TikTok Uninstall Spike: What’s Behind the 150% Rise in U.S. App Deletions?

TikTok is once again under intense scrutiny in the U.S., but this time the reaction is showing up in uninstall numbers.

New data shows a sharp rise in users deleting the app following major changes to how TikTok operates domestically.

The spike comes after the company announced a U.S. focused joint venture, rolled out an updated privacy policy, and struggled with technical problems.

Together, these factors have pushed many users to step back, even if only temporarily.

Key Takeaways

• TikTok uninstalls in the U.S. jumped nearly 150% after the joint venture announcement.

• Privacy policy language and app bugs fueled user skepticism and frustration.

• Despite deletions, overall U.S. TikTok usage has remained mostly stable.

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Why the TikTok Joint Venture Triggered User Backlash

TikTok recently announced that its U.S. operations would move under a new joint venture structure with majority American ownership.

The goal was to secure the platform’s future in the U.S. and ease regulatory pressure that has built up over the past few years.

While the move addressed political concerns, it created confusion among everyday users and creators.

Many were prompted to agree to an updated privacy policy at the same time, which immediately raised red flags on social media.

The timing made users feel blindsided, even though TikTok stated that its data practices had not materially changed.

What Users Reacted to Most

• Lack of clear communication about what the joint venture means

• Sudden prompts to accept revised privacy terms

• Fear of increased oversight or content restrictions

Creators with large followings openly questioned whether censorship or behind the scenes changes were coming next.

For some, the uncertainty alone was enough to justify deleting the app, at least until more clarity emerges.

Read Also: Earn Real Cash with These Social Media Earning Apps

Privacy Concerns and Policy Language Explained

Privacy concerns played a major role in the TikTok uninstall surge. Users began sharing screenshots of policy language that listed the types of data TikTok may collect.

This included sensitive information such as racial or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, citizenship status, and financial details.

Although archived versions show that similar language existed in earlier policies, many users said they were seeing it for the first time.

The renewed attention made the terms feel more alarming, especially given the political climate around data security.

Why the Policy Sparked Renewed Fear

• Sensitive data categories were clearly spelled out

• Users felt the wording was overly broad

• Trust was already fragile due to past scrutiny

For many users, the issue was less about new data collection and more about transparency.

Even standard social media practices can feel intrusive when trust is low, and TikTok is operating in an environment where every update is closely examined.

Read Also: Top TikTok Meme Coins: The Top 8 TikTok Meme Coins You Need to Know

App Bugs, Creator Frustration, and Rising Competition

Technical issues added fuel to the fire. Around the same time as the joint venture announcement, users reported problems uploading videos, slow loading times, and inaccurate view or like counts.

TikTok later blamed these issues on a power outage at a U.S. data center that caused cascading system failures.

Creators were especially vocal, saying the company had not explained how the new structure might affect monetization or reach. Some began posting more actively on Instagram and YouTube as a precaution.

Apps Benefiting from the TikTok Uncertainty

• UpScrolled saw downloads increase more than tenfold

• Skylight Social downloads jumped over 900%

• Rednote also recorded noticeable growth

Despite all this, Sensor Tower data shows that TikTok’s active U.S. user base has stayed relatively flat.

Many users appear to be uninstalling out of concern rather than permanently leaving the platform.

Read Also: How to Block Someone on TikTok

Conclusion

The 150% rise in TikTok uninstalls reflects a moment of uncertainty rather than a full scale user exodus.

The joint venture announcement, renewed privacy fears, and visible app bugs all landed at once, creating a perfect storm of doubt.

For many users, deleting the app was a way to regain control while waiting for clearer answers.

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FAQ

Why are U.S. users deleting TikTok right now?

Users are reacting to the joint venture announcement, privacy policy concerns, and recent technical issues.

How big is the TikTok uninstall increase?

U.S. deletions rose nearly 150% compared to the previous 3 month average, according to Sensor Tower.

Did TikTok change its privacy policy?

The policy was updated, but much of the highlighted language already existed in earlier versions.

Are people fully leaving TikTok?

Active user numbers in the U.S. have remained mostly stable despite the uninstall spike.

Which apps are gaining users from TikTok deletions?

Apps like UpScrolled, Skylight Social, and Rednote have all seen increased downloads.

Disclaimer: The views expressed belong exclusively to the author and do not reflect the views of this platform. This platform and its affiliates disclaim any responsibility for the accuracy or suitability of the information provided. It is for informational purposes only and not intended as financial or investment advice.