How to access TikTok after the ban: tips for using a VPN and all the alternative apps [Video]

00:58 EST 19 Jan 2025, updated 01:49 EST 19 Jan 2025

TikTok’s app was removed from the Apple, Amazon and Google Play stores on Saturday night just as a federal law that banned the popular social media platform came into effect.

By 10:50pm EST, the app was no longer available to be downloaded with app stores now prohibited from offering the platform under a law that required TikTok´s China-based parent company, ByteDance, to sell the platform or face the ban.

When users opened the TikTok app on Saturday evening, they encountered a pop-up message from the company that prevented them from scrolling on videos.

‘A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S.,’ the message said. ‘Unfortunately that means you can´t use TikTok for now.’

‘We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office,’ the message said, with a hint of optimism. ‘Please stay tuned!’

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