The top contender for TikTok’s spot in the US could be Chinese-owned app Likee

  • Likee accumulated more new installs in the US over the past six months than TikTok’s US rivals, says Apptopia
  • The White House is threatening to take action against TikTok, WeChat and other Chinese software

Likee, a short video app similar to TikTok, is gaining ground in the US. Photo Handout

With the fate of TikTok hanging in balance in the US, a number of rival American apps have been climbing the download charts. But the top contender for TikTok’s spot is actually another app from a Chinese company.

Likee, owned by Chinese social video company JOYY, has been downloaded more than 7 million times over the past six months, according to US research firm Apptopia.
Print option is available for subscribers only.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Copyright © 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.