TikTok’s Return to U.S. App Stores Hits Chinese Competitors Hard

After a period of uncertainty, TikTok is back on U.S. app stores, leading to a sharp decline in downloads for rival Chinese apps. According to Sensor Tower data reported by Bloomberg, downloads of apps like Xiaohongshu (Rednote) have allegedly dropped 91% since TikTok was reinstated on Apple’s App Store and Google Play five days ago.

TikTok had been removed from U.S. app stores on January 18, after its parent company, ByteDance, paused services due to government pressure for divestment. During its absence, Xiaohongshu saw a surge in popularity, attracting nearly 500,000 American users, many of whom were protesting the ban. Other social media platforms, including YouTube, Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram, also experienced increased engagement.

However, with TikTok’s return on February 14, the app has reportedly more than doubled its usual download rate, reinforcing its dominance in the short-form video market. While the platform remained functional during its ban, new downloads were restricted until mid-February, meaning that there was a prime opportunity for other platforms to step in – an opportunity that has now slammed shut as many users appear to be turning back to TikTok, having simply seen the new platforms as a stopgap choice or not finding an experience that made them want to stay for good.

Trump also hinted at the possibility of the U.S. government taking a 50% stake in TikTok, suggesting that such a move could help police the platform. Since then, multiple parties have shown interest in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations, though no deal has been finalized. For now, TikTok’s return appears to have solidified its dominance, pushing competing Chinese apps out of the spotlight – but not entirely out of the market.