TikTok is currently unavailable in the U.S.

On Friday, the Supreme Court upheld a law that effectively prohibits TikTok in the U.S., which is now in effect. The ruling supported the government’s national security concerns regarding the social media platform and its parent company, ByteDance, despite arguments advocating for free speech.

TikTok has begun showing users a message regarding the law, noting that “President Donald Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution,” and asking users to “stay tuned.” Trump is expected to take office tomorrow.

Trump has vowed to “save” the platform and mentioned to NBC News that he is likely to propose a 90-day delay to prevent the ban. TikTok’s CEO Shou Zi Chew is anticipated to be present at the inauguration.

In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling, TikTok shared a post thanking President-elect Trump for his pledge to assist in finding a resolution and expressing gratitude to American users for their support of the platform.

Here’s what you need to know about the TikTok ban and its implications for users:

Is TikTok restricted in the US?

A law that effectively restricts the TikTok app in the U.S. has become active as of today.

With this ban, the app can no longer be distributed via the Apple App Store and Google Play. Although app stores have removed the app, it will remain on devices where it was previously installed.

Did TikTok go offline today?

Yes.

TikTok’s abrupt shutdown has left over 170 million monthly users without access to a platform that has become integral to their daily lives. From teens keeping up with trends and connecting with friends to creators who have forged careers and sought internet fame, the loss of the app has disrupted many communities and lives.

Is it possible to keep using TikTok after the ban?

As part of TikTok’s plan to halt operations, users trying to access the app today will encounter a pop-up directing them to a site with information about the ban or advising them to close the app.

Can I circumvent the TikTok ban using a VPN?

VPNs, or virtual private networks, which disguise your IP address and online actions by rerouting your internet traffic to different locations, are failing for many users.

“I couldn’t get a VPN to work. I tried accessing it from both Australia and the UK,” one individual shared on Reddit. “I’m currently outside the US, and it still doesn’t work for me,” another echoed.

Other alternatives, such as using the Tor browser—which allows users to browse the internet anonymously by obscuring their online traffic—have also been ineffective.

— Bailey Schulz, Jessica Guynn

Are CapCut and Lemon8 also banned?

TikTok’s app and website inform users that the platform is no longer operational in the U.S., stating “isn’t available right now” and encouraging them to “stay tuned!”

Similarly, links for Lemon8—a TikTok alternative described as a “lifestyle community”—and CapCut, a video editing tool, were rendered inaccessible on Saturday night, featuring comparable messages. Both apps are also owned by ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company.

— Bailey Schulz, Jessica Guynn

Contributing: Maureen Groppe, Greta Cross, Mike Snider, Rebecca Morin, Jonathan Limehouse, Mary Walrath-Holdridge