Apple and Google Remove TikTok: Elon Musk Considers Reviving Vine on X

Apple and Google have complied with a Supreme Court ruling by removing TikTok, making it unavailable for download in the U.S. market.

Update: TikTok has partially restored its services for U.S. users after a statement from Donald Trump, but remains unavailable in app stores due to ongoing legal challenges.


Elon Musk is exploring the revival of Vine on X, the short-form video app that captivated millions before its shutdown in 2017. this comes as TikTok halts operations in the United States, creating a potential void in the short-form video market.

Apple and Google have removed TikTok from their app stores following a Supreme Court ruling that upheld a federal law mandating ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to divest its U.S. operations or face a ban.

The decision, rooted in national security concerns, led to TikTok’s delisting from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, making it unavailable for download in the U.S. Users attempting to access TikTok’s pages were met with messages stating, “This app is currently not available in your country or region.”

The removal marks a significant step in enforcing the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. The Act mandates that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, divest its U.S. operations or cease functioning domestically.

ByteDance’s refusal to sell its prized recommendation algorithm—a critical component of the app’s success—has led to its removal from app stores and its operational shutdown within the U.S.. Musk’s move to revive Vine could leverage this unique moment of opportunity.

TikTok’s Ban Creates an Opening

TikTok’s shutdown highlights rising tensions surrounding foreign-owned technologies and national security. The Supreme Court’s ruling emphasized concerns over ByteDance’s potential compliance with Chinese intelligence laws.

These laws could compel ByteDance to share user data, including detailed behavioral and location information, with Beijing. The ruling described TikTok’s data practices as posing risks that “may enable China to track the locations of Federal employees and contractors, build dossiers of personal information for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage.”

ByteDance’s CEO Shou Chew addressed the platform’s impact in a statement before the shutdown, emphasizing TikTok’s role in fostering creativity and supporting businesses.

“Over 7 million American enterprises rely on TikTok to engage with customers and grow their brands. We will do everything in our power to ensure our platform thrives as your online home for limitless creativity and discovery,” Chew. Despite these assurances, ByteDance’s inability to comply with divestiture requirements has left a significant gap in the U.S. market.

Musk’s Vision for Vine’s Comeback

Elon Musk’s interest in reviving Vine aligns with his broader vision for X as an “everything app” integrating messaging, entertainment, and financial services.

Originally launched in 2013, Vine gained immense popularity for its six-second looping videos, which inspired creativity and virality. At its peak, Vine boasted over 200 million active users but was ultimately shut down by Twitter in 2017 due to monetization challenges and competition from platforms like Instagram and Snapchat.

In 2022, shortly after acquiring Twitter, Musk conducted a poll asking users whether they would support a revival of Vine. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with nearly 70% of 4.9 million respondents expressing support. A follow-up poll in 2024 received a similar response, reflecting continued interest in Vine’s return.

Musk’s approach could include integrating Vine into X rather than relaunching it as a standalone app. This strategy mirrors Instagram’s integration of Reels, which successfully competed with TikTok. By embedding Vine’s functionality into X, Musk could reduce costs and attract users from TikTok, whose absence has left creators searching for alternatives.

Technical and Market Challenges

Rebuilding Vine in 2025 presents unique challenges. TikTok has set a high bar with its advanced recommendation algorithm, which uses machine learning to tailor content to individual preferences.

Vine’s original format lacked these technological refinements, relying instead on user creativity and community-driven trends. To compete in today’s landscape, Musk’s team would need to incorporate modern AI-driven tools, monetization features, and extended video lengths.

Another critical challenge is the temporary nature of TikTok’s absence. ByteDance has indicated its willingness to negotiate with the incoming Trump administration to resolve the regulatory impasse.

Former President Donald Trump, returning to office on January 20, has signaled openness to granting ByteDance a 90-day extension to address compliance issues. If TikTok resumes operations, Vine would face a formidable competitor once again.

Vine’s Legacy and Cultural Impact

Despite its shutdown, Vine’s cultural influence remains significant. The platform was instrumental in launching the careers of internet personalities like Shawn Mendes, Liza Koshy, and the Paul brothers. Its six-second format forced creators to distill ideas into concise, impactful content, a concept that still resonates in the age of TikTok and Instagram Reels.

Vine also introduced features like “loop count”, which tracked video views, and tools for stop-motion animation and music syncing. These innovations encouraged experimentation and set the stage for modern short-form video platforms. Reviving Vine could tap into this nostalgia while addressing the technological and market gaps that led to its decline.

Geopolitics and the Future of Social Media

The TikTok ban reflects a broader trend of governments scrutinizing foreign-owned technologies over national security concerns. The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, enacted in 2024, specifically targeted TikTok for its ties to China. The legislation has also raised questions about data sovereignty and the role of U.S.-based companies in ensuring user privacy.

For Musk, Vine’s revival is not just about nostalgia but a strategic opportunity to redefine X as a leader in the social media space. By addressing the challenges that plagued Vine in the past and capitalizing on TikTok’s absence, Musk could position X as a viable alternative for creators and businesses. However, the outcome depends on whether Vine can adapt to a vastly different digital ecosystem than the one it left behind.

Markus Kasanmascheff
Markus Kasanmascheff
Markus has been covering the tech industry for more than 15 years. He is holding a Master´s degree in International Economics and is the founder and managing editor of Winbuzzer.com.

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