TikTok experienced a significant service disruption across the United States on Thursday, May 15, 2025, affecting thousands of users who reported issues ranging from app crashes to missing videos and server connection problems.
According to Downdetector, a platform that tracks real-time outages, over 32,000 reports were logged, with 79% of users experiencing app-related issues, 20% facing server connection problems, and 1% unable to access the website. The outage began around 4 p.m. Eastern Time and peaked shortly after, causing widespread frustration among users.
In the absence of official communication from TikTok, users flocked to X (formerly Twitter) to share their experiences and frustrations. Many joked about their disrupted scrolling routines, with some expressing disbelief at the sudden interruption to their daily habits.
This outage comes amid ongoing concerns over TikTok’s future in the U.S. In January 2025, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA) led to a nationwide ban of the app, citing national security concerns related to its Chinese ownership. While the ban was temporarily halted by an executive order from President Trump, the platform’s long-term viability in the U.S. remains uncertain.
As users await an official response from TikTok, many are turning to alternative platforms like RedNote, a Chinese-owned social media app that has seen a surge in popularity among former TikTok users seeking similar content and features.
The situation underscores the growing tension between technology and national security concerns, highlighting the challenges faced by global platforms operating in politically sensitive environments.
Anas Hasan
May 16, 2025
1 month ago
