TikTok Phones: A Fad or a Viable Investment?

The recent ban and subsequent uncertainty surrounding TikTok's availability in U.S. app stores has sparked an unusual trend: people are selling phones preloaded with the popular video-sharing app for thousands of dollars on platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. But is this a sustainable trend, and is it worth investing in these devices?

The TikTok Phenomenon and Its Impact on the Market

TikTok's meteoric rise to popularity has made it a cultural phenomenon, with over 170 million users in the U.S. alone. Its addictive nature and the dependency of users on the app have contributed to the high demand for phones with TikTok installed. When the app was briefly unavailable, users who had deleted it found themselves unable to redownload it from app stores, driving demand for phones with the app already installed.



Pricing and Sales: A Mixed Bag

The pricing of these TikTok-loaded phones varies widely, with listings ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars on eBay. Some sellers are even asking for as much as $50,000, although it's unclear if there are many buyers at those prices. The highest bid on one listing reached $4,550, indicating that there is some interest in these devices.



However, the sustainability of this trend is questionable. Once TikTok returns to app stores or users find alternative ways to access the app, the demand for TikTok-loaded phones is likely to decrease. Additionally, the risk of purchasing used phones with potential security issues may deter some buyers.

Risks and Benefits for Buyers and Sellers

For buyers, the main benefit is gaining access to TikTok, which they might not have been able to download from app stores due to the ban. However, there are also significant risks, such as security and privacy concerns, the uncertainty of TikTok's future, and the possibility of overpaying for these phones. Sellers, on the other hand, stand to make a profit by selling phones with TikTok installed, especially if they're able to charge a premium for the app. However, they also face risks, such as potential loss if the phones don't sell for the asking price, and legal concerns if they violate terms of service or copyright laws.

Conclusion: A Fad or a Viable Investment?

The TikTok phone trend is an interesting phenomenon, driven by the app's popularity and the uncertainty surrounding its availability in U.S. app stores. While there is some interest in these devices, it remains to be seen whether this trend is sustainable in the long run. As with any investment, it's essential to weigh the risks and benefits before making a decision. For now, it seems that the TikTok phone trend is more of a fad than a viable investment opportunity, as it relies on the continued uncertainty about TikTok's availability and the willingness of users to pay a premium for access to the app.