- TikTok went dark for US users on Saturday night.
- Several other platforms owned by ByteDance are also unavailable, including Lemon8, CapCut and Marvel Snap.
- Banned apps already downloaded will remain on the device, but they are likely already unusable.
- Banned apps are not available for download from the Apple App or Google Play stores. Many of them are also not accessible through the website.
After months of anticipation, the short-form video app TikTok went dark on Saturday night, just hours before legislation banning the app was set to take effect on Sunday. But it’s not the only app that’s now unavailable.
Lemon8, CapCut – Video Editor and Marvel Snap are three other platforms affected by the ban, as each has a connection to ByteDance, the Chinese parent company that some US government officials believe is a national security threat.
Under the ban, it is illegal for web hosting services and app stores to distribute ByteDance’s platforms, such as TikTok. The Apple App Store and Google Play Store will not remove these apps from devices on which they have already been downloaded, but the apps have become unavailable to users.
“A law banning TikTok has been passed in the U.S. Unfortunately, this means you can’t use TikTok right now,” read a pop-up message on the TikTok mobile app and website. “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to restore TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!”
Live Updates:Did TikTok shut down on Sunday?
President-elect Trump has promised to “save” TikTok and told NBC News last week that he expects to “most likely” offer a 90-day extension to avoid the ban. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration on Monday.
Here’s what you need to know about the other apps affected by the TikTok ban.
What other apps are banned with TikTok?
The Apple App Store provided the following list of apps developed by ByteDance or its affiliates that are affected by the ban:
- Lemon 8
- CapCut
- Marvel Snap
- Gauth
- hippie
- Lark
What happens to banned apps if they are already downloaded?
If a US user already has one of the banned apps downloaded on a device, it will remain there. However, software updates will not be available, potentially affecting performance, security and compatibility, according to the Apple App Store.
In most cases, the apps have already become unusable, with pop-up messages informing users of the ban.
Apps will also not be able to be downloaded or restored if the user switches to a new device. Additionally, in-app purchases and new subscriptions are no longer available.
Is Lemon8 banned?
Lemon8 is a social media platform described as a “lifestyle community”. The platform works similarly to TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest. Lemon8 was released in the US in 2023.
Lemon8 has been unavailable to access in the US since Sunday, a message on the platform’s website said.
Is CapCut banned?
CapCut − Video Editor is a free video editing software previously available in the US for mobile and desktop download and accessible through the CapCut website. CapCut was released in the US in 2020.
“Rest assured, we are working to restore our service in the US. Please stay tuned,” read a pop-up message on CapCut’s website on Sunday.
What is Marvel Snap?
Marvel Snap is a digital card game featuring characters from the Marvel Universe.
Marvel Snap was developed by Second Dinner and published by Nuverse, a subsidiary of ByteDance, in 2022.
When trying to access Marvel Snap’s US website on Sunday, a pop-up message read, “Currently not available in your country or region.”
What is Gauth?
Gauth is described as a free artificial intelligence homework help. The platform offers an AI calculator, AI essay writer and live tutor, according to its website, which was unavailable in the US on Sunday.
Like many of ByteDance’s platforms, Gauth has grown in popularity in recent months. As of Sunday, it was the 12th most popular educational app in the Apple App Store. However, it is currently not available for download.
What is Hypic?
Hypic is a photo editing software that uses artificial intelligence.
What is Lark?
Lark is an enterprise collaboration platform released in 2019. As of Sunday, the Lark website appears to be available for use in the US
Will international tourists be able to access banned apps when visiting the US?
No, according to the Apple App Store.
Even if users visiting from outside the US have their Apple accounts located in a country or region outside the US, the banned apps will not be available to download or update. In-app purchases and new subscriptions will also not be available.
After leaving the US, users will regain access to the banned apps, according to the Apple App Store.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email it to gcross@usatoday.com.
