Bluesky Takes on TikTok with New Vertical Video Feed Launch
Bluesky introduces a customizable vertical video feed feature as TikTok faces uncertainty in the US market. The decentralized platform's strategic move comes amid significant user growth, reaching 28 million users while fostering development of alternative video platforms.
Perplexity AI Makes Bold Merger Bid for TikTok Amid US Ban Threat
AI search startup Perplexity AI proposes a surprising merger with TikTok's US operations as the platform faces a potential ban. The deal would allow ByteDance investors to retain stakes while combining Perplexity's AI capabilities with TikTok's vast video content.
TikTok CEO Courts Trump's Favor as US Ban Deadline Looms
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew makes a direct appeal to President-elect Trump just days before a potential nationwide ban. With over 60 billion views on Trump's content, Chew praises his understanding of the platform while seeking solutions to prevent the app's shutdown.
Americans Rush to Learn Chinese as TikTok Users Migrate to RedNote Platform
Following TikTok's impending U.S. ban, Duolingo reports a 216% surge in Americans learning Mandarin Chinese as users transition to RedNote, a Chinese social media platform. The language learning app has capitalized on this cultural shift through viral content, while seeing significant growth in downloads and rankings.
Supreme Court Signals Skepticism Over TikTok's Future in the United States
The Supreme Court hearing on TikTok's fate reveals strong judicial skepticism about the platform's continued operation in the US, with justices raising concerns about national security and data privacy. The social media giant faces potential ban as justices question ByteDance's foreign ownership and influence.
TikTok Threatens to Exit U.S. Market Over ByteDance Sale Mandate
TikTok warns it will cease U.S. operations by January 19 if the Supreme Court doesn't block a law requiring ByteDance to sell the platform. The social media giant, serving 170 million monthly U.S. users, argues the mandate violates First Amendment rights while officials cite national security concerns.
Mobile App Market Shows Mixed Signals: Downloads Drop While Revenue Soars to $127B
Global app downloads declined 2.3% in 2024, yet consumer spending reached $127 billion, up 15.7% year-over-year. Apple's App Store dominated revenue growth with $91.6B, while subscription-based apps emerged as key revenue drivers despite representing only 5% of total apps.
Trump Meets TikTok CEO as Company Battles Supreme Court Over Potential US Ban
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew meets with Trump at Mar-a-Lago while fighting a looming January 19 deadline that could ban the app in the US. The company has filed an emergency Supreme Court petition, arguing the ban would devastate free speech and cost creators millions.
TikTok and WhatsApp Rise as Teens Desert Traditional Social Media Giants
A new Pew Research survey reveals dramatic shifts in teen social media preferences, with TikTok and WhatsApp gaining popularity while X and Facebook see major declines. The study shows YouTube maintaining dominance despite slight decreases, while nearly half of teens report being online 'almost constantly'.
TikTok Files Emergency Request to Block Potential US Ban as 2025 Deadline Looms
TikTok and ByteDance are seeking to pause legislation requiring the sale of the app by January 2025 or face a US shutdown. The company warns of devastating impacts on its 170 million US users while planning a Supreme Court appeal.