Several ByteDance-owned apps still aren’t working for users in the US, and like TikTok, they’re not available on the App Store or Google Play, either.
TikTok is back — at least partially — in the U.S., marking a significant yet bittersweet moment for ByteDance-owned apps. While TikTok’s partial return has sparked conversations nationwide, other popular apps from the same parent company remain in the shadows. ByteDance’s digital card game Marvel Snap, the widely-used video editing app CapCut, and the social media platform Lemon8 are still blocked. Even more puzzling is the absence of these apps, along with TikTok, from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
So, what exactly is happening with these fan-favorite apps, and why does the future of ByteDance’s ecosystem in the U.S. remain murky?
A Ban That Extends Beyond TikTok
The ban that took TikTok offline in the U.S. has reverberated across the entire ByteDance portfolio. Many expected apps like CapCut and Lemon8 to be affected, given their direct ties to ByteDance. However, the inclusion of Marvel Snap, a celebrated digital card game, caught many by surprise — including its own developers.
In a post shared Sunday morning on X (formerly Twitter), Second Dinner, the studio behind Marvel Snap, expressed its shock. “This outage is a surprise to us and wasn’t planned. Marvel Snap isn’t going anywhere,” the studio stated. For context, Marvel Snap is published by Nuverse, a ByteDance-owned gaming subsidiary. Despite its immense popularity, it appears the game has been swept up in the broader wave of restrictions targeting ByteDance applications.
The Experience for Users: Locked Out
For users attempting to access Marvel Snap, CapCut, or Lemon8, the experience is eerily similar to what TikTok users encountered during its shutdown on Saturday night. Upon opening the apps, users are greeted with a disheartening message. For instance, the pop-up on CapCut reads: “A law banning CapCut has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use CapCut for now. Rest assured, we’re working to restore our service in the U.S. Please stay tuned!”
This language mirrors TikTok’s own shutdown notice. The app’s message cited compliance with a federal divest-or-ban law, which went into effect on January 19th. Beyond TikTok, other ByteDance tools such as TikTok Studio, TikTok Shop Seller Center, Hypic, Lark (Team Collaboration), and Gauth (AI Study Companion) have also been affected. It appears no ByteDance application is safe from the sweeping legislation.
What the App Stores Say
For those who attempt to search for ByteDance apps in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, the restrictions are evident. Google’s Play Store informs users, “Downloads for this app are paused due to current U.S. legal requirements.” Meanwhile, Apple’s App Store displays a banner with a similar tone: “TikTok and other ByteDance apps are not available in the country or region you’re in.”
These notices further highlight the gravity of the situation. ByteDance’s expansive app ecosystem, which includes tools for creativity, gaming, and productivity, has been severely curtailed in one of its largest markets.
The Broader Implications
The legal action targeting ByteDance apps underscores the increasing scrutiny Chinese-owned platforms face in the U.S. government. Concerns about data privacy, national security, and influence have driven a series of laws aimed at limiting the reach of these apps. The divest-or-ban law, in particular, demands that ByteDance divest its U.S. operations or face a total prohibition. While TikTok’s partial return may indicate some progress in negotiations, the absence of other apps suggests a prolonged battle ahead.
For creators, gamers, and everyday users, this ban has disrupted workflows and entertainment alike. CapCut, widely regarded as one of the best free video editing tools, has become indispensable for social media creators. Marvel Snap, with its innovative mechanics and Marvel universe appeal, boasts a dedicated player base. Lemon8, often touted as TikTok’s younger sibling, has been a rising star among niche social platforms. The inability to access these apps is not just an inconvenience but a major setback for millions of users.
When Will the Apps Return?
As of now, there is no clear timeline for when Marvel Snap, CapCut, Lemon8, or other ByteDance apps will make their return to U.S. app stores. ByteDance has yet to release a comprehensive statement addressing the broader ban beyond TikTok’s initial reactivation.
The uncertainty surrounding these apps leaves users in limbo. Will ByteDance comply with divestment requirements, or will the ban become a long-term reality? For now, fans of Marvel Snap, creators relying on CapCut, and users intrigued by Lemon8 can only hope for a swift resolution.
A Glimmer of Hope?
TikTok’s partial return serves as a beacon of hope for the rest of the ByteDance ecosystem. If negotiations continue to progress, it’s possible that apps like Marvel Snap, CapCut, and Lemon8 could follow suit. However, the road ahead is uncertain, with significant hurdles still to overcome.
For now, the U.S. waits. ByteDance’s beloved apps remain just out of reach, and users are left wondering when (or if) they’ll ever return. Until then, TikTok’s partial comeback offers a small, albeit incomplete, victory in an ongoing digital tug-of-war.
