The ongoing future of TikTok remains shrouded in uncertainty, but recent developments suggest a promising trajectory following the app’s restoration on the App Store after its ban deadline on January 19, 2025. Initially, the company faced intense pressure to secure a buyer as mandated by legislation signed by Joe Biden in April 2024. However, this looming deadline was postponed due to an executive order issued by Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, offering the platform a lifeline during a critical time.

As speculations circulate regarding potential acquisitions by major corporations, it is crucial to explore the potential ramifications for TikTok’s future. Stay informed about the latest updates on what might unfold for this widely popular app.

Understanding the Duration of Trump’s Extension on the TikTok Ban

The executive order enacted by President Trump on January 20, 2025, provided a significant 75-day extension for TikTok, now set to conclude on April 5, 2025. Trump indicated the possibility of further extending this period, which adds an interesting dynamic to the ongoing situation.

During a statement, Trump noted, “I have 90 days from about two weeks ago, and I’m sure it can be extended, but let’s see,” despite a potential error in his timeline reference. He expressed optimism, stating, “We have a lot of people interested in TikTok,” highlighting the platform’s attractiveness in the current market.

On April 4, 2025, Trump officially announced a further 75-day extension. In a post on Truth Social, he declared, “My administration has been working very hard on a Deal to SAVE TIKTOK, and we have made tremendous progress. The deal requires more work to ensure all necessary approvals are signed, which is why I am signing an executive order to keep TikTok up and running for an additional 75 days.”

Trump elaborated, “We hope to continue working in good faith with China, who I understand are not very happy about our reciprocal tariffs (necessary for fair and balanced trade between China and the U.S.A.!). This proves that Tariffs are the most powerful economic tool, and very important to our national security! We do not want TikTok to ‘go dark.’ We look forward to working with TikTok and China to close the deal.”

The Current Ownership Status of TikTok: Is It Bought Yet?

As of now, TikTok remains under the ownership of ByteDance, a prominent Beijing-based technology firm. While there have been rampant rumors regarding potential acquisitions, no deal has been finalized yet.

Since the extension issued by Trump, various opportunities have surfaced. Recent reports from NPR indicated that Oracle, Microsoft, and other significant American investors are preparing competitive bids to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations, following guidance from high-ranking officials in the White House. Additionally, during early February, Trump hinted at a possible government involvement in the sale of the social media platform, suggesting that the establishment of the sovereign wealth fund could be leveraged for a TikTok deal.

Who Holds the Ownership of TikTok Currently?

As of April 2025, TikTok continues to be owned by ByteDance, the Chinese tech conglomerate that originally developed the platform, maintaining its position amidst ongoing discussions about potential acquisitions.

TikTok’s Return to App Stores: What You Need to Know

Following its temporary unavailability, TikTok was reinstated for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store shortly after the platform’s blackout on January 18, 2025. This rapid resurgence reflects the app’s popularity and the ongoing negotiations surrounding its future.

Reports suggest that both Apple and Google received communication from Pam Bondi, the Attorney General, which indicated that the Trump administration would not pursue legal action against them for supporting TikTok. However, the legislation designed to ban the app posed significant financial risks, imposing fines of $5,000 for each U.S. user still accessing TikTok. With approximately 170 million active users in the U.S., potential fines could accumulate to staggering amounts, reaching hundreds of billions of dollars.