TikTok users globally faced significant disruptions today, with widespread reports of the app not functioning properly. The issues, which started around midday EST, included problems loading the app, playing videos, and logging in, as tracked by outage monitoring site Downdetector. Users from the United States, Canada, the UK, Europe, and parts of Asia reported problems, indicating a potentially global issue affecting millions.

The hashtag #TikTokDown trended on X as users shared error messages and expressed frustration over their inability to access their feeds. Initially, TikTok’s official communications were slow, fueling anxiety. However, around three hours after the first reports, the company acknowledged the issues on its X account, stating they were working to resolve a “technical glitch” and apologizing for the inconvenience.

Cybersecurity experts speculate that a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack might have caused the outage due to its sudden and widespread impact on the app’s core functionalities. The timing coincides with ongoing scrutiny of TikTok’s data security practices, particularly in the U.S., where debates about a potential ban or forced sale continue due to concerns over its parent company, ByteDance, and its ties to the Chinese government. TikTok denies any connection between the outage and these geopolitical tensions.

By late evening EST, TikTok reported that most services had been restored, and users were regaining access, though some still experienced intermittent issues. The company continues to monitor the situation closely. The incident highlights the reliance on TikTok for entertainment, news, and social connection, as well as the vulnerability of popular platforms to technical issues and potential security threats. The hashtag #TikTok remains trending, with users sharing updates on restored access and expressing both relief and concerns about the app’s future stability.