TikTok returns to app stores in the US

Apple and Google have restored TikTok to their respective app stores in the US.

The popular app’s reinstatement comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order delaying its ban for 75 days.

Parent company ByteDance previously had until January 19th, 2025 to divest the app in the US or face a ban. The US Supreme Court upheld the legislation following an appeal against its removal from stores just days before the deadline.

Despite assurance that app stores would not face penalties for reinstating TikTok, the app has remained off the App Store and Google Play until now.

The app's return came after US Attorney General Pam Bondi assured Apple in a letter that it wouldn't face fines for hosting TikTok.

“Significant impact”

Last month, we asked our Mobile Mavens for their thoughts on the TikTok ban and how it could impact the games industry.

GoodVille chief marketing officer Katerina Dudinskaya said any ban would “have a significant impact on the games industry, particularly for hypercasual and simple puzzle games”.

“TikTok has been one of the most effective channels for promoting this genre due to its vertical orientation and the seamless user experience it provides,” she said.

“Hypercasual games often mirror the ‘effects games’, engaging nature of TikTok content, making the transition from scrolling to gameplay almost invisible for users.

“Additionally, this decision will disrupt strategies for gaming projects that heavily relied on influencer marketing.

“TikTok's creators have been instrumental in driving awareness and downloads for various games. Losing access to this platform will force the industry to rethink its approach to influencer partnerships and explore alternative platforms, which might not reproduce TikTok's unique dynamics and reach.”