In recent days, users across the United States have encountered significant challenges when attempting to upload videos on TikTok. Many uploads remain stuck “under review” for an extended period. For instance, a video submitted from a U.S. account last night has yet to be made public nearly 12 hours later. Conversely, a video uploaded from the UK has been published but is only accessible to editors outside the US. Similarly, recent uploads from accounts such as the BBC and The Guardian are visible only to those outside the U.S., whereas U.S. users can only see content uploaded before Sunday morning.
Numerous users have reported, and we have confirmed, several issues plaguing the platform. These include challenges with logging in, difficulties in uploading or publishing videos, a non-personalized For You Page algorithm, trouble loading comments, various feature errors, and glitches with the CapCut video editor.
The timing of these issues has led many to speculate about a connection between TikTok’s operational changes in the U.S. and recent events, including anti-ICE protests in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of a second local resident, Alex Pretti, by federal agents. The combination of upload errors and previously political For You Pages now showcasing generic content has fueled suspicion, particularly when videos concerning ICE fail to publish. However, the problems appear to be more widespread than initially assumed.
As of last week, TikTok’s U.S. operations have come under the control of a consortium led by Oracle, headed by Larry Ellison, a move that has averted a looming U.S. ban. The new terms of service for U.S. users now include the collection of precise location data and details regarding users’ interactions with AI. The consortium also oversees U.S. content moderation, which has raised concerns about potential censorship. They have indicated a plan to retrain the app’s algorithm with U.S.-specific data.
Update, January 26th: This article has been updated to include additional details on the ongoing issues and a response from TikTok USDS.
Update, January 26th: Added more details on the ongoing issues and a response from TikTok USDS.
