Is this the end of TikTok?
Social media went wild Thursday with theories and speculation about the end of the social media app TikTok, where users can shared short-form videos.
Reports surfaced of videos receiving zero likes, and of the app not displaying view counts for videos, either, which were both staples of the platform.
On Twitter, hashtags like #RIPTikTok and #TikTok ban floated around for hours.
The rumors have some basis in reality. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Monday that the United States is “looking at” banning TikTok and other Chinese-based apps.
The U.S. was considering all apps but “especially TikTok,” he said, according to CNN. Pompeo told Fox News’ Laura Ingraham that “we’re taking this very seriously.”
“With respect to Chinese apps on people’s cellphones, I can assure you the United States will get this one right, too, Laura. I don’t want to get out in front of the President (Donald Trump), but it’s something we’re looking at.”
However, TikTok’s support page issued a statement, saying it was looking into the issue.
“Hi TikTok community! We’re aware that some users are experiencing app issues – working to quickly fix things, and we’ll share updates here!” the page said.
The app is still available for download. It has not been banned.
Still, it didn’t stop social media from freaking out over the potential ban.
Similarly, Vine — an older app that has been linked to TikTok in some ways — began trending as well, with people wondering if the old app would make a return.