- TikTok is slowly restoring service in the US.
- CapCut, Lemon8, and Marvel Snap remain unavailable.
TikTok is gradually making its way back online in the US after briefly going dark to comply with the divest-or-ban law that went into effect on January 19th. However, users hoping for a smooth return to their favourite ByteDance apps might have to wait a little longer.
While TikTok’s restoration is underway, Google and Apple have yet to reintroduce it – or any other ByteDance-owned apps – on their app stores. Currently, a search for TikTok on the App Store greets US users with a disappointing message: “TikTok and other ByteDance apps are not available in the country or region you’re in.” Over on Google Play, the notice is just as definitive: “Downloads for this app are paused due to current US legal requirements.”
TikTok acknowledged the disruption in a recent statement, saying it is “in the process of restoring service” and thanking President-elect Donald Trump for providing clarity to its service providers. The company expressed gratitude for assurances that supporting the app – like hosting it through Oracle or distributing content via CDN partner Akamai – wouldn’t result in penalties.
The restoration of TikTok highlights how complicated the situation remains. Trump, who has repeatedly promised to “save” the app, has yet to provide a fully detailed plan. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has indicated that enforcing the ban will fall to the incoming leadership. So far, none of the involved parties – Google, Apple, Oracle, Akamai, or TikTok – have commented further, leaving users and developers in a state of uncertainty.
What about other ByteDance apps?
While TikTok’s return offers some hope, ByteDance’s other apps remain inaccessible to US users. Popular tools like CapCut, Lemon8, and the digital card game Marvel Snap are still unavailable, with no clear timeline for their return. The widespread ban surprised many, particularly fans of Marvel Snap, a game with little connection to TikTok-style social media. Even its own developer, Second Dinner, seemed blindsided, posting on X: “The outage is a surprise to us and wasn’t planned. MARVEL SNAP isn’t going anywhere.”
American users trying to access these apps encounter messages similar to the one displayed by TikTok during its outage. For instance, CapCut shows a pop-up reading: “A law banning CapCut has been enacted in the US. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use CapCut for now. Rest assured, we’re working to restore our service in the US. Please stay tuned!” The bans extend beyond these high-profile apps. ByteDance’s less prominent tools, like TikTok Shop Seller Center, Hypic, and Lark, have also been affected. Both Google and Apple continue to display warnings for users attempting to download ByteDance apps, emphasising that current legal requirements prevent access.
Mixed reactions and uncertain outcomes
The legal situation has drawn mixed reactions from US lawmakers and companies. While TikTok’s hosting partners are reportedly relying on Trump’s promises of immunity, not everyone is convinced. Republican Senator Tom Cotton praised app stores for removing ByteDance apps and issued a stark warning. He suggested that any company facilitating TikTok’s operations could face severe legal and financial repercussions, including shareholder lawsuits and action from the Department of Justice.
The debate over TikTok and ByteDance apps is far from over. The divest-or-ban law has created a new level of uncertainty, not only for ByteDance but also for the developers, hosting providers, and millions of users caught in the crossfire.
Instagram steps into the spotlight
Instagram appears ready to take advantage of the chaos. Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri just introduced Edits, a new video editing app developed to compete with ByteDance’s CapCut. In an Instagram video, Mosseri classified Edits as more than just another editing tool. “Edits is more than a video editing app; it’s a full suite of creative tools,” Mosseri explained, emphasising features like a tab for inspiration, tools for organising creative ideas, and a camera. He also teased editing options that include green screens and video overlays – common features on TikTok and CapCut.
For creators who post directly to Instagram, Edits offers engagement metrics, including a live insights dashboard and breakdowns of follower versus non-follower activity.
Although Mosseri did not specifically mention ByteDance, the timing of his announcement seems strategic. As ByteDance apps struggle to overcome legal difficulties, Instagram is presenting itself as the go-to platform for creators seeking alternatives. Edits is set to launch on March 13th, 2025, and is already available for preorder on the iOS App Store.
What’s next for ByteDance?
The future of ByteDance apps in the US remains uncertain. TikTok’s slow return marks a step forward, but there is no word on when other apps like Marvel Snap, Lemon8, or CapCut might come back online. For US users, the uncertainty is frustrating, but for competitors like Instagram, it represents an opportunity to win over disheartened fans.
The situation raises questions about the role of government intervention in technology. ByteDance’s struggles are a reminder of how politics can disrupt innovation and reshape the digital landscape. Whether TikTok and its sibling apps can navigate this storm will depend on ByteDance’s ability to adapt to the challenges of the months ahead. In the meantime, creators and users are left wondering: Will ByteDance regain its footing, or is this the beginning of a new era where only US-based platforms like Instagram are allowed to dominate the creative space on American soil?
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