Three days after ByteDance's TikTok briefly disappeared and then returned in the United States, users who had uninstalled the app found themselves unable to redownload it on their iPhone and Android devices.
Some individuals, capitalizing on TikTok fans' eagerness, tried to sell devices on eBay with the app supposedly pre-installed for prices reaching up to $50,000.
As of Tuesday, TikTok remained unavailable for download from the Apple and Google app stores in the United States due to legal uncertainties following a 75-day ban announcement on the popular Chinese-owned app. Despite assurances from Trump that the app would not face fines, it was still absent from the app stores. Other apps owned by ByteDance, such as Lemon8 and CapCut, were also unavailable.
The search for a buyer for TikTok continued as Trump indicated openness to Elon Musk purchasing the app and discussions took place with potential buyers like Kevin O'Leary and Frank McCourt.
The ongoing twists and turns elicited mixed reactions from users. Some expressed disillusionment with being entangled in the negotiations, while others eagerly awaited TikTok's return, though it remained out of reach without Apple and Google making it accessible.
In the midst of the uncertainty, users attempted different methods, like changing locations on their phones, to restore access to TikTok. The involvement of Google and Apple in bypassing the ban to allow downloads faced delays, possibly due to the need for additional safeguards.
TikTok users observed differences in the app's algorithm post-return, sparking concerns about its future under potential new ownership. Despite TikTok's message thanking users for their support upon its return, some users like Janel Samson declared they were done with the app due to frustrations with Trump's involvement.
By Tuesday night, over 200 iPhone and Android devices with the TikTok app pre-installed were listed for sale on eBay.