Is TikTok returning to India? Official website updates key details

For the past four years, Indian users visiting TikTok’s official website were greeted with a blunt message stating usera the app isn’t available in your country or region. But that is no longer the case, as TikTok’s global site no longer displays this restriction notice in India. Instead, it now shows the company’s mission statement, “Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy,” along with details of its global headquarters and offices across the world.

The change has sparked speculations among internet users that TikTok could be gearing up for a return to India. After all, the Asian subcontinent was one of its largest markets before the nationwide ban in 2020. While there has been no official confirmation from TikTok or its parent company, ByteDance, the website update is being seen as a subtle yet significant move.

Why was TikTok banned in India?

TikTok was banned in India in June 2020 along with 58 other Chinese apps, following the rising geopolitical tensions and security concerns. The Government of India cited data privacy as the reason for the app's countrywide ban.

At its peak, TikTok had over 200 million active users in India, making it one of the biggest markets for the app. The platform was especially popular among young creators, small-town influencers, and regional language audiences. Its sudden ban left a massive vacuum in the short-form video market.

The TikTok ban in India message on website. (Image via writer)

Since TikTok's ban, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts have filled that gap and made a strong presence in India. A potential comeback of TikTok would revive a strong competition that challenges Meta and Google’s dominance in India's creator economy. So, TikTok’s return would undoubtedly reshape the digital content landscape.

For now, the website’s quiet update might be the first step for ByteDance to test the waters. Whether this leads to a full-fledged relaunch will depend on government approvals and compliance with India’s data security requirements. But if TikTok returns, the battle for short-video supremacy in India will intensify like never before.

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About the author

Ripan Majumdar is an Esports and Gaming writer at Sportskeeda, specializing in covering content related to mobile gaming, gaming tech, MMOs, and sports titles. Though he graduated with a BSc, journalism was his true calling; he has worked as a senior gaming and F1 writer for various sports news websites.

Ripan's love of gaming was sparked by Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005), a title he often revisits. He's also very fond of the Assassin's Creed Ezio Trilogy and Pokemon Platinum.

Among popular streamers, he particularly admires Rachell "Valkyrae" and is deeply inspired by her.

Ripan's hobbies include making digital paintings, listening to audiobooks, and singing.

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Edited by Ripan Majumdar