Earlier this year, TikTok users all around the world were savoring their time on the app before it was temporarily shut down in January 2025. The social media scare only lasted around 12 hours before it was restored by the current administration. For the second time this year, TikTok may be disappearing again, and taking its place is a United States-only version called “M2”.
According to TikTok, this newest version could come to fruition as early as September 2025. This M2 app will only show U.S. users and content, excluding any other creators outside of the U.S. This means anyone outside of the U.S. currently using TikTok as their main source of income will be immediately affected. Only users residing in the U.S. can download this new app, and what they will see on their For You page will change drastically.
Downsizing People’s Worldview
Currently, on TikTok, someone can download and upload on the app no matter their location in the world. This leads to amazing and unique content ranging anywhere from international recipe ideas to different cultures showing their typical outfit of the day.
Without this broad look into others’ lives all around the world, M2 users’ awareness will be extremely limited on things happening outside of the U.S. Many TikTok users rely on international creator accounts for news and trending topics to stay informed and educated, and this new M2 app could take that away from them.
Impacted Online Friendships
With such a global outreach that TikTok has, hundreds of people have formed friendships online because of the app. It allows users to connect with other users or even creators if they’re a fan of their content. Popular YouTube creators Mackie and Amanda even credit TikTok for their friendship and used the app to begin messaging each other.
Will it be Worth it?
This new TikTok revival will take away some of people’s favorite creators if they’re outside of the U.S., which could result in people giving up on the app altogether. Censoring content to U.S. material only could make the M2 version less appealing and more boring to watch. And for anyone outside of the U.S., they will not be shown content from U.S. users either, limiting their worldview as well.
@chris.james.kahle The new TikTok App M2 and what I know so far… what do you think? Comment and let me know! #m2 #tiktokupdate #breakingnews
♬ Mysterious and sad BGM(1120058) – S and N
It’s also unclear how the new algorithm will perform. It hasn’t been confirmed yet if users’ data and followers will be transferred over to their new accounts on M2 or if they have to start from scratch again. TikTok is currently still live and functional, but the change is expected to take place in September of this year.
There are other platforms encouraging global connection and creators outside of the country, like YouTube. Plenty of TikTok creators also post on YouTube, so that’s a great way to stay connected with them after this new app takes place!
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