Tiktok'S Popularity Surges As Calls For Ban Dwindle

TikTok Usage on the Rise

In a trend-setting shift, more Americans are tuning into TikTok for both entertainment and news. The latest Pew Research Center data shows that 37% of U.S. adults are now using the platform, a jump from 21% just two years ago. This marks TikTok as one of the few major social platforms enjoying sustained growth recently.

The platform's appeal remains strongest among the younger demographic. A staggering 63% of adults under 30 report using TikTok, in contrast to 44% of those aged 30 to 49, 30% of those 50 to 64, and just 12% of those 65 and older.

Teens and the Drive for Entertainment

Among teenagers aged 13 to 17, TikTok's popularity is even more pronounced. A noteworthy 68% of teens use the app, with about 20% engaging with it "almost constantly." The app's allure appears particularly compelling to Black and Hispanic teens compared to their White counterparts, and girls slightly outnumber boys in this continual engagement.

“Entertainment is a major draw for TikTok users,” noted a Pew-Knight Initiative study, with 95% citing it as a reason for their use.

Adult users also frequently cite entertainment as their primary motivation, with 81% labeling it a significant factor. Other reasons include connecting with like-minded individuals (65%), product reviews (62%), and staying updated with sports and pop culture (53%).

The News Factor and Shifting Ban Sentiments

News consumption is another rising aspect of TikTok. About 55% of adult users say they regularly get news from the app, translating to 20% of all U.S. adults, a stark rise from a mere 3% in 2020. This trend is most prominent among younger adults, with 43% of those aged 18 to 29 turning to TikTok for news.

Interestingly, users report encountering more humor and opinions on current events than traditional news. While concerns over data security and Chinese ownership previously fueled ban talks, support for a TikTok ban has diminished significantly. A spring 2023 survey found 50% in favor of a ban, but by 2025, this had plummeted to 34%.

Content Creators and U.S. Operations

Pew's research highlights that a small percentage of users generate the majority of TikTok content. In a 2023 study, it was found that 98% of publicly accessible videos from U.S. adults came from the most active 25% of users. Still, over half of the adult users have posted at least one video.

Meanwhile, TikTok’s operations have shifted towards a new venture backed by non-Chinese investors, aiming to alleviate concerns that once fueled calls for a nationwide ban.