TikTok's New US Venture Off to Shaky Start as Uninstalls Rise to 150%

TikTok's newly announced US joint venture has stumbled out of the gate, with app uninstalls surging sharply in the days following the deal. According to data cited by CNBC, removals of the short-form video app jumped by as much as 150 per cent among US users, underlining lingering scepticism about the platform's future despite efforts to address national security concerns.

The sharp reaction suggests that, for some users, the restructuring has raised fresh questions rather than offered reassurance. Even as TikTok seeks to project stability, the early signs point to a challenging period ahead as it attempts to steady confidence among both users and advertisers.

Uninstalls Spike After Joint Venture Announcement

CNBC reported that analytics firm Sensor Tower recorded a dramatic rise in TikTok uninstalls shortly after the joint venture was announced. The increase represents one of the steepest short-term pullbacks in user sentiment the app has experienced in recent years, despite TikTok's continued dominance in the social media landscape.

The timing of the uninstall surge suggests a direct link to the announcement itself, with some users appearing unsettled by the shift in ownership structure and what it might mean for the app's long-term direction in the United States.

Competitors See Download Boost as Users Look Elsewhere

At the same time, rival platforms have benefited from TikTok's turbulence, with several alternative social and video apps recording increased downloads. Emerging platforms such as Upscrolled saw a notable uptick in interest, as users explored substitutes amid uncertainty about TikTok's future.

More established competitors, including services offering short-form video features, have also seen gains, according to CNBC's reporting. Analysts suggest the trend highlights how quickly user attention can shift when doubts arise about platform stability, particularly in a crowded and highly competitive market.

What the US Joint Venture Involves

The new US joint venture is intended to give American investors a controlling stake in TikTok's domestic operations, a move designed to address long-standing political and regulatory concerns. Under the arrangement, TikTok's parent company ByteDance retains a minority interest, while operational oversight is expected to rest largely with US-based partners.

The deal follows months of negotiations amid growing pressure from lawmakers who have raised concerns over data security and potential Chinese government influence. The joint venture is positioned as a compromise intended to keep TikTok available to US users while satisfying regulatory demands.

User Trust Remains a Key Challenge

Despite the structural changes, rebuilding trust remains a significant challenge. Repeated threats of bans, forced sales, and legal action have created an atmosphere of uncertainty, leading some users to question whether TikTok can offer long-term continuity.

CNBC noted that some users may be uninstalling the app pre-emptively, wary of future restrictions or disruptions. Others may simply be hedging their bets by migrating to rival platforms while the situation unfolds.

Advertising and Political Pressure Continue

The uninstall surge comes at a sensitive time for TikTok's advertising business, which relies heavily on consistent user engagement. Even short-term volatility can make brands cautious, particularly as alternative platforms seek to capitalise on the moment.

Politically, the joint venture does not mark the end of scrutiny. Lawmakers have signalled that oversight will continue, meaning TikTok's US operation remains under close watch. For now, the shaky start to the new venture underscores how fragile user confidence has become — and how easily it can be redirected elsewhere.