The never-ending TikTok-U.S. drama has a new twist, and it’s a big one.
According to reports, TikTok is now developing an entirely separate, U.S.-only version of its app as it scrambles to comply with the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.” Internally, the project is reportedly nicknamed “M2” (make of that what you will). It’s slated to launch as soon as September, with American users required to switch over by March 2026 if they want to keep scrolling.
No more selling the business then?
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So, what’s the difference between TikTok as we know it and this new US spin-off? That part’s still fuzzy. But the move would allow parent company ByteDance to keep full control of TikTok in other countries while satisfying new US rules, like capping foreign ownership and protecting algorithm control.
The algorithm, of course, is the secret sauce here and China has made it crystal clear that TikTok’s algorithm is not for sale. So, the big question is: How do you sell or spin off TikTok US without giving away what makes TikTok TikTok? Some insiders think this workaround could do the trick, creating a version that’s legally separate, but still feels familiar enough to keep users hooked.
This news lands just days after Donald Trump announced he’s lined up a group of “very wealthy people” to buy the US version of TikTok. He’s already granted three delays to a forced sell-off, but with a new September deadline looming, a deal is finally inching closer.
Could a US-only TikTok keep the magic alive? Maybe. If ByteDance can deliver the same addictive experience without handing over its full algorithm, it might just pull off a win-win but that’s a big if.
No-one’s talking about followers either. Will US users be able to follow and interact with non-US users?