The U.S. government’s impending ban on TikTok could extend far beyond the wildly popular short-form video app, potentially impacting a suite of ByteDance-owned platforms used by millions of Americans. As Sunday’s Jan. 19 deadline approaches, questions loom over whether other apps under ByteDance’s umbrella, including CapCut, Lemon8, and even games like Marvel Snap, might also face repercussions.

Why TikTok Is Facing a Ban

The ban stems from concerns that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, could be pressured by the Chinese government to share sensitive U.S. user data. U.S. officials argue that such a scenario poses a potential national security threat, though there is no evidence the platform has been used for espionage.

TikTok has repeatedly denied allegations of improper data handling, and reports suggesting that China-based employees accessed U.S. data have been disputed by the company. The law mandating a sale or ban was signed by President Biden in April 2025.

CapCut and Lemon8: Caught in the Crossfire

CapCut, ByteDance’s video editing app with over 1 billion downloads, has become a vital tool for creators producing content for TikTok and other platforms. While the TikTok ban would immediately remove the app from U.S. app stores and hosting services, CapCut may not vanish outright. Instead, it would cease receiving updates, leading to a gradual decline in usability due to bugs and outdated systems.

Similarly, Lemon8, marketed as a “lifestyle community” app, has seen a surge in popularity. Currently the No. 1 lifestyle app on Apple’s App Store, Lemon8 has amassed over 10 million downloads on Google Play. Like CapCut, it is not explicitly named in the legislation targeting TikTok, but its ByteDance ownership places it at risk.

Other ByteDance Platforms in Focus

ByteDance’s portfolio extends well beyond TikTok, CapCut, and Lemon8. Several other apps and services could also face scrutiny:

• Hypic: A photo editing app with over 10 million downloads, featuring AI-powered tools for background removal, filters, and even “trending” makeup effects.
• Marvel Snap: A popular mobile card game operated by ByteDance subsidiary Nuverse. Though Marvel characters are an American property, ByteDance’s connection could place the game in the government’s sights.
• Land of Empires: Another Nuverse game, this strategy-based title has garnered over 1 million downloads and features combat against an army of demons.
• Lark: A business-focused app offering messaging, video calling, and collaborative document sharing. While less known to the general public, companies using Lark could face disruptions if the app is targeted.
• Tokopedia and Tokopedia START: Indonesian shopping services with U.S. availability, also under ByteDance ownership.

Expanding Concerns Over National Security

The U.S. government’s crackdown on ByteDance stems from concerns over potential data sharing with the Chinese government. Although there is no concrete evidence that ByteDance has misused U.S. user data, lawmakers cite China’s national security laws as a basis for their actions. The broad scope of the legislation has created uncertainty for many ByteDance-owned apps, leaving users and businesses scrambling for alternatives.

What Happens Next?

If ByteDance fails to sell TikTok to a non-Chinese entity by Sunday, U.S. app stores will be required to remove it. While the ban directly targets TikTok, the law’s language allows for broader interpretation, putting other ByteDance platforms at risk. The lack of updates to affected apps like CapCut or Hypic would render them increasingly unreliable over time, forcing creators and users to seek replacements.

The TikTok ban may also be delayed or altered by incoming President Donald Trump, who has hinted at a willingness to negotiate a deal to preserve the platform. However, with the deadline imminent, millions of users face the prospect of losing not just TikTok but an array of tools that have become integral to their daily lives.

As tensions escalate, the future of ByteDance’s apps in the U.S. remains uncertain. For creators, gamers, and businesses relying on these platforms, the coming days could mark a seismic shift in the digital landscape.