TikTok Ban Sparks Black Market for TikTok-loaded Phones Selling for Thousands Online
When TikTok faced a potential ban in the U.S., the entrepreneurial spirit kicked in for some savvy individuals who saw an opportunity to make a profit. With the app's future uncertain due to national security concerns, ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, voluntarily closed its U.S. operations on January 19. This move left 170 million American users in the dark until President Trump intervened the next day, delaying the ban until early April.
Despite the temporary reprieve, the ban on new downloads remained in place, leaving those without TikTok on their devices unable to access the app. The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act prohibits U.S.-based app stores like Google and Apple from distributing or servicing TikTok, creating a void in the market.
As a result, phones and tablets preloaded with TikTok have become a sought-after commodity. Online marketplaces are now flooded with listings offering devices with the app already installed. From brand-new iPhones priced at $50,000 to more affordable options in the hundreds, sellers are capitalizing on the app's scarcity.
One eye-catching listing on eBay features a brand-new Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max with TikTok preloaded, available for $50,000 or the "Best Offer." The listing has attracted nearly 80 interested shoppers, highlighting the demand for TikTok-loaded devices.
Not all listings are as extravagant, with some sellers offering devices at more accessible price points. Some devices come with active TikTok accounts, while others simply have the app installed without being linked to an account.
When reached for comment, eBay did not immediately respond to inquiries about these listings. The emergence of this black market for TikTok-loaded devices underscores the app's popularity and the lengths users are willing to go to access it.
As the ban on new downloads persists, the resale market for preloaded phones is likely to thrive. With uncertainty surrounding TikTok's future in the U.S., these devices offer a workaround for eager users looking to bypass restrictions and continue using the app.
