The status of TikTok, a popular social media app for teens, has been uncertain since the Supreme Court decision upholding the law that banned the app. TikTok then shut itself down in the United States on January 18th, but it quickly reinstated service as President Trump said he would delay the ban.

But delaying the ban is not the same thing as overturning the law that called for it. President Trump has since signed an executive order that will delay the ban for 75 days. 

Until then, the possibility of joint ownership of TikTok between the United States and ByteDance has been discussed. Alternatively, a company from the United States could fully buy the app. However, nothing has been decided, and whether the app is here to stay in the long-term remains a question. 

TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company, leading to concerns in the U.S. government about the app possibly sharing user data with the Chinese government. But much of the debate about TikTok has ignored the significant role it plays in teen culture.

Since its days as Musical.ly, TikTok has been a central source of humor, connection, and news primarily for teens, but also for people of all ages. It has given creators countless opportunities, and it has given viewers endless entertainment. The app is a huge part of modern teen culture, as it is an outlet for widespread comedy and creativity. 

Additionally, TikTok has become a job and a source of income for many users. It is a great resource for promoting small businesses as well as providing a platform for many creators.

With the future of TikTok still up in the air, the Purbalite has created a short list of some favorite creators and videos. From funny drawings to the Purbalite’s own viral video, here is a look at some of the most iconic trends, videos, and creators.