The short video platform TikTok, famous for its dance challenges and viral trends, met its end in the U.S. on Sunday, following a ban from the Supreme Court.

Initially launched in the U.S. in 2018, TikTok quickly became the most popular app for social and entertainment purposes worldwide. By 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdowns, it had amassed over 100 million users in the U.S. as people sought new ways to pass the time.

“Users craved relatable, unscripted portrayals of life,” noted Brooke Duffy, an associate professor at Cornell University’s Department of Communication and a researcher in digital and social media. “It was like a refreshing alternative to Instagram.”

Various platforms aimed to replicate TikTok’s success. Meta, Facebook’s parent company, introduced Reels in 2020, closely followed by Snap Inc. with its own feature for Snapchat. YouTube also entered the fray by launching YouTube Shorts in the U.S. a year later.

In spite of the increased competition, TikTok became a primary source for internet searches, news, and shopping for countless users. Anticipating around 170 million Americans—approximately half the U.S. population—would be using the app by 2025, its virtual trends significantly influenced real-world behavior.

BookTok, a TikTok trend, invigorated the publishing sector, bringing in new readers and boosting sales. Meme-inspired songs climbed the Billboard charts, and popular recipes led to grocery items like Feta becoming scarce. Fashion trends, such as coastal grandmother and cottagecore, encouraged many to update their closets.

According to Jessica Maddox, an assistant professor at the University of Alabama focusing on journalism and creative media, TikTok significantly impacted various industries. “This has been true for publishing, music, food, travel, and many other sectors,” she explained. “If an offline experience—be it food or a tourist spot—could be made appealing for TikTok, it was sure to succeed.”

TikTok, while sometimes a whimsical and absurd part of online culture, also showcased the positive aspects of humanity. One teacher’s viral post helped raise over $30,000 to clear student lunch debts. Another garnered over $230,000 to assist an Uber driver with medical expenses. Californians used TikTok to gather aid for wildfire victims.

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However, the app was not without its downsides. It occasionally spread harmful misinformation and encouraged trends that could be dangerous. Experts have pointed out that it has addictive qualities, leading lawmakers to raise national security concerns, which culminated in the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the ban.

“It’s not a flawless social media app. Perfection doesn’t exist because people aren’t perfect,” said Maddox. Yet, she added, “It’s easy to dismiss TikTok as a trivial app, but it also educates, fosters community, and has driven political engagement.”

There’s a possibility that TikTok’s downfall may be temporary. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to “rescue” the platform and indicated to NBC News that he would likely provide a 90-day grace period to prevent the ban. TikTok’s CEO Shou Zi Chew expressed his willingness to collaborate with Trump to maintain the app’s presence in the U.S.

“Rest assured, we will do everything we can to ensure our platform continues to be a space for endless creativity and inspiration, serving you for years to come,” Chew stated in a recent message on TikTok and X accounts.