A glimmer of hope has been restored.

On February 14, Jiemian News reported that Google Play Store and Apple App Store have agreed to reinstate TikTok on their platforms.

According to Bloomberg tech reporter Mark Gurman, US Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter to Apple, explicitly stating that Apple would not face penalties for hosting the TikTok app. Upon receiving this assurance, Apple agreed to relist TikTok. This globally beloved short video app has finally made its way back to the phones of US users, after a 26-day absence from app stores.

Image source: X

On April 24, 2024, then-US President Biden signed a bill passed by both chambers of Congress, mandating TikTok's parent company ByteDance to sell TikTok to a non-Chinese entity within 270 days, or face a ban in the US.

The 270-day deadline for the 'sell or ban' bill coincided with the eve of Biden's administration leaving office, on January 19, 2025. Consequently, the responsibility was passed on to the incoming Trump administration.

However, just hours before the ban was scheduled to take effect, Trump brought a spark of hope for TikTok. Upon taking office, he signed an executive order imposing a 75-day stay on the ban, citing the need for 'more time to explore an appropriate solution.'

This is not the first time TikTok has faced such scrutiny. As early as 2020, then-US President Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he intended to ban TikTok from operating in the US market. He also issued an executive order not only requiring Google and Apple to delist TikTok but also prohibiting US individuals or companies from conducting any transactions with TikTok and its parent company ByteDance. Currently, he notes that TikTok's image has evolved, and it is both equitable and beneficial in attracting young voters.

As a short video platform, TikTok's format seamlessly aligns with the fast-paced lifestyle of modern individuals. Additionally, its unique recommendation algorithm tailors personalized content based on users' habits and preferences, making it an ideal tool for leisure and social entertainment. Lei recalls that in mid-January, as the TikTok ban's effective date loomed, numerous young Americans sought out 'TikTok alternatives.' On January 13, 2025, Xiaohongshu surged to the top of the US App Store downloads, attracting a flood of American netizens to the platform. The preference for Xiaohongshu over 'Pinterest,' tailored for overseas users, was due to Xiaohongshu's global mobile number registration and clean interface, often regarded as the Chinese version of 'Instagram.' Consequently, it welcomed a significant influx of 'cyber refugees' and even sparked a wave of exchanges between Chinese and American netizens.

With both Google Play Store and App Store relisting TikTok, the 'tiktok_refugees' on Xiaohongshu can now return home. As for TikTok's future after the expiration of the 'stay order,' we will find out on April 5.

Source: Lei Technology