G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
The uncertain future of TikTok in the United States has led to a surge in unofficial downloads, as users turn to alternative methods to install the app. With Apple and Google blocking new downloads due to government restrictions, many users are now resorting to sideloading—a process that allows them to install the app from third-party sources rather than official app stores. This workaround has gained immense popularity, with services like Signulous and AppDB reporting a record number of TikTok downloads in recent weeks.
The situation stems from a legal battle that has placed TikTok at the center of a potential ban or forced sale in the US. Despite a Supreme Court ruling upholding a law that would require TikTok’s sale to a US-based company, an executive order from President Donald Trump allows the app to continue operating. However, restrictions remain in place, preventing new downloads via official platforms. As a result, users are actively seeking alternative ways to access the app, with sideloading and virtual private networks (VPNs) emerging as the most popular solutions.
According to Neil Pomperleau from Signulous, the company has seen more than 120,000 TikTok downloads through its sideloading services. At peak times, over 2,000 downloads per hour were recorded. Similarly, AppDB has nearly 95,000 TikTok downloads, with its membership doubling since the ban. Users are also turning to VPN services to bypass restrictions by masking their location and making it appear as though they are in a country where TikTok remains freely available. Google data shows that search queries for "VPN" hit an all-time high last month, further indicating the widespread demand for workarounds.
The surge in sideloading raises concerns about security risks. Unlike official app stores, third-party platforms lack strict vetting processes, increasing the potential for users to unknowingly install malicious or compromised versions of apps. Apple has long warned against sideloading, arguing that it poses a significant security threat. The company enforces strict app verification policies and charges developers an average 30% commission to distribute apps through its official store, citing consumer protection as the reason for these measures. Despite criticism over the fee, Apple has been more successful than Google’s Play Store in keeping harmful apps at bay.
Legally, sideloading TikTok exists in a gray area. While US lawmakers have ruled that distributing the app is prohibited, both President Trump and former President Joe Biden have stated they do not intend to enforce the law. This has created an unpredictable situation for third-party services like Signulous, which charges users an annual fee of $20 to guide them through the sideloading process. Pomperleau acknowledges the risks, stating that his company is operating under a “pinky swear” from two US presidents who have chosen not to enforce the ban.
TikTok itself appears to be embracing sideloading, as the company recently released a download kit for Android users, making the process easier. Android devices already allow sideloading with fewer restrictions compared to Apple’s iPhones. This move signals TikTok’s confidence that enforcement of the ban will remain lax, at least in the short term.
The ongoing demand for TikTok in the US highlights the challenges of banning a globally popular platform. Experts argue that enforcing a complete ban would be nearly impossible, as users will always find alternative methods to access their favorite apps. The final decision on TikTok’s fate is expected by April, and until then, the surge in unofficial downloads is likely to continue.
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