TikTok will officially shut down its TV application on smart TVs worldwide starting June 15, 2025. The announcement, which has been communicated to users via in-app notifications, directs viewers to continue consuming content via the TikTok mobile application.
This change signals a strategic pivot for TikTok, shifting its emphasis entirely to its mobile platform—the environment where the app enjoys its highest engagement rates. As the short-form video platform continues to evolve, this transition reflects broader trends in user behavior and digital consumption.
A Strategic Shift to Mobile-First Engagement
The TV app shutdown marks a significant departure from TikTok’s efforts to broaden its presence on larger screens. Initially launched to extend user reach and compete with long-form content providers like YouTube and traditional streaming services, the TikTok TV app was accessible on most major smart TV platforms. These included Samsung, LG, Vizio, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, and Apple TV.
However, despite initial traction, the smart TV version of TikTok saw limited engagement compared to its mobile counterpart. According to user behavior studies within the platform, the majority of users continue to prefer vertical, bite-sized content delivered on mobile screens.
“We are focusing on platforms where our users engage most actively,” a TikTok spokesperson said in an internal communication shared with key stakeholders. “This decision will help us streamline our user experience and optimize our technology investments.”
Notifications Prompt a Shift
Smart TV users have been receiving alerts about the impending shutdown, advising them to transition to mobile devices to continue viewing TikTok content. The app will be removed from all app stores on smart TVs and will cease functioning altogether by mid-June.
While the shutdown affects millions of potential viewers using smart TVs, TikTok ensures that its mobile app will continue operating as usual. To accommodate users still wanting a large-screen experience, the company recommends using screen mirroring or casting options available on most modern smartphones and TVs.
Supporting Healthier Digital Habits
The move also ties into TikTok’s broader mission to promote healthier digital consumption. In tandem with this decision, the platform has introduced wellness initiatives, including a $2.3 million mental health support fund. TikTok is also rolling out features to encourage periodic breaks, personalized usage statistics, and content moderation tools to give users more control over their digital environment.
These wellness-driven features are expected to receive enhanced support and rollout within the mobile platform following the TV app’s retirement.
Navigating Regulatory and Market Pressures
TikTok’s decision to scale back its TV presence comes at a time when regulatory scrutiny over the platform is intensifying. Earlier this year, a federal ban law led to the removal of TikTok from certain app stores in the United States, adding pressure on the company to re-evaluate its platform distribution strategy.
Although the TV app was not directly the target of this legislation, the broader climate of regulatory caution may have influenced the decision to streamline services and consolidate efforts on the core mobile experience.
Industry analysts suggest that this consolidation allows TikTok to focus on defending and expanding its strongest user base—the mobile-first generation.
Enhancing Mobile Features and Personalization
TikTok plans to invest heavily in its mobile platform to improve personalization, content recommendations, and user interface features. This is in line with its objective to remain a dominant player in the highly competitive social media landscape.
Upcoming updates will include smarter algorithmic adjustments, new in-app creative tools for content creators, and enhanced analytics features for brands and advertisers.
User Sentiment and Future Outlook
The user reaction has been mixed. While many regular viewers on mobile devices remain unaffected, those who appreciated watching TikTok videos on larger screens have expressed disappointment.
“I liked putting TikTok on my TV while cooking or relaxing in the evening,” said Jennifer Ortiz, a user in San Diego. “It felt more immersive.”
However, others welcome the move, seeing it as a necessary step for the platform’s future. “TikTok is best on mobile. That’s where the fun is,” said Marlon Jeffries, a digital media student.
As the June 15 deadline approaches, TikTok continues to guide users toward mobile adoption while reinforcing its commitment to user-centric innovation and well-being.