China tariff discussions, with Trump emphasizing the importance of tariffs for national security.

AppWizard

February 14, 2025

TikTok returns to Apple and Google app stores in the US

TikTok, owned by ByteDance, was removed from Apple and Google’s app stores on January 18 due to a law requiring divestment or a ban in the U.S. The app, which has over 170 million users in the U.S., briefly suspended service, leading users to migrate to a competitor, RedNote. After nearly a month, TikTok returned to the app stores, coinciding with an executive order by former President Trump extending the enforcement of a potential ban until April 5. Concerns over TikTok's Chinese ownership and data privacy have persisted, with the company denying allegations of sharing user data. Trump initially supported a ban but later expressed a more favorable view of the app. He suggested the possibility of TikTok being jointly owned by American investors, with potential buyers including Frank McCourt, Kevin O’Leary, and Jimmy Donaldson (Mr. Beast).

AppWizard

February 14, 2025

TikTok is back in US app stores for Apple and Android

TikTok has returned to the app stores of both Apple and Android in the United States after being removed due to a divest-or-ban law enacted by former President Joe Biden, which raised national security concerns about its parent company, ByteDance. The app was inaccessible since late January, despite its service remaining operational. A Supreme Court ruling on January 17 upheld the ban, leading to TikTok's reinstatement by Apple and Android shortly thereafter. During TikTok's removal, there was a surge in secondhand sales of used iPhones pre-installed with the app, and competitors like Meta-owned Instagram announced new applications to rival TikTok. Users also explored alternative platforms like Clapper and RedNote during TikTok's absence.

AppWizard

February 14, 2025

TikTok returns to Android and Apple app stores in the US

TikTok has returned to the app stores of Apple and Google in the U.S. after a temporary blackout, following President Donald Trump's decision to postpone a potential ban until April 5, allowing TikTok 75 days to comply with legislation requiring the sale of its U.S. operations. The ban, supported by both parties in Congress, mandates that TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, divest its U.S. operations to avoid a complete prohibition of the app due to concerns over espionage and political manipulation. Reports indicate that TikTok's reinstatement was facilitated by assurances from the Trump administration to Apple and Google regarding potential liability. Trump's stance on TikTok has shifted from initially supporting a ban to expressing a more favorable view of the platform. He discussed a potential joint ownership model with TikTok CEO Shou Chew and mentioned various high-profile figures, including Larry Ellison, Elon Musk, Frank McCourt, and Kevin O'Leary, as potential buyers. Additionally, MrBeast, a popular YouTuber, has shown interest in acquiring TikTok after receiving outreach from investors.

AppWizard

February 13, 2025

Android users can once again download TikTok. What to know following halted nationwide ban on app

TikTok resumed its services for Android users in the United States on January 19 after a nationwide ban due to national security concerns regarding its parent company, ByteDance. The Supreme Court upheld a law requiring ByteDance to divest its U.S. operations, leading to the app's temporary shutdown. TikTok expressed gratitude towards President Trump for clarifying the situation, allowing the app to be available for over 170 million American users. Users can now download TikTok directly from its website as Android Package Kits (APKs). However, the app remains unavailable on the App Store due to a law mandating ByteDance to sell its U.S. assets. Trump has hinted at the possibility of purchasing TikTok as part of a new sovereign wealth fund. TikTok Lite offers a streamlined version of the app without certain features. Users are advised to download TikTok only from its official website for safety.

AppWizard

February 11, 2025

TikTok to give package kits on its website for US Android users to download app

TikTok has enabled Android users to download and connect to its platform directly from its website to bypass restrictions imposed by U.S. app stores since a law took effect on January 19, requiring its parent company, ByteDance, to divest ownership or face a ban due to national security concerns. The app has approximately 170 million users in the U.S. Former President Donald Trump has discussed the potential sale of TikTok and ordered the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund that could aid in its acquisition. U.S. officials are concerned about the misuse of American user data, but TikTok claims its data is securely stored in the U.S. and that content moderation decisions are made domestically. The law, which has bipartisan support and was signed by President Joe Biden, continues to be debated, particularly by free speech advocates.

AppWizard

February 10, 2025

TikTok finds way to skirt US ban

TikTok has introduced a method for US Android users to sideload the app directly from its website, allowing them to download and update the app despite a ban on app store availability. The company announced this via its official TikTok Policy account on X. iPhone and iPad users cannot sideload apps but can still access TikTok through web browsers. TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, must find a US-based buyer by April to avoid a complete ban, with potential buyers including MrBeast and Elon Musk. President Trump has appointed Vice President JD Vance to negotiate a deal for TikTok's continued operations in the US.

AppWizard

February 10, 2025

TikTok wants Android users to sideload its app

TikTok is allowing Android users to sideload its app directly from TikTok.com/download as a response to ongoing uncertainty regarding its operations in the U.S. The app is available as an Android Package Kit (APK) file, enabling users to bypass traditional app store restrictions. This sideloading option is a temporary measure to maintain TikTok's presence in the U.S. market, while iPhone users outside the European Union do not have a similar option.

AppWizard

February 8, 2025

If not via the App Store, here’s how to download TikTok on Android in the U.S.

TikTok has announced that Android users in the U.S. can download the app from its official website due to its absence from Google and Apple’s app stores, following a new U.S. law effective January 19 that requires ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban. Despite the law, TikTok remains unavailable on both platforms, and President Trump has signed an executive order delaying enforcement by 75 days while discussions for a potential acquisition continue. TikTok has approximately 170 million users in the U.S. and has denied allegations regarding the misuse of user data, stating that data is stored securely in the U.S. on Oracle-operated cloud servers. Concerns about ByteDance's ownership persist, and while there is bipartisan support for a ban, free speech advocates argue it undermines digital rights. The future of TikTok in the U.S. is uncertain, with no confirmation from ByteDance about a potential sale.