TikTok

The twin executive orders issued Thursday — one for each app — add to growing U.S.-Chinese conflict over technology and security. They take effect in 45 days and could bar the popular apps from the Apple and Google app stores, effectively removing them from U.S. distribution. China’s foreign ministry expressed opposition but gave no indication whether Beijing might retaliate.

In a statement Sunday, Microsoft said it and Chinese company ByteDance have provided notice of their intent to explore a deal resulting in Microsoft owning and operating the TikTok service in the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The company said it expects those talks to conclude by Sept. 15.

The drama among influencers at Hype House and Sway House seems like a natural fit for TV. Will the industry bite?

In its first NewFront TikTok, the mobile video app that has captured kids, is introducing TikTok for Business and a new partner program to help brands add visual effects to their messaging.

TikTok’s popularity skyrocketed with the help of short, quirky dance and lip-syncing videos. Now the social media app is betting that live broadcasts and educational content will play a bigger part in its future.

Kevin Mayer, the head of direct-to-consumer and international for Walt Disney, is leaving the company to become CEO of TikTok. He had been considered a leading contender to succeed Bob Iger as CEO of Disney but was passed over in favor of Bob Chapek, the former head of parks and resorts. Disney said Monday that Rebecca Campbell will replace Mayer, reporing to Chapek.

TikTok has discussed producing a reality TV show built around its namesake video app, according to two people familiar with the company’s plans, part of a drive to broaden its appeal and showcase different ways of using its videos. TikTok has been approached by independent production companies with pitches, and has debated a few ideas for a show internally, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans are preliminary.

Dave Jorgenson produces twice-daily posts geared to young audiences on nascent social video platform TikTok. In 10 months, he’s gained 400,000 subscribers there and tens of millions of views of his witty short videos, including tips on coronavirus hand washing and handshakes.

How three broadcast journalists are experimenting with the wildly popular but quirky platform.

TikTok is not as well known as Instagram or Twitter, but WFOX’s Bridgette Matter thinks it may just replace them as the next big platform. That’s why the Jacksonville anchor/reporter jumped on board. Matter says that her station, like everyone else, talks about how important it is to interact with social media, but “no one’s focusing on TikTok … yet.”