TikTok Faces Fresh Trouble in the US as Users Delete the App in Large Numbers
TikTok’s challenges in the United States are far from over. After ByteDance was forced to sell a controlling stake in the US version of the app to an American-owned entity, TikTok was able to continue operating — but only with a newly introduced algorithm. Now, however, new data suggests that user confidence in the platform may be slipping fast.
According to market intelligence firm Sensor Tower, daily TikTok deletions in the US have surged nearly 150% over the past five days compared to the average of the previous three months. The firm shared these figures in comments to CNBC, pointing to a sudden spike in users abandoning the app.
Privacy Concerns Spark User Backlash
One of the biggest drivers behind this exodus appears to be TikTok’s updated privacy policy. The policy states that the platform may collect highly sensitive personal data, including information related to a user’s racial or ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship or immigration status, and even financial details.
While CNBC notes that this wording isn’t entirely new, the renewed attention suggests users may now be more alarmed — particularly given that this data is now handled by a US-based company rather than ByteDance.
Reaction from users has been swift and vocal. Creator Dre Ronayne, for example, announced on Threads that they had deleted TikTok despite having nearly 400,000 followers, writing: “Good riddance.” They later added that if they could walk away from their biggest platform due to restrictive terms and growing censorship concerns, others could too.
Bugs, Uncertainty, and Creator Frustration
Privacy issues aren’t the platform’s only headache. Reports suggest the restructured version of TikTok is also suffering from technical bugs, along with confusion around how recent changes may affect creators. This lack of clarity has reportedly added to user frustration, pushing some to explore alternatives.
And many appear to be doing just that.
Rival Apps See Massive Growth
As TikTok users depart, several competing platforms are experiencing explosive growth. Sensor Tower reports that UpScrolled has seen its US downloads jump more than tenfold in just a week, with the
Meanwhile, Skylight Social has recorded an impressive 919% increase in downloads, while Rednote has grown by 53% over the same period. These three apps appear to be the main destinations for former TikTok users, though major platforms like Instagram are also likely benefiting from the shift.
Among the newer competitors, UpScrolled and Skylight Social stand out for having more transparent and limited data collection policies. Rednote does collect a broader range of data, but notably avoids referencing some of the most controversial categories listed in TikTok’s policy, such as immigration status.
Is This the Beginning of the End for TikTok?
Despite the surge in deletions, it would be premature to declare TikTok’s downfall. The platform still commands a massive user base, and many of its technical issues are likely to be resolved over time.
However, whether TikTok revises its privacy policy remains an open question. For users uncomfortable with the scope of data collection, the growing list of alternative apps may prove increasingly attractive.
For now, TikTok remains dominant — but its grip on US users no longer looks as unshakeable as it once did.
